Strike Type
MS Mint State. Coins struck in the same format as circulation issues. Applies to grades 60 to 70.
PF Proof. Coins struck in a special format for collectors.
SP Specimen. A hybrid between Mint State and Proof.
Strike Characters
RD Red. A coin with full mint red lustre.
RB Red Brown. A coin with a mix of red lustre and brown patina.
BN Brown. A coin with full or nearly full brown patina.
Ultra Cameo Applies only to PF coins. The fields are deeply mirrored and the devices are heavily frosted for bold contrast on both sides of the coin.
Cameo Applies only to PF coins. The fields are deeply mirrored and the devices are frosted for moderate contrast on both sides of the coins.
DPL Deep Prooflike. Applies only to circulation issues. The fields are deeply mirrored and the devices are heavily frosted on both sides.
PL Prooflike. Applies only to circulation issues. The fields are mirrored and the devices may be frosted on both sides.
Numeric Grades
MS/PF70
A coin with no post-production imperfections at 5x magnification.
MS/PF69
A fully struck coin with nearly imperceptible imperfections.
MS/PF68
Very sharply struck with only miniscule imperfections.
MS/PF67
Sharply struck with only a few imperfections.
MS/PF66
Very well struck with minimal marks and hairlines.
MS/PF65
Well struck with moderate marks or hairlines.
MS/PF64
Average or better strike with several obvious marks or hairlines and other miniscule imperfections.
MS/PF63
Slightly weak or average strike with moderate abrasions and hairlines of varying sizes.
MS/PF62
Slightly weak or average strike with no trace of wear. More or larger abrasions than an MS/PF 63.
MS/PF61
Weak or average strike with no trace of wear. More marks and/or multiple large abrasions.
MS/PF60
Weak or average strike with no trace of wear. Numerous abrasions, hairlines and/or large marks.
AU58
Slight wear on the highest points of the design. Full details.
AU55
Slight wear on less than 50% of the design. Full details.
AU53
Slight wear on more than 50% of the design. Full details except for very minor softness on the high points.
AU50
Slight wear on more than 50% of the design. Full details except for minor softness on the high points.
XF45
Complete details with minor wear on some of the high points.
XF40
Complete details with minor wear on most of the high points.
VF35
Complete details with wear on all of the high points.
VF30
Nearly complete details with moderate softness on the design areas.
VF25
Nearly complete details with more softness on the design areas.
VF20
Moderate design detail with sharp letters and digits.
F15
Recessed areas show slight softness. Letters and digits are sharp.
F12
Recessed areas show more softness. Letters and digits are sharp.
VG10
Wear throughout the design. Letters and digits show softness.
VG8
Wear throughout the design. Letters and digits show more softness.
G6
Peripheral letters and digits are full. Rims are sharp.
G4
Peripheral letters and digits are nearly full. Rims exhibit wear.
AG 3
Most letters and digits are readable. Rims are worn into the fields.
FR 2
Some details are visible. Rims are barely visible.
PO 1
Enough detail to identify the coin's date and type. Rims are flat or nearly flat.
The contest is courtesy of The contest is courtesy of NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)