Grading Standards for U.S. Coins

(G) GOOD (All of design, every feature and legend must be plain and date clear).
(VG) VERY GOOD (Features all clear and bold, Better than good, but not quite fine).
(F) FINE (Obviously a circulated coin but little wear. Mint lustre Gone, All letters in LIBERTY and mottoes clear).
(VF) VERY FINE (Shows enough wear on high spots to be very noticeable. Still retains enough lustre to be desirable).
(XF) EXTREMELY FINE (Slightly circulated with some lustre but faint evidence of wear).
(AU) ALMOST UNCIRCULATED (Almost all the luster shows, however slight wear on the high points and hairlines in the fields).
(UNC) UNCIRCULATED (New, Regular mint striking, but never placed in circulation. Older pieces may be tarnished or "toned").
(MS) MINT STATE (Can vary from MS60 to MS67).
(PF) PROOF. Coins with mirror-like surface, specially struck for collectors at Philadelphia only. Also sandblast and matte proof. Coins from the many Branch mints having a mirror like surface are not proofs but are first strikings of new dies. These coins bring a premium).

Sometimes people will remove coins from the original plastic cases and the Proofs will enter circulation. These coins are called Impaired Proofs.

(XF) EXTREMELY FINE (Slightly circulated with most proof lustre but evidence of wear).
(AU) ALMOST UNCIRCULATED (Almost all the luster shows, however slight wear on the high points and hairlines in the fields).
(UNC) UNCIRCULATED (New, Proof striking, but never placed in circulation. Older pieces may be tarnished or "toned").
(MS) MINT STATE (On new Proofs can vary from MS60 to MS70).
(PF) PROOF. Coins with mirror-like surface, specially struck for collectors at Philadelphia & San Francisco. Also sandblast and matte proof. Coins from the many Branch mints having a mirror like surface are not proofs but are first strikings of new dies. These coins bring a premium).

Mint Sets

Mint set coins will vary greatly from MS60 to MS67. Because there may be one or two coins in a Mint Set that are sharp strikes or have proof like coin out of new dies, will command higher prices.

(UNC) UNCIRCULATED (New, Regular mint striking, but never placed in circulation. Older pieces may be tarnished or "toned").
(MS) MINT STATE (Can vary from MS60 to MS67).
(PF) PROOF. Coins with mirror-like surface, specially struck for collectors at Philadelphia only. Also sandblast and matte proof. Coins from the many Branch mints having a mirror like surface are not proofs but are first strikings of new dies. These coins bring a premium).

Five Coin Proof Sets

(MS) MINT STATE (Can vary from MS60 to MS70).
(PF) PROOF. (Coins have mirror-like surface, specially struck for collectors at Philadelphia San Francisco, and now at West Point. Sandblasted and matte proof like coins from the producing mints having a mirror like surface are not proofs, but are first strikings of new dies. Proof like coins bring a premium as do heavy frosted coins).

Large Cents From 1835-1857

No proof coins were minted.

(G4) Good (Head details partly visible, even wear in date and legends)
(VG8) Very Good (LIBERTY-date-stars-legends clear, part of hair cord visible)
(F12) Fine (All hairlines show, hair cords show uniformly)
(VF20) Very Fine (Hair cords only slightly worn, hairlines only partly worn, all well defined)
(EF40) Extremely Fine (Both hair cords stand out sharply, all hairlines sharp)
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight wear on high points and hairlines in fields, most all of the mint luster shows).
(MS60) Uncirculated (Typical brown to red surface, no trace of wear)

Flying Eagle Cent 1856-1858

Proof coins were minted each year.

(G4) Good (All details worn, but readable).
(VG4) Very Good (Feather details and eye of the eagle evident but heavily worn).
(F12) Fine (Eagle head details and feather tip worn but sharp).
(VF20) Very Fine (Feathers on right wing and tail show detail but still worn).
(XF) Extra Fine (Slightly worn, details there but soft).
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Mint luster, but shows very slight wear).
(MS60) Mint State 60 (No trace of wear, may have bag marks and a few blemishes).
(PR) Proof Coins were minted each year and run from $3,200 to $7,000.

