Even if you have been coin collecting for a long time, you may still be confused about the principles of grading coins. That’s because even some of the experts are confused about the system, and within the system there is lots of room for different opinions and outcomes. Worse, there used to be many different systems and styles in place. Now, grading coins most often falls into a 70 point scale that is endorsed and used by the American Numismatic Association (the ANA).

Mint State Coins vs. Circulated Coins

The 70 point scale for grading coins can be divided into two different realms. The first is for coins that have been circulated and show various degrees of wear. The scale begins at 0 and goes up to 58, with 13 different levels all together. The highest three marks are classified as Almost Uncirculated (AU). The best of these coins can sometimes be passed off as Mint State coins by shady dealers or traders.

The entire circulated scale begins with a Basal State grading, which literally means that all you can do is see that the piece of metal in reference was at one point a coin. From there the scale is as follows:

• Fair, where you can identify the type of coin it was.
• Almost Good, which has parts that were worn completely smooth.
• Good which is heavily worn but visible although faint.
• Very Good with a clear design but no details.
• Fine with a clear design but lots of wear.
• Very Fine with less wear and clear features including details.
• Extremely Fine with only light wear and some luster remaining.

Above that are the AU coins, with three different grades. It’s also important to realize that within several of those different levels are two or three different grades, totaling the 13 mentioned above.

Mint State coins have 11 different grades from between MS-60 and MS-70, with MS-70 is a perfect coin. Because of the possibility of deception when grading coins it’s important that you can distinguish for yourself between a Mint State coin and an A.U.

Some things to keep in mind when you’re grading coins for yourself include the original mint issue. Research what kinds, if any, of imperfections or changes there were to the coins so you know what to be looking for.

Another thing to note is the highest points of the coin, because that’s where the wear will occur first. However, even Mint State coins can have wear on them, from being passed around dealers and collectors or from simply being in a roll with other coins.

Therefore, a key factor when grading coins to determine between a more valuable and sought after MS coin and an AU coin is the luster. A MS coin should have luster rolling around its entire surface as you twist it under light, whereas in this test, an AU coin will be revealed as having a less complete luster effect.

Grading Mint State Coins

MS coins are graded over four principles: surface presentation, detail, luster and visual appeal. Both the obverse and reverse sides are graded separately and the combined score, with extra value being given to surface presentation (and extra emphasis on the obverse side of the coin) is used to determine the coin’s place between MS 60 and MS 70.

As mentioned, even legitimate professionals can have trouble agreeing exactly when grading coins. There are so many small factors, tiny imperfections and different points of view or emphasis to consider, that it’s easy to not see eye to eye on one or two of them.