Sheldon Coin Grading Guide

Circulated Coins

PO-1 Identifiable date and type
FR-2 Mostly worn, though some detail is visible
AG-3 Worn rims but most lettering is readable though worn
G-4 Slightly worn rims, flat detail, peripheral lettering nearly full
G-6 Rims complete with flat detail, peripheral lettering full
VG-8 Design worn with slight detail
VG-10 Design worn with slight detail, slightly clearer
F-12 Some deeply recessed areas with detail, all lettering sharp
F-15 Slightly more detail in the recessed areas, all lettering sharp
VF-20 Some definition of detail, all lettering full and sharp
VF-25 Slightly more definition in the detail and lettering
VF-30 Almost complete detail with flat areas
VF-35 Detail is complete but worn with high points flat
EF-40 Detail is complete with most high points slightly flat
EF-45 Detail is complete with some high points flat
AU-50 Full detail with friction over most of the surface, slight flatness on high points
AU-53 Full detail with friction over 1/2 or more of surface, very slight flatness on high points
AU-55 Full detail with friction on less than 1/2 surface, mainly on high points
AU-58 Full detail with only slight friction on the high points

 

Uncirculated Coins / Proof Coins

MS-60 / PF-60 No wear. May have many heavy marks/hairlines, strike may not be full
MS-61 / PF-61 No wear. Multiple heavy marks/hairlines, strike may not be full
MS-62 / PF-62 No wear. Slightly less marks/hairlines, strike may not be full
MS-63 / PF-63 Moderate number/size marks/hairlines, strike may not be full
MS-64 / PF-64 Few marks/hairlines or a couple of severe ones, strike should be average or above
MS-65 / PF-65 Minor marks/hairlines though none in focal areas, above average strike
MS-66 / PF-66 Few minor marks/hairlines not in focal areas, good strike
MS-67 / PF-67 Virtually as struck with minor imperfections, very well struck
MS-68 / PF-68 Virtually as struck with slight imperfections, slightest weakness of strike allowed
MS-69 / PF-69 Virtually as struck with minuscule imperfections, near full strike necessary
MS-70 / PF-70 As struck, with full strike
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