Indian Head Penny 1859-1909

Proof coins were produced each year.

(G4) Good (No LIBERTY visible).
(VG8) Very Good (At least three letters of LIBERTY readable on head band).
(F12) Fine (LIBERTY completely visible).
(VF20) Very Fine (Slight but even wear on LIBERTY).
(EF40) Extremely Fine (LIBERTY sharp, all other details sharp, only slight wear on ribbon end).
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Wear on high points and hairlines in fields).
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes).
(MS63) Select Uncirculated (No trace of wear, slight blemishes).
(MS65) Choice Uncirculated (No trace of wear, barely noticeable blemishes).

Lincoln Pennies 1909 to Date

(G4) Good (Date worn buy apparent, lines in wheat heads missing, full rims).
(VG8) Very Good (Half of lines show in upper wheat heads).
(F12) Fine (Wheat lines worn but visible).
(VF20) Very Fine (Cheek and jaw bones worn but separated, no worn spots on wheat heads).
(EF40) Extremely Fine (Slight wear, all details sharp).
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Wear on high points and hairlines in fields).
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes or discoloration).
(MS63) Select Uncirculated (No trace of wear, slight blemishes).
(MS65) Choice Uncirculated (No trace of wear, barely noticeable blemishes).
Strong Strikes, Proof Like, and Frosted Pennies bring a premium price.

Two-Cent Piece 1864-1873

(AG) About Good (Coin is recognizable as a two cent piece and date is readable).
(G4) Good (At least IN GOD visible)
(VG8) Very Good (WE weakly visible)
(F12) Fine (Complete motto visible, WE weak)
(EF40) Extremely Fine (WE is bold)
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Wear on high points and hairlines in fields).
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes)
(MS63) Select Uncirculated (No trace of wear, attractive color, very few blemishes)

Silver Three-Cent Piece 1851-1873

Proofs were minted from 1855 to 1873.

(AG) About Good (Coin is recognizable as a 3 cent coin)
(G) Good (Outline for shield worn smooth, star worn smooth, legend and date readable)
(VG) Very Good (Outline of shield defined, legend and date clear)
(F) Fine (Only star points worn smooth)
(VF) Very Fine (Only partial wear on star ridges)
(EX) Extremely Fine (Ridges on star points show)
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, a few blemishes)

Nickel Three-Cent Piece 1865-1889

Proofs were made each year.

(AG) About Good (Coin recognizable as nickel 3 cent coin, date readable)
(G4) Good (Date and legends complete though worn, 3 pillars on reverse worn smooth)
(VG) Very Good (Pillar lines half worn, rims complete)
(F) Fine (Half of hair details & three fourths of pillar line details show)
(VF) Very Fine (Three-quarters of hair details show)
(EX) Extremely Fine (Slight, even wear, all lines on pillar show)
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Very slight wear on beads at crown and on hair)
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, slight blemishes)
(MS63) Select Uncirculated (Strong die stamping, crisp new looking)

Shield Type Nickel 1866-1883

Proofs were made each year.

(G4) Good (All letters in motto readable)
(VG8) Very Good (Motto stands out clearly, rims worn slightly but even, part of shield lines visible)
(F12) Fine (Half of each olive leaf is smooth)
(EF40) Extremely Fine (Leaf tips show slight wear, cross over shield slightly worn)
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes)

Liberty Head Nickel 1883-1912

Proofs were minted each year.

(G4) Good (No details in head, LIBERTY obliterated)
(VG8) Very Good (At least 3 letters in LIBERTY readable)
(F12) Fine (All letters in LIBERTY show)
(VF20) Very Fine (LIBERTY bold, including letter I)
(EF40) Extremely Fine (LIBERTY sharp, corn grains at bottom of wreath show on reverse)
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes)

Indian Head (Buffalo) Nickel 1913-1938

Matté Proofs were made from 1913 to 1917.

(AG) About Good (Date badly worn, barely readable).
(G4) Good (Legends and date readable, horn worn off).
(VG8) Very Good (Half horn shows).
(F12) Fine (Three-quarters of horn shows, obv. rim intact).
(VF20) Very Fine (Full horn shows, Indian's cheekbone worn).
(EF40) Extremely Fine (Full horn, slight wear on Indian's hair ribbon).
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS63) Select Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes, attractive mint luster).
(MS65) Choice Uncirculated (No trace of wear, barely noticeable blemishes).

