Grading Scale

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  • Coin grading - Grading Scale

  • The inspection includes checking for signs of being cast from a mold, verifying the originality of the edge serrations, checking for dents and wear on the frame, checking for cleanliness, and verifying the presence of a countermark.


    The center of the metal strike is inspected to determine if it is a central hit or if there is a printing error. The visibility of the fine lines and the background are checked. The image is examined to determine if it needs to be restored.

Condition Grade Description
70 UNC No defects visible under 5X magnification.
69 UNC A few hairline scratches visible upon close inspection.
68 UNC A few hairline scratches (1-2) visible upon close inspection.
67 UNC A few hairline scratches (3-4) visible upon close inspection.
66 UNC A few hairline scratches (5-6) and 1-2 shallow scratches visible upon close inspection.
65 UNC 2-3 shallow or very lightly visible scratches upon close inspection.
64 UNC 1-2 distinct scratches and 2-3 hairline scratches visible upon close inspection.
63 UNC Very light wear and a shallow scratch of varying size visible upon close inspection.
62 UNC Very light wear and 2-3 shallow scratches of varying size visible upon close inspection.
61 UNC Very light wear and 2-3 distinct scratches of varying size visible upon close inspection.
60 UNC Very light wear and 4-5 distinct and 2-3 hairline scratches of varying size visible upon close inspection.
58 AU Light wear with some luster remaining at the high points of the design.
55 AU Light wear with some flattening and wear at the high points of the design and some luster remaining.
53 AU Light wear with some flattening and wear at more than half of the high points of the design and some luster remaining.
50 AU Wear at high points of design with some flattening and some luster remaining.
45 XF High points of design flattened with some luster remaining.
40 XF Light overall wear with details visible and some luster remaining or completely absent.
35 XF Light overall wear with details starting to fade.
30 VF Light overall wear with important details visible.
25 VF Moderate overall wear with important details visible.
20 VF Moderate overall wear with details starting to fade.
15 F Fine details flattened, lettering and numbering visible.
12 F Half of the fine details flattened, lettering and numbering visible.
10 G Heavy wear, fine details flattened, some lettering and numbering visible.