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Coin Grading Terms
Below is a table containing the common coin grading terms.
| Name | Code | Description |
| Proof | PR | A specially made coin distinguished by sharpness of detail and usually with a brilliant mirror-like surfaces. Proof refers to the method of manufacture and is not a condition. Pre-1968 proofs were made only at the Philadelphia Mint except in a few rare instances in which presentation pieces were struck at branch mints. Current proofs are made at the San Francisco an West Point mints. |
| Mint State | MS | The term Mint State (MS) can be interchanged with uncirculated (UNC) to describe “new” coins showing no trace of wear. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 mint luster remains. |
| 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. |
| Choice Extremely Fine | EF-45 | Light overall wear shows on highest points. All design details are very sharp. Some of the mint luster is visible. |
| Extremely Fine | EF-40 | Design is lightly worn throughout, but all features are sharp and well defined. Traces of luster may show. |
| Choice Very Fine | VF-30 | Light even wear on the surface and highest parts of the design. All lettering and major features are sharp. |
| Very Fine | VF-20 | Shows moderate wear on high points of design. All major details are clear. |
| Fine | F-12 | Moderate to considerable even wear. Entire design is bold with overall pleasing appearance. |
| Very Good | VG-8 | Well worn with main features clear an bold although rather flat. |
| Good | G-4 | Heavily worn with design visible but faint in areas. Many details are flat. |
| About Good | AG-3 | Very heavily worn with portions of lettering, date and legends worn smooth. The date may be barely readable. |