Jefferson Nickel 1938-Date

(VG8) Very Good (Second porch pillar from right nearly gone, other three still visible but weak).
(F12) Fine (Cheekbone worn flat, hairlines and eyebrow faint, second pillar weak, especially at bottom).
(VF20) Very Fine (Second pillar plain and complete on both sides).
(EF40) Extremely Fine (Cheekbone, hairlines, eyebrow slightly worn but well defined, base of triangle above pillars visible but weak).
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes)
(MS63) Select Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes, attractive mint luster).
(MS65) Choice Uncirculated (No trace of wear, barely noticeable blemishes).

Proof like coins and coins with full steps command high premiums over Red Book Prices.

Seated Liberty Half Dime 1794-1873

Proofs made 1855 to 1873.

(G4) Good (LIBERTY on shield smooth, date and letters readable)
(VG8) Very Good (At least 3 letters in LIBERTY are visible)
(F12) Fine (Entire LIBERTY visible, weak spots)
(VF20) Very Fine (Entire LIBERTY strong and even)
(EF40) Extremely Fine (LIBERTY and scroll edges distinct)
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes)

Capped Bust Dime 1809-1837

No Proofs made.

(AG3) About Good (Details clear enough to identify).
(G4) Good (Date, letters and stars discernible, bust outlines, no details).
(VG8) Very Good (Legends and date plain, minimum of 3 letters in LIBERTY).
(F12) Fine (Full LIBERTY, ear and shoulder clasp visible, part of rim shows both sides).
(VF20) Very Fine (LIBERTY distinct, full rim, ear and clasp plain and distinct).
(EF40) Extremely Fine (LIBERTY sharp, ear distinct, hair above eye well defined).
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes).

Seated Liberty Dime 1837-1891

Proofs were made from 1854 to 1891.

(G4) Good (LIBERTY on shield smooth, date and letters readable).
(F12) Fine (Entire LIBERTY visible, weak spots).
(VF20) Very Fine (Entire LIBERTY strong and even).
(EF40) Extremely Fine (LIBERTY and scroll edges distinct).
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes).

Liberty Head (Barber) Dime 1892-1916

Proofs were made from 1892 to 1915.

(G4) Good (Date and letters plain, LIBERTY is obliterated)
(VG8) Very Good (At least 3 letters visible in LIBERTY)
(F12) Fine (All letters in LIBERTY visible though some are weak)
(VF20) Very Fine (All letters of LIBERTY evenly plain)
(EF40) Extremely Fine (All letters in LIBERTY are sharp and distinct, headband edges are distinct)
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes)

Mercury Head Dime 1916-1945

Proofs were made from 1936 to 1942.

(G4) Good (Letters and date clear, lines and bands in faces are obliterated)
(VG8) Very Good (One-half of sticks discernible in faces)
(F12) Fine (All sticks in faces are defined, diagonal bands worn nearly flat)
(VF20) Very Fine (The 2 crossing diagonal bands must show)
(EF40) Extremely Fine (Diagonal bands show only slight wear, braids and hair before ear show clearly)
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes)
(MS63) Select Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes, attractive mint luster)
(MS65) Choice Uncirculated (No trace of wear, barely noticeable blemishes).

Roosevelt Dime 1946-Date

Silver Proofs were made from 1950 to 1964.

(VF20) Very Fine (Hair above ear slightly worn, all vertical lines on torch plain).
(EF40) Extremely Fine (All lines of torch, flame and hair very plain).
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes).
(MS63) Select Uncirculated (No trace of wear, very light blemishes, attractive mint luster).
(MS65) Choice Uncirculated (No trace of wear, barely noticeable blemishes).

Seated Liberty Twenty Cent Piece 1875-18

Proof coins were minted each year.

(G4) Good (LIBERTY on shield obliterated, letters and date legible).
(VG8) Very Good (One or two letters in LIBERTY may show, other details will be bold).
(F12) Fine (At least 3 letters in LIBERTY show).
(VF20) Very Fine (LIBERTY completely readable, but partly weak).
(EF40) Extremely Fine (LIBERTY sharp, only slight wear on high points of the coin).
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes).

