Coin Grading Explained: From “Good” to PF70

Nov 7

If you’ve ever looked at a coin listing and seen grades like “VG,” “MS65,” or “PF70,” you’re not alone in wondering what all those letters and numbers mean. Coin grading is one of the most important parts of collecting, buying, or selling coins—it determines condition, eye appeal, and ultimately, value.

At Houston TX Coins, we help collectors and sellers understand exactly what they have. Whether you’re holding a worn silver dime or a flawless proof coin, knowing how grading works can make a big difference.

What Is Coin Grading?

Coin grading is the process of evaluating a coin’s condition and strike quality. Professional grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) use a numerical scale from 1 to 70, known as the Sheldon Scale.

1 means the coin is barely identifiable.
70 means the coin is perfect—even under magnification.

Coins are also categorized by their strike type, such as:

Circulated Grades (Good through About Uncirculated)
Mint State (MS) for uncirculated coins
Proof (PF or PR) for specially made collector coins

Circulated Grades (Coins That Have Been Used)

Good (G-4)

Heavily worn coins with flat surfaces. The major details are visible, but fine lines and lettering are faint.

Very Good (VG-8)

More details can be seen, but the coin still shows major wear. Legends and dates are clear.

Fine (F-12)

Moderate wear with bold main features. You’ll start to see more design detail, though the high points are smooth.

Very Fine (VF-20)

Medium wear with strong detail. Some finer design elements are visible, and overall eye appeal is improved.

Extremely Fine (EF/XF-40)

Only light wear on the highest points. Most of the design and luster remain visible.

About Uncirculated (AU-50)

Nearly new, with only a hint of wear on the highest spots. Much of the mint luster remains intact.

Uncirculated and Mint State Grades (MS60–MS70)

These coins were never in circulation and show no wear—but that doesn’t mean they’re all perfect. Marks, scratches, or dull luster can affect the grade.

MS60–MS62: Uncirculated but may have noticeable marks or lackluster appearance.
MS63–MS64: Attractive coins with minor contact marks.
MS65–MS66: High-quality coins with strong luster and minimal imperfections.
MS67–MS69: Superb strikes with near-perfect surfaces.
MS70: A flawless coin—no visible marks even under magnification. Rare and highly prized.

Proof Grades (PF or PR60–PF70)

Proof coins are struck with polished dies for collectors, not for circulation. They follow the same 1–70 grading scale but start with PF (or PR) instead of MS.

PF60–PF64: Nice coins but may have slight imperfections or cloudy fields.
PF65–PF68: Beautiful mirror-like surfaces with sharp detail.
PF69: Nearly perfect—tiny flaws only visible under magnification.
PF70: Absolutely flawless. Perfect strike, no blemishes, no imperfections of any kind.

Fun fact: PF70 coins are the highest grade possible and often command a premium price among collectors and investors.

Why Coin Grading Matters

Grading determines much more than beauty—it defines market value. A single grade difference can mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars in value.

That’s why collectors and sellers trust professional grading and experienced appraisers like Sean Summerlin at Houston TX Coins to verify authenticity and condition before selling or buying.

Need Your Coins Evaluated or Graded?

At Houston TX Coins, we can help you:

Understand your coins’ grades and what they mean.
Decide whether your coins are worth sending to PCGS or NGC.
Get fair offers on raw or graded coins.

📍 Book a visit with us in Kingwood or schedule a private appraisal anywhere in the Greater Houston area.
💬 Call or email us today to learn what your coins are really worth — from Good to PF70.