Article • February 19th, 2020
A guide to coin grading.
Coin grading can be confusing, but it doesn't have to be. While it is still very difficult to gain the ability to grade a coin, understanding the grades can assist in valuing and buying coins.
Coins are graded on a 70-point grading scale with 1 being the worst condition and 70 being perfect mint state. The naming conventions can also lead to confusion, such as the grade of "Good" being a 4 out of 70 while "Fine" is 12.
The coin grading process is not just about the physical condition; it also takes into account factors like luster, coloration, and strike quality. For instance, two coins might both show significant wear, but one might have a sharper strike and more original luster, leading it to receive a higher grade. Authenticity is another crucial element, ensuring the coin hasn't been altered or tampered with in any way.
Additionally, third-party grading services have become popular and trusted entities in the coin collecting community. These professional grading services, like NGC and PCGS, provide an unbiased evaluation, encapsulate the coin in protective holders, and assign a grade. Utilizing these services can enhance a coin's marketability and provide assurance to both buyers and sellers.
1: Poor: This coin is barely discernible. This coin is barely away from being indistinguishable.
2: Fair: Type and date are barely discernible. Still extremely worn or damaged. Major details usually identifiable.
3: About Good: Type and date are discernible, although some spots may be worn out.
4: Good (G): Primary devices and features are evident as outlines. Coin is still heavily worn.
6: Good - Plus (G+): Full rim, major devices easily identified. Features are clearly outlined.
8: Very Good (VG): Full rim with clearly discernible devices and features. Most legends are readable clearly, but still significantly worn.
12: Fine (F): Clear devices showing some detail, but whole coin is moderately but evenly worn.
20: Very Fine (VF): Clearly readable but lightly worn legends, devices show good detail, rims are clean. The whole coin shows moderate wear on the high points and a little wear below.
30: Good Very Fine (VF): Legends are clear and devices show all detail with little wear. High points of coin's design are lightly worn.
40: Extremely Fine (XF): Legends are sharp, and devices are clear with slight but obvious wear on high points.
45: Choice Extremely Fine (XF): Legends and devices are clear and sharp, with slight wear on the high points, and great eye appeal.
50: About Uncirculated (AU): Sharp legends and devices show only a trace of wear on the highest points. There must be some remaining mint luster.
55: Good About Uncirculated (AU): Sharp legends and devices show only a hint of wear on the high points. Remaining mint luster must be at least half in the coin should have excellent eye appeal.
58: Choice About Uncirculated (AU): Virtually uncirculated, except for minor wear marks on high points. Nearly all mint luster must be present and must have outstanding eye appeal.
60 - 70: Mint State Basal (MS): Coins show no signs of wear from circulation, but they are ugly (in fact uglier than an AU58). They are dinged-up, bag-marked, ill-toned specimens, but they are in mint condition and free of any wear! The grades from MS-60 to MS-70 as well as proof designations, are all based primarily on eye appeal, quality of luster and or the toning of the coin. It depends on the contact marks and even hairlines.
Proof: Proof is a type of coin and not a grade. A non-proof coin can never be "pretty enough" to be proof. It is a different coin blank.
Why 70 and not 100? The original system, created by Dr. Sheldon, was to help his research comparing the price of a coin to its grade. His conclusion was that on average large cents and half cents that were in uncirculated mint state (MS - 70) sold for 70 times more than a coin that was barely identifiable (Poor - 1).
FAQs
The research indicates that while the average carat weight for an engagement ring in the U.S. is slightly over 1 carat, many people choose rings anywhere from 1.0 to 1.9 carats. However, it's crucial to consider that carat weight is just one aspect of a diamond's appeal.
Do you want more or less carats? ›
The ideal carat size for an engagement ring depends on personal preference, budget, and style. While some people believe that bigger is better, others may prefer a more understated and delicate look. Let's look at some popular carat sizes to compare.
