Source – Ruddy, James Photograde | Official Photographic Grading Guide for United States Coins. Revised 18th ed. Wolfeboro, NH: Bowers & Merena Galleries, Inc. & Whitman Publishing: 1988
Uncirculated (MS) – A business strike coin which has never been in circulation, typically referred to as Mint State coins. In the numerical scale all numbers from 60 to 70 are utilized allowing for a grading spectrum from Mint State-60 (MS60) thru Mint State-70 (MS70).
Almost Uncirculated (AU) – A coin which is very close to uncirculated but falls short because of friction or light wear. In the numerical scale it is described as Almost Uncirculated-50 (AU50), Almost Uncirculated-55 (AU55), and Almost Uncirculated-58 (AU58).
Extremely Fine (XF or EF) – A coin which has but light effects of circulation. In the numerical scale it is described as Extremely Fine-40 (EF40), and Extremely Fine-45 (EF45).
Very Fine (VF) – A coin showing some wear but has all the lettering and other features distinctly readable. In the numerical scale it is described as Very Fine-20 (VF20), Very Fine-30 (VF30), and Very Fine-35 (VF35).
Fine (F) – A coin showing extensive wear but still contains nearly all its lettering and prominent design features. In the numerical scale it is described as Fine-12 (F12) and Fine-15 (F15).
Very Good (VG) – A coin showing extensive wear but for which the date and most lettering are still readable and devices are visible. In the numerical scale it is described as Very Good-8 (VG8) and Very Good-10 (VG10).
Good (G) – A coin showing a high degree of wear but for which the date and most lettering are still readable. In the numerical scale it is described as Good-4 (G4) and Good-6 (G6).
About Good (AG) – A well worn coin, nearly smooth, with few features visible. Better than fair but less than good. In the numerical scale it is described as About Good-3 (AG3).
Fair – A piece which is nearly worn smooth with almost no details. In the numerical scale it is described as Fair-2
