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Coweta Pawn Inc

Numismatic Reference

Coin Grading Scale

The Sheldon scale (1–70) is the universal standard for grading coins in the United States. Understanding where your coin falls on this scale helps you buy and sell with confidence. This reference covers Mint State, Proof, and circulated grades.

View official NGC Grading Scale
MS

Mint State — MS-60 to MS-70

Mint State coins have never circulated. They were struck for commerce but went directly from the mint into storage or collections. The MS scale runs from 60 (heavily marked but uncirculated) to 70 (absolutely perfect). Coins graded MS-65 and above are considered Gem quality and typically carry meaningful premiums over spot price.

MS-70
Perfect Uncirculated — Flawless in every respect under 5× magnification. No post-production imperfections of any kind. The highest grade possible.
MS-69
Near Perfect Uncirculated — Virtually perfect with only the most minor imperfections — a single tiny contact mark or minuscule weakness that prevents a perfect grade.
MS-68
Superb Gem Uncirculated — Exceptional eye appeal with only the slightest weakness or imperfection. Very few coins of any series exist at this level.
MS-67
Superb Gem Uncirculated — Exceptional luster and strike. May have a few very light contact marks or one or two small blemishes, but overall a stunning coin.
MS-66
Gem Uncirculated — Well above average strike and surface quality. A few light contact marks or minor blemishes, but eye appeal is above average.
MS-65
Gem Uncirculated — Strong luster and strike. Only a few light contact marks in secondary focal areas. No major flaws.
MS-64
Choice Uncirculated — Luster may be slightly impaired. Several contact marks in the primary focal areas, or one or two more serious marks elsewhere.
MS-63
Choice Uncirculated — Mint luster may be slightly impaired. Numerous small contact marks, or a few scattered heavy marks may be present.
MS-62
Uncirculated — Unattractive, noisy surfaces or color. Numerous heavy contact marks and hairlines may be present.
MS-61
Uncirculated — Slightly impaired luster. Numerous heavy contact marks and hairlines may be present throughout.
MS-60
Uncirculated — No trace of wear, but many heavy contact marks and hairlines. Luster may be dull or spotted.
PF

Proof — PF-60 to PF-70

Proof coins are specially struck using polished dies and planchets, producing mirror-like fields and frosted devices. They are made exclusively for collectors, not for circulation. A Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation indicates strong contrast between the frosted devices and mirror fields — the most desirable proof finish.

PF-70
Perfect Proof — Flawless in every respect. Fully brilliant with no hairlines, spots, or blemishes of any kind.
PF-69
Near Perfect Proof — Virtually perfect with only the most minor imperfections. Fully brilliant.
PF-68
Superb Gem Proof — Exceptional proof with only the slightest weakness or imperfection. Fully brilliant.
PF-67
Superb Gem Proof — Exceptional proof with only a few very light hairlines or one or two small blemishes. Fully brilliant.
PF-66
Gem Proof — Well above average proof. A few light hairlines or minor blemishes. Fully brilliant.
PF-65
Gem Proof — Strong reflective surfaces with only a few blemishes in secondary focal areas. No major flaws.
PF-64
Choice Proof — Reflective surfaces with several blemishes in primary focal areas, or one or two more serious flaws.
PF-63
Choice Proof — Reflective surfaces with numerous blemishes, or a few scattered heavy marks.
PF-60
Proof — Dull, unattractive proof surfaces. Numerous heavy hairlines and blemishes throughout.
AU–PO

Circulated — AU-58 down to PO-1

Circulated coins show wear from use in everyday commerce. The degree of wear determines the grade. About Uncirculated (AU) coins have only the slightest wear on the highest points; Good (G) coins are heavily worn but still identifiable. For bullion coins, even heavily circulated examples retain most of their precious metal value.

AU-58
Choice About Uncirculated — Slight wear on the highest points of the design. At least half of the original mint luster is still present.
AU-55
Choice About Uncirculated — Evidence of light wear on only the high points of the design. At least half of the original mint luster is still present.
AU-50
About Uncirculated — Traces of light wear on many of the high points. At least half of the original mint luster is still present.
EF-45
Choice Extremely Fine — Light wear throughout, but all design elements are sharp and well defined. Traces of mint luster may show.
EF-40
Extremely Fine — Light wear on all the high points. All design elements are sharp and well defined.
VF-35
Choice Very Fine — Light to moderate even wear. All major features are sharp.
VF-30
Choice Very Fine — Light to moderate even wear. All major features are sharp.
VF-25
Very Fine — Moderate to heavy even wear. Entire design is clear and bold.
VF-20
Very Fine — Moderate to heavy even wear. Entire design is clear and bold.
F-15
Choice Fine — Moderate to heavy even wear. Entire design is clear.
F-12
Fine — Moderate to heavy even wear. Entire design is clear.
VG-10
Choice Very Good — Well worn with main features clear and bold, although rather flat.
VG-8
Very Good — Well worn with main features clear and bold, although rather flat.
G-6
Choice Good — Heavily worn. Design visible but faint in spots. Legends and date are legible.
G-4
Good — Heavily worn. Design visible but faint in spots. Legends and date are legible.
AG-3
About Good — Very heavily worn with portions of lettering, date, and legends worn smooth. Design is visible but faint.
FR-2
Fair — Extremely heavily worn. Design is barely distinguishable. Date and mint mark may be partially visible.
PO-1
Poor — Barely identifiable. Date and type are barely discernible.

Strike Types & Special Designations

Business Strike

Standard coins produced for general circulation. The most common type.

Proof Strike (PF)

Specially struck for collectors using polished dies. Mirror-like fields, frosted devices.

Specimen Strike (SP)

Early collector coins struck with care but not to full proof standards. Satin or matte finish.

Matte Proof

Proof coins with a sandblasted or acid-treated finish rather than mirror fields. Common on early 20th-century U.S. issues.

Deep Cameo (DCAM)

Strong, heavy frost on devices contrasting sharply with mirror fields. The most desirable proof finish.

Cameo (CAM)

Moderate frost on devices. Less contrast than Deep Cameo but still desirable.

Full Head (FH)

Standing Liberty Quarters designation indicating full detail on Liberty's head.

Full Bell Lines (FBL)

Franklin Half Dollar designation indicating complete, uninterrupted bell lines.

Have Coins to Buy or Sell?

Bring your coins to Coweta Pawn Inc at 211 Bullsboro Dr, Suite G, Newnan, GA. We can appraise your items and give you a competitive price. We buy and sell graded and raw coins at fair market prices.

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