NGC Grading Guideline for FS    PCGS Grading Guidelines for FS

Understanding Full Steps

Coin Grading has long been an art. Below see the ANA Grading Guidelines. Our best advise is to read, read, read, everything you can about coin grading. Our suggested books are:

ANA Grading Guide
Photograde
PCGS Grading Guide

Official ANA Grading Standards

Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70). Perfect new condition, showing no trace of wear. The finest quality possible, with no evidence of scratches, handling, or contact with other coins. Very few regular issue coins are ever found in this condition.

Choice Uncirculated (MS-65). An above average uncirculated coin which may be brilliant or lightly toned and has very few contact marks on the surface or rim. MS-67 through MS-62 indicate slightly higher or lower grades of preservation.

Uncirculated (MS-60). Has no trace of wear but may show a number of contact marks, and surface may be spotted or lack some luster.

Choice About Uncirculated (AU-55). Barest evidence of light wear on only the highest points of the design. Most of the luster remains. Only a trace of wear shows on the cheekbone. A trace of wear shows on the beam above the pillars.

About Uncirculated (AU-50). Has traces of light wear on many of the high points. At least half of the mint luster is still present. Traces of wear show on the cheekbone and the high points of the hair. Traces of wear show on the beam above the pillars and the triangle roof above the pillars.

Choice Extremely Fine (EF-45). Light overall wear shows on highest points. All design details are very sharp. Some of the mint luster is evident. Slight wear shows on the cheekbone and central portions of the hair. There is a trace of wear at the bottom of the bust. High points of the triangle roof and beam are lightly worn.

Extremely Fine (EF-40). Design is lightly worn  throughout, but all features are sharp and well defined. Traces of luster may show. Cheekbone, hairlines, the bottom of the bust, and eyebrow are slightly worn but well defined. The base of the triangle above the pillars is visible but weak.

Choice Very Fine (VF-30). Light even wear on the surface and highest parts of the design. All lettering and major features are sharp. Hair worn but shows nearly all details. Cheek line and bottom of bust are worn but sharp. Triangular roof and beam worn nearly flat. Most of the pillar lines show plainly.

Very Fine (VF-20). A moderate amount of wear is  noticeable on the high points of the coin's design. All major details are clear. The second pillar is plain and complete on both sides. Cheek line shows considerable flatness. Over half of the hairlines are clear and parts of the detail still show in the collar. Pillars are worn but clearly defined and the triangle roof is partly visible.

Fine (F-12). The coin shows moderate to considerable even wear throughout. Entire design is bold with an overall pleasing appearance. Cheekbone is worn flat. Hairlines and eyebrow are faint. Second pillar weak especially at the bottom.

Very Good (VG-8). Well worn with main features clear and bold although rather flat. Second porch pillar from right nearly gone, other three still visible but weak.

Good (G-4). Heavily worn with the design visible but faint in areas. Many details are flat. Common coins in "Good" condition are not particularly desirable pieces for collectors. Rare or valuable coins in this condition, however, are often saved when no others are available. Motto is weak and merged with the rim.  Building is nearly flat but is well outlined. Pillars are worn flat and the rim is worn to the tops of the letters.

About Good (AG-3). Very heavily worn with portions of lettering, date, and worn smooth. The date may be barely readable. Design is outlined with nearly all details worn away. Date and legend readable but very weak and merging into rim.

Fair (F-2). Very heavily worn; major portions may be completely smooth.

Poor (P-1). filler or cull. Barely recognizable.

Please note that these above "grades" are just an overview. Each type of coin (and sometimes date/mintmark) is graded unlike another type/date/mintmark. We strongly suggest that you buy the above books and read more into the subject of grading.