Capped Bust Quarter-Variety 2 1831-1838

No Proofs were made.

(AG3) About Good (Details clear enough to identify).
(G4) Good (Date, letters and stars readable, hair under headband smooth, cap lines worn smooth).
(VG8) Very Good (Rim well defined, main details visible, full LIBERTY on cap, hair above eye nearly smooth).
(F12) Fine (All hairlines show but drapery has only part details, shoulder clasp distinct).
(VF20) Very Fine (All details show, but some wear, clasp and ear sharp).
(EF40) Extremely Fine (All details show distinctly, hair well outlined).
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes).

Seated Liberty Quarter 1838-1891

Proofs were made from 1856 to 1891.

(G4) Good-Scant rim, LIBERTY on shield worn off, date and letters readable.
(VG8) Very Good-Rim fairly defined, at least 3 letters in LIBERTY evident.
(F12) Fine-LIBERTY complete but partle weak.
(VF20) Very Fine-LIBERTY strong.
(EF40) Extremely Fine-Complete LIBERTY and edges of scroll, clasp shows plainly.
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated-No trace of wear, light blemishes.

Liberty Head (Barber) Quarter 1892-1916

Proofs were made from 1892 to 1915.

(G) Good (Date and legends readable, LIBERTY worn off headband).
(VG8) Very Good - Minimum of 3 letters in LIBERTY readable.
(F12) Fine - LIBERTY completely readable but not sharp.
(VF20) Very Fine - All letter in LIBERTY evenly plain.
(EF40) Extremely Fine - LIBERTY bold, and its ribbon distinct.
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated - No trace of wear, light blemishes, a few bag marks and hairlines.

Standing Liberty Quarter 1916-1930

No Proofs were made.

(G4) Good (Date and lettering readable, top of date worn, Liberty's right leg and toes worn off, left leg and drapery lines show much wear)
(VG8) Very Good (Distinct date, toes show faintly, drapery line visible above left leg)
(F12) Fine (High curve of right leg flat from thigh to ankle, left leg shows only slight wear, drapery lines over right thigh seen only at sides of leg)
(VF20) Very Fine (Garment line across right leg will be worn but show at sides)
(EF40) Extremely Fine (Flattened at high spots, toes are sharp, drapery lines across right leg are evident)
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes)
(MS63) Select Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes, attractive mint luster)

Washington Quarter 1932 to Date

Silver Proofs were made from 1936 to 1942 and resumed in 1950 to 1964.

(VG8) Very Good (Wing tips outlined, rims are fine and even, tops of letters at rim are flattened)
(F12) Fine (Hairlines about ear are visible, tiny feathers on eagle's breast are faintly visible)
(VF20) Very Fine (Most hair detail show, wing feathers are clear)
(EF40) Extremely Fine (Hairlines sharp, wear spots confined to top of eagle's legs and center of breast)
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight wear on breast and hairlines)
(MS60) Mint State 60 (Slight blemishes, some bag marks, but no wear shown)
(MS63) Select Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes, attractive mint luster)
(MS65) Choice Uncirculated (No trace of wear, barely noticeable blemishes)

Draped Liberty Bust Half Dollar 1801-1839

No Proofs were made.

(G4) Good-LIBERTY discernible on headband.
(VG8) Very Good-Minimum of 3 letters in LIBERTY must be clear.
(F12) Fine-LIBERTY complete.
(VF20) Very Fine-LIBERTY is sharp, shoulder clasp is clear.
(EF40) Extremely Fine-LIBERTY sharp and strong, hair details show.
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated-No trace of wear, light blemishes.

Seated Liberty Half Dollar 1839-1891

Proofs from 1865 to 1891.

(G4) Good-Scant rim, LIBERTY on shield worn off, date and letters readable.
(VG8) Very Good-Rim fairly defined, at least 3 letters in LIBERTY are evident.
(F12) Fine-LIBERTY complete but weak.
(VF20) Very Fine-LIBERTY mostly sharp.
(EF40) Extremely Fine-LIBERTY entirely sharp, scroll edges and clasp distinct.
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated-No trace of wear, light blemishes.

