THE SHELDON SCALE

The Sheldon Scale is a 70-point scale to grade coins. It was developed by Dr. William Sheldon in 1949.

 

Poor-1 or P1                                                    Barely discernable, badly damaged or worn smooth

Fair-2 or F2                                                      Type and Date barely readable, extremely worn

About Good-3 or AG3                                    Type and Date are discernable, some spots worn out. Some lettering appear ant.

Good-4 or G4                                                  Major Devices and features are evident, heavily worn

Good-6 or G6                                                  Coin shows full rim major devices and features clearly outlined

Very Good-8 or VG8                                       Full rim with discernable devices and features clearly outlined

Fine-12 or F12                                                 Distinct rim, all legends readable, clear devices, showing some detail, moderately and evenly worn

Very Fine-20 or VF20                                     Clearly readable yet lightly worn legends, devices show good detail, moderate wear on high points and very little wear below

Very Fine-30 or VF30                                     Legends clear, devices show all details with little wear, high points lightly worn

Extremely Fine-40 or EF40                            Legends sharp, devices clear with slight wear on high points

Extremely Fine-45 or EF45                            Legends and devices are sharp and clear with slight wear on high points, and great eye appeal

Almost Uncirculated-50 or AU50                Sharp legends and devices show only a trace of wear on the highest points. Must have some remaining lustre

Almost Uncirculated-55 or AU55                Sharp legends and devices show only a hint of wear on high points. Remaining mint lustre must be at least half; great eye appeal

Almost Uncirculated-58 or AU58                Virtually uncirculated except for minor wear marks on high points. Nearly all mint lustre must be present and must have outstanding eye appeal

Mint State-60 or MS60                                  No trace of wear but may show contact marks and may be spotted

Mint State-63 (Choice) or MS63                  May have distracting contact marks or blemishes. Lustre may be impaired

Mint State-65 (Gem) or MS65                      Above average that has very few contact mark, lightly toned, may be brilliant

Mint State-70 (Perfect) or MS70                 Perfect condition, new coin, finest quality possible, no evidence of contact marks, blemishes, scratches, very few ever found in this condition

Proof-60or PF60                                             Surfaces may have several contact mars, hairlines, or light rubs. Lustre may be dull and dye appeal lacking

 

European Coin Grading System