MGC Coin Grading Scale

MGC employs the widely acknowledged Sheldon grading scale, spanning from 1 to 70, originally introduced in the late 1940s in the United States and now embraced by MGC as the benchmark for the industry. Presented below are MGC's criteria for each numeric grade, major strike types, and designations.

Certain coins may exhibit surface issues that hinder numeric grading by MGC. These coins may qualify for MGC Details grading.

What constitutes a 70?

MGC characterizes a Mint State or Proof 70 coin as one exhibiting no post-production imperfections under 5x magnification.

Strike Type

MGC utilizes two-letter codes preceding a coin’s numeric grade to delineate its method of production and overall appearance. The primary codes include MS for Mint State coins (those minted for circulation) and PF for Proof coins (those crafted for collectors). Another strike type is SP for Specimen, denoting a coin that falls short of the definition for actual Proofs but surpasses normal currency issues.

• MS: Mint State. Coins struck in the same format as circulation issues. Applicable to grades 60 to 70.
• PF: Proof. Coins struck in a specialized format for collectors.
• SP: Specimen. A hybrid between Mint State and Proof.

Numeric Grades

MGC employs numeric grades to succinctly convey the condition of a flawless coin. The numeric grades span from 1 to 70, based on a globally recognized scale developed in the 1940s. As the numeric grade ascends, the coin's condition is deemed superior. Below the grade of 60, some numbers are omitted, serving as the threshold for a coin to be classified as Uncirculated.

Grade	Description
MS/PF 70	A coin with flawless appearance under 5x magnification, free from post-production imperfections.
MS/PF 67	Sharp strike with only a few minor imperfections.
MS/PF 66	Very well struck with minimal marks and hairlines.
MS/PF 65	Well struck with moderate marks or hairlines.
MS/PF 64	An average or better strike with visible marks or hairlines and other minor imperfections.
MS/PF 63	A slightly weak or average strike with moderate abrasions and hairlines of varying sizes.
MS/PF 62	A slightly weak or average strike with no trace of wear but more or larger abrasions than an MS/PF 63.
MS/PF 61	A weak or average strike with no trace of wear but more marks and/or multiple large abrasions.
MS/PF 60	A weak or average strike with no trace of wear but numerous abrasions, hairlines, and/or large marks.
AU 58	Slight wear on the highest points of the design while maintaining full details.
AU 55	Slight wear on less than 50% of the design while preserving full details.
AU 53	Slight wear on more than 50% of the design while retaining full details, except for very minor softness on the high points.
AU 50	Slight wear on more than 50% of the design while maintaining full details, except for minor softness on the high points.
XF 45	Complete details with minor wear on some of the high points.
XF 40	Complete details with minor wear on most of the high points.
VF 35	Complete details with wear on all of the high points.
VF 30	Nearly complete details with moderate softness on the design areas.
VF 25	Nearly complete details with more softness on the design areas.
VF 20	Moderate design detail with sharp letters and digits.
F 15	Recessed areas show slight softness. Letters and digits remain sharp.
F 12	Recessed areas show more softness. Letters and digits remain sharp.
VG 10	Wear throughout the design. Letters and digits exhibit softness.
VG 8	Wear throughout the design. Letters and digits exhibit more softness.
G 6	Peripheral letters and digits are full. Rims are sharp.
G 4	Peripheral letters and digits are nearly full. Rims exhibit wear.
AG 3	Most letters and digits are readable. Rims are worn into the fields.
FR 2	Some details are visible. Rims are barely visible.
PO 1	Enough detail to identify the coin's date and type. Rims are flat or nearly flat.