Barber Half Dollar 1892-1915

Proofs were made from 1892 to 1915.

(AG) About Good (Coin worn flat, some rim left)
(G4) Good (Date and legends readable, LIBERTY worn off headband)
(VG8) Very Good (Minimum of 3 letters readable in LIBERTY)
(F12) Fine (LIBERTY completely readable but not sharp)
(VF20) Very Fine (All letters in LIBERTY evenly plain)
(EF40) Extremely Fine (LIBERTY bold and its ribbon distinct)
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes)

Walking Liberty Half Dollar 1916-1947

Proofs from 1936 to 1942.

(G4) Good (Rims are defined, motto IN GOD WE TRUST readable).
(VG8) Very Good (Motto is distinct, about half of skirt lines at left are clear).
(F12) Fine (All skirt lines evident but worn in spots, details in sandal below motto are clear).
(VF20) Very Fine (Skirt lines sharp including leg area, little wear on breast and right arm).
(EF40) Extremely Fine (All skirt lines bold).
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes).
(MS65) Choice Uncirculated (no trace of wear, barely noticeable blemishes).

Franklin Half Dollar 1948-1963

Proofs from 1950 to 1963.

(VF20) Very Fine (At least half of the lower and upper incused lines on the rim of the bell must show).
(EF40) Extremely Fine (Wear spots appear at top of end curls and hair back of ears, on reverse Liberty Bell will show wear at top and on lettering).
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS63) Select Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes, attractive mint luster).
(MS65) Choice Uncirculated (No trace of wear, barely noticeable blemishes).

Kennedy Half Dollar 1964 to Date

(XF) EXTREMELY FINE (Slightly circulated with some lustre but faint evidence of wear).
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(UNC) UNCIRCULATED (New, Regular mint striking, but never placed in circulation, may be tarnished or "toned").
(MS) MINT STATE (Can vary from MS60 to MS67).
(PF) PROOF. Coins with mirror-like surface, specially struck for collectors. Also sandblast and matte proof. Proof like coins from new dies having a mirror like surface are not proofs but are first strikings of new dies. These coins bring a premium).

Liberty Seated Dollar 1840-1873

Proofs made every year.

(G) Good (LIBERTY not readable).
(VG8) Very Good (Any 3 letters of LIBERTY at least two-thirds complete).
(F12) Fine (All 7 letters of LIBERTY visible though weak).
(VF20) Very Fine (LIBERTY is strong but its ribbon shows slight wear).
(EF40) Extremely Fine (Horizontal lines of shield complete, eagle's eye plain).
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light marks or blemishes).

Trade Dollars 1873-1885

Proofs were made every year.

(G) Good (Mottoes not readable).
(VG8) Very Good (About half of mottoes IN GOD WE TRUST and E PLURIBUS UNUM will show, rim on both sides well defined).
(F12) Fine (Mottoes and LIBERTY are sharp, only slight wear on rims).
(EF40) Extremely Fine (Mottoes and LIBERTY are sharp, only slight wear on rims).
(AU) Almost Uncirculated (Slight traces of wear, a few hair line scratches and blemishes)
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, light blemishes).

Morgan Dollar 1878-1921

Proofs from 1878 to 1904.

(AG) About Good (Coin worn flat on both sides, rims flat).
(VG) Very Good (Rims on coins, side of head worn badly).
(VF) Very Fine (Two thirds of hairlines from top of forehead to ear must show, ear well defined, feathers on eagle's breast worn about 1/2 down).
(EF40) Extremely Fine (All hairlines strong and ear bold, eagle's feathers all plain but slight wear on breast and wing tips).
(AU50) About Uncirculated (Slight trace of wear, mint luster is present).
(MS60) Uncirculated (No trace of wear, full mint luster, noticeably marred).
(MS63) Select Uncirculated (No trace of wear, full mint luster, few surface marks).
(MS65) Uncirculated (Many Morgan dollars in MS65 are rare and command higher prices). Well struck and proof like coins bring high premiums over Red Books Price