Coin grading is the art of determining the exact rating or grade of any given coin. Only a grading expert can really determine a true grade, however, using the guidelines set out below you can easily ascertain the approximate grade of any coin regardless of your experience. You should be aware that these are only meant to be used as an estimate to help gain a rough valuation, and for an accurate assessment of appraisal you should get an evaluation from an assessor.
The higher the grade of a coin the more its numismatic value will be. Grading is usually performed on a scale of 0 to 70 with 70 being mint condition. This grading scale was developed and introduced by Dr William Shelby many years ago but is still the preferred method of grading used by virtually every collector, trader and publication.
Mint State Perfect Uncirculated
These coins have a rating of 70 and are in exceptional and perfect condition. They have no blemishes, scratches or wear and tear of any sort. They will not have gone into public circulation and will more than likely look as though they are fresh from the mint. Finding a coin in this condition is very unusual because while coins are designed to be regularly used over a long period of time, older coins are made from near pure silver or gold. Both of these substances re easily damaged.
Choice Uncirculated
A rating of 65 means that a Choice Uncirculated coin has only a very small amount of surface scratches or damage and is in near mint perfect condition. You may find on very close inspection that a coin you thought to be rated 70 is in fact a Choice Uncirculated grade. These are still rare and a valuable addition to any collection.
Uncirculated
Uncirculated coins have a rating of 60 and while the name may not inspire they are still in very good condition. There will be no scratches but the coin may lack some of its original shine and there could be a small amount of surface damage or scuffs.
Choice About Uncirculated
Coin Grading gives the Choice About Uncirculated coin a rating of 55. These coins will have lost a little of their original mint condition and may have damage on the uppermost raised areas of the coin, however they will still appear in excellent condition and collectors will still see them as an excellent coin to add to their collection. The investor may baulk away unless the coin is rare and has a high numismatist value.
About Uncirculated
Otherwise known as the AU-50 these coins have lost quite a lot of their original luster and have damage on top areas of the coin.
Extremely Fine
Extremely Fine coins have been given a coin rating of 40 and the design is worn in a number of areas. Most of the areas of the coin will still appear to be in relatively good condition though.
Choice very Fine
Choice Very Fine coins, with a coin rating of 30 are worn on the surface and high design areas. However, a majority of the design, the lettering, the legend and the picture will still be discernable.
Very Fine
Very Fine coins have a rating of 20 and will feature moderate wear to some of the more intricate areas of design. A lot of the original luster will have been lost and only the major details will remain in tact.
Fine
Fine coins only have a rating of 12 and are in the kind of condition you would find a coin in your pocket, or even worse. A lot of the details will have been completely worn through although you should be able to see most of the major design.
Very Good
A Very Good coin has a rating of 8. These coins are well worn and only a few areas of the design will be visible. At this point the coin will look more like a piece of metal with some basic design on.
Good
Good coins (rating 4) are heavily worn in most areas. They will have large surface damage but in areas the design and the legend will be visible.
About Good
About Good has a rating of 3 and is the worst coin grading available. Heavily worn and badly damaged on the surface, very few areas of the design or the legend will be visible at all. An About Good coin is more of a disc of metal than a coin.
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