What are different coin grades?

Many coins are graded based on their quality. Marks, wear, discoloration, and other blemishes can hurt the grading of the coin. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70, called the Sheldon Scale.  This scale can be broken down into three main categories.

Circulated (1-45)

• A circulated coin has been a part of circulation as a currency
• Circulated coins will have visible marks and show signs of wear over time
• Subcategories of circulated include poor (1), fair (2), about good (3), good (4-6), very good (8-10), fine (12-15), very fine (20-35), and extremely fine (40-45).

About Uncirculated (50-58)

• About uncirculated coins have never been issued as currency
• Although they are not currency, they might still show signs of wear due to the minting process or storage
• Wear will only be seen on the high points of the design
• Some luster might still be visible

Brilliant Uncirculated (60-70)

• Brilliant uncirculated coins will arrive in mint condition
• The coin will maintain all the characteristics of the design
• The best quality version of the product available
• This can also refer to the minting process of some coins, such as the American Eagle, which is struck in either BU or proof varieties