shopper approved
    2173.81
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    25.35
    0.17
    930.71
    5.23
    1059.47
    3.34

    What Are Graded Coins?

    Prior to the advent of the current coin grading system, all coins fell into one of two grades: new or used. Because this rudimentary grading system revealed little useful information about the coin’s actual condition, numismatists developed a more nuanced shorthand to describe a coin’s appearance and value. Now, the term “graded coin” refers to one that experts have evaluated for its rarity and condition to determine its value.

    To assign a grade to a coin, numismatists analyze its coloration, strike, luster, surface preservation, and eye appeal. The objective of the grading process is to estimate a coin’s value as a collector’s item. In the United States, coins are graded according to the Sheldon Coin Grading Scale, which can be applied to gold or silver coins, as well as new or old coins. And, while their melt value is typically the more important figure, bullion coins can also receive grades.

    The Grading Process

    In the 1950s, William Sheldon invented the Sheldon Scale, which is a 70-point coin grading scale developed using the relative value of a 1794 Large Cent, worth $1 in Basal State and $70 in Uncirculated MS-70 (See the bulleted list below for definitions of these two grade terms).

    To grade a coin, numismatists must first have a bright light source and a magnification device of 5x-8x. Next, the coin’s condition is examined to assess the extent of its circulation, if any. Finally, numismatists compare the coin to the Sheldon Scale (which is synopsized below) to determine its grade.

    Coin Grade Definitions

    • P-1 (Poor) — must have a mint mark and date, but otherwise unidentifiable
    • FR-2 (Fair) — almost worn smooth, but not as badly as P-1 coins
    • AG-3 (About Good) — certain areas may be worn out, but you can still make out type and date
    • G-4 (Good) — coin is very worn, but major features are discernible from outlines
    • G-6 (Good Plus) — heavy wear, complete rim, features clearly outlined
    • VG-8 (Very Good) — significant wear with full rim, clear features, minimal central detail, legible legends
    • F-12 (Fine) — moderately and evenly worn with distinct rim and design elements
    • VF-20 (Very Fine) — moderate wear, legends clear but a little worn, complete and clear rim
    • VF-30 (Good Very Fine) — little wear on details of devices, clear legends, light wear on high points
    • EF-40 (Extremely Fine) — light wear, devices are clear and bold
    • XF-45 (Choice Extremely Fine) — devices and legends are clear and sharp, slight wear on high points, strong eye appeal
    • AU-50 (About Uncirculated) — legends and devices are sharp and show little wear, some luster remains
    • AU-55 (Good About Uncirculated) — legends and devices are sharp and high points show faint traces of wear, retains at least half of mint luster
    • AU-58 (Choice About Uncirculated) — called a “slider” because it appears uncirculated save for slight wear on high points, almost all luster remains, excellent eye appeal
    • MS-60 (Mint State Basal) — uncirculated coin that is ugly, no luster, ding marks, poor tone
    • MS-70 (Mint State Perfect) — exceptional eye appeal, no flaws visible at 8x magnification, full luster

    Other Designations

    It is worth noting that there are several grades in between MS60 and MS70 which each represent their own unique grade. As the MS number increases so to does the coin’s condition. Each coin designated with an MS grade is considered to be in Mint State condition. Many modern bullion coins such as the Silver Eagle, Silver Maple Leaf and Silver Panda will often grade between an MS60 and MS70 unless they have been heavily circulated.

    Often, designations such as “proof” or “first release” come with grades. Note that these designations are types of coins, not grades. Because they are made just for collectors, proof coins are not circulated. They are struck using a unique, top-quality minting process and commonly have frosted devices and mirror-like fields. Likewise, first release (or early release) coins are those received by a depository within 30 days of their official release.

    Companies That Grade Coins

    Today, many companies offer coin grading services, however, there are often two companies that are preferred by collectors. These two companies are the NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) and the PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service).

    Numismatic Guaranty Corporation

    Based in Florida, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) is the biggest third-party coin grader by volume in the world. To date, the company has graded more than 30 million coins. The official grading service of the American Numismatic Association and Professional Numismatists Guild, NGC employs close to 30 full-time graders. In addition to traditional coin grading services, NGC offers specialty services in collector coin photography as well as shipwreck and bullion coin certification.

    NGC assigns two graders to each coin that it receives, and they grade the coin according to the Sheldon Scale. However, NGC will not grade counterfeit or altered coins. Once a coin is graded, NGC sonically seals it in a plastic holder, or slab, along with a label identifying the coin and its grade. The slab is made of inert material so as not to damage the coin.

    Professional Coin Grading Service

    Founded in Newport Beach in 1985, Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) began as the effort of seven coin dealers who wanted to standardize coin grading. The company offers grading, restoration, and authentication services and has graded 24 million coins worth a total of more than $26 billion to date. PCGS also offers additional programs, such as First Strike and TrueView. First Strike provides collectors with a designation for coins produced in the first month of the mint’s release, thereby enhancing the value. TrueView, a coin photography service, sends owners high-resolution photos of their coins through email.

    PCGS grades coins according to the Sheldon Scale and then places them in a plastic holder with a holographic emblem on the back to fight counterfeiting. On the front, PCGS lists the coin type, grade, denomination, serial number, and a bar code. While PCGS will not grade damaged, improperly cleaned, or altered coins, they will still certify them as genuine.

    Value and Availability of Graded Coins

    For the most part, graded coins have a higher numismatic, or collector, value than melt value. A coin’s melt value refers to its intrinsic value for the precious metals that it contains rather than its worth to collectors, which is what grading helps determine. In terms of availability, collectors can buy graded coins from most purveyors of gold and silver products. However, graded coins are typically more expensive than other coins due to the reliability and value of the information that the grade provides.

    The current 70-point grading system empowers collectors with full knowledge about the condition and value of the coins that they buy. Coin grading ensures consistency in pricing and guarantees authenticity. Collectors familiar with the Sheldon Scale can use the information to more accurately gauge what a coin is actually worth.

    All Market Updates are provided as a third party analysis and do not necessarily reflect the explicit views of JM Bullion Inc. and should not be construed as financial advice.