These are the terms used on this page and any other for the grading of coin. Some minor steps are skipped because they are less commonly used, or I don't use them. As always, there are exceptions.
~Grading Terms~
| Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70): | No trace of wear, perfect condition. No marks whatsoever. |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS-65): | Very few contact marks, brilliant or slightly toned. |
| Uncirculated (MS-60): | No trace of wear, but may have some contact marks. Surface could be spotted. |
| About Uncirculated (AU-50): | Traces of light wear, most of the coins luster is still present. |
| Extremely Fine (EF-45 or XF-45): | Slightly worn all over, but features are still sharp. Some original luster is still present. |
| Very Fine (VF-20): | Moderate wear on high points, major features clear. |
| Fine (F-12): | Medium to considerable wear, whole design is bold. |
| Very Good (VG-8): | Well worn, features are clear, but fairly flat. |
| Good (G-4): | Heavy wear, design faint in areas. Many parts are worn flat. |
| About Good (AG-3): | Very heavy wear, portions of legend worn smooth, date may be readable. |
~Mint Marks~
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D
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Denver, Colorado
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1906 - Date
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P
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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1793 - Date
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S
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San Francisco, California
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1854 - Date
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O
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New Orleans, Louisiana
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1838 - 1909
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Before 1996, all of the dies (what they strike a coin with) were made in Philly, now this task is shared partially with Denver. |
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Coins struck before 1979 at the Pennsylvania mint did not have a mint mark. The P mint mark is still not used on the cent. |
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