IGA Grading Scale
The Sheldon 1-70 grading scale used by IGA and major grading services worldwide.
IGA uses the internationally recognized Sheldon 1-70 grading scale to evaluate coins. Originally developed by Dr. William Sheldon in 1949, this numerical scale provides a standardized way to communicate the condition of a coin. Grades range from 1 (barely identifiable) to 70 (absolutely perfect with no imperfections under 5x magnification).
MS (Mint State) designates coins that have never been in circulation. PF (Proof) designates coins struck with specially prepared dies for collectors. The numerical grade is the same for both designations.
Poor
| Grade | Label | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PO-1 | Identifiable as to date and type |
Fair
| Grade | Label | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | FR-2 | Mostly worn smooth but some detail visible |
About Good
| Grade | Label | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | AG-3 | Very heavily worn. Portions of lettering, date, and legends worn smooth |
Good
| Grade | Label | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | G-4 | Heavily worn. Design visible but faint in spots |
| 6 | G-6 | Heavily worn. Design visible but details are flat |
Very Good
| Grade | Label | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | VG-8 | Well worn. Main features are clear but flat |
| 10 | VG-10 | Well worn. Main features clear with some detail |
Fine
| Grade | Label | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | F-12 | Moderate to heavy even wear. All lettering visible |
| 15 | F-15 | Moderate to considerable even wear. All lettering bold |
Very Fine
| Grade | Label | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | VF-20 | Moderate wear on high points. All major details visible |
| 25 | VF-25 | Moderate wear on high points with some mint luster |
| 30 | VF-30 | Light to moderate even wear. All lettering and major details sharp |
| 35 | VF-35 | Light to moderate even wear on high points. All lettering and major details sharp |
Extremely Fine
| Grade | Label | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | EF-40 | Light wear on high points. All design details visible and sharp |
| 45 | EF-45 | Slight wear on high points with some mint luster |
About Uncirculated
| Grade | Label | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | AU-50 | Trace of wear on highest points. Half of mint luster remains |
| 53 | AU-53 | Obvious trace of wear on highest points. Three-quarters of mint luster remains |
| 55 | AU-55 | Slight wear on highest points. Most of mint luster remains |
| 58 | AU-58 | Very slight wear on only the highest points. Nearly full mint luster |
Mint State / Proof
| Grade | Label | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | MS/PF-60 | No trace of wear. May have many heavy marks/hairlines. Luster may be impaired |
| 61 | MS/PF-61 | No trace of wear. May have several heavy marks/hairlines |
| 62 | MS/PF-62 | No trace of wear. May have several noticeable marks/hairlines |
| 63 | MS/PF-63 | No trace of wear. Several small marks/hairlines. Attractive mint luster |
| 64 | MS/PF-64 | No trace of wear. A few minor marks/hairlines. Above average strike and luster |
| 65 | MS/PF-65 | No trace of wear. Light marks may be seen with a loupe. Strong mint luster |
| 66 | MS/PF-66 | No trace of wear. Few minor marks only under magnification. Full mint luster |
| 67 | MS/PF-67 | No trace of wear. Virtually as struck with minor imperfections |
| 68 | MS/PF-68 | No trace of wear. Barely distinguishable from perfect. Sharp strike |
| 69 | MS/PF-69 | No trace of wear. Nearly perfect. Extremely minor imperfections |
| 70 | MS/PF-70 | Perfect. No imperfections under 5x magnification |