What products are offered by coins and carats? ›
We are Coins & Carats Inc, a local family-owned and operated shop where we buy and sell rare coins, bullion and fine jewelry. We're different from all the rest of our competition, since we provide friendly and personal care to each and every one of our customers.
Is 1.25 carats big enough? ›
1.25 Carats
At this weight, a diamond is noticeably larger than one carat and truly stunning. With a diamond budget of about $6,500, you can find a round 1.25-ct diamond with excellent performance. At $4,000, you could get a great diamond with a lower color grade.
How much should I expect to pay for a 3-carat diamond? ›
3-carat diamonds are extremely desirable for diamond engagement rings because of their size, which is noticeably large, but not overbearing on the hand. A diamond of this carat weight will range from $30,000 – $120,000 for an individual stone.
Are lab grown diamonds worth it? ›
The resale value of a lab diamond ring will be around 30% to 40% less than you paid, and the same is true of a natural diamond ring - so be sure not to view this transaction as an economic investment! Instead, you're buying something beautiful that will bring endless joy, for a lifetime.
How many carats is too many carats? ›
In general, diamonds more than two carats are considered big. There are a few factors that impact the average carat size, such as demographics and location. As an example, in the United States, the average diamond size in an engagement ring is 1.08 carats.
Which cent diamond is best? ›
A 1 carat diamond is a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewellery. However, the appearance of a 1 carat diamond can vary depending on its cut. Generally, a well-cut 1 carat diamond will have a diameter of around 6.5mm, but this can vary slightly depending on the diamond's proportions.
How much is an 1.20 carat diamond worth? ›
The average price of a 1.2 carat diamond is currently $5,371 (see price chart below). 1.2 carat diamonds can cost anywhere from $1,858 - $12,397 depending on the diamond's shape, color, clarity, and other factors. To see specific details on diamond pricing by shape see our 1.2 carat diamond prices table below.
How heavy is $100,000 of silver? ›
$100,000 of silver would be 6,250 ounces and 13 large boxes and would weigh more than 430 pounds.
Years of Silver & Copper Quarters
Between 1796 and 1964, the coins were made with 90 percent silver. However, Washington quarters were made with 90 percent silver beginning in 1932. After 1964, the coins were minted with a copper-nickel alloy.
Is 1.5 carat too big for engagement ring? ›
The average diamond engagement ring in the US is around 1 carat. With a 1.5 carat diamond, your ring will look more substantial and feel more luxurious. 1.5 carat is the perfect size for many brides: eye-catching without drawing too much attention. The 1.5 carat round diamond. has an average diameter of 7.4mm.
Which type of diamond is best to buy? ›
The round brilliant cut is the most common and most valuable diamond shape. Round diamonds are highly prized, because they have the most brilliance. The remaining diamond shapes are called fancy shapes.
What size diamond is good for an engagement ring? ›
Typically the average carat for a diamond engagement ring is anywhere from 0.5 carats to 1 carat. The price of a diamond ring somewhere between these sizes can vary dramatically according to the specifications you select.
What is a respectable carat size? ›
Having said that, a good diamond size will solely depend on your preferences. A 1, 1.25, or 1.50-carat diamond ring will be the best choice if size does not matter to you. However, if you are looking for something bigger, a 2 or 3-carat diamond ring is a good pick.
Is a 2 carat diamond considered to be big? ›
A 2-carat diamond is considered large compared to the average size of diamonds used for engagement rings. The average diamond size for engagement rings is around 1.0 to 1.5 carats. Therefore, a 2-carat diamond stands out significantly and offers a more pronounced appearance on the finger.
How many carats is impressive? ›
When asked, most women will say that a 2-carat engagement ring is big. If she were to see what we can do with 2-carats of diamonds she'd be very impressed! The central diamond's average size in an engagement ring is around 0.9 carats with a total diamond weight of about 1.3 carats.
How many carats should I wear? ›
The frequently observed trend is also to wear one ratti (carat) for every 12 kilogram of body weight. For example, at least 5 ratti (carat) for a 60 kg person (60 KG/12= 5 Ratti).
