Hall of Knowledge
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
