What are the definitions of coin condition?

Answer 1

Opinions vary as to grades a coin may be but guidelines have been established. These are some of those guidelines to grading coins. The scale is from 1 through 70 and the numbers not shown merely show a continuation of the graduated scale detailing wear and blemishes. MS70 ..Perfect uncirculated condition that has no blemishes and no wear. MS65 .. Having no discernible contact marks or blemishes. MS60 .. This coin will typically have sustained a few contact marks, but have no visible traces of wear. A MS-60 coin may have lost some of its original luster. AU55 .. This coin has the slightest traces of wear on high points and can retain its mint luster. AU50 .. This coin will show the lightest traces of wear on its high points and can still have some of its mint luster. EF45 .. These coins are lightly worn on the high points. The details in the design are well-defined and sharp. The coins can retain some of the original mint luster. EF40 .. This is a coin that has light wear over the entire design, but the details are still well-defined. VF30 .. This is a coin in which the lettering and specific design details such as hair and feathers are still sharp, but that has sustained an even but noticeable wear on its entire surface. VF20 .. The coin shows minor wear on the features such as hair and feathers, and moderate wear on the high points. The major features on the coin are still sharp and defined. F12 .. This coin maintains clarity on the major design details, but is obviously worn and has heavier wear on the high points. VG8 .. This coin is worn. The design is beginning to lack sharpness in its detail, although those elements are still present. The rims on the coin (line that circles the coin's edge) are still present. G4 .. This coin is worn heavily. Its design is worn and is flat in some areas. You can still read the date and mint mark on this coin. AG3 .. This coin is extremely worn. The date and mint mark are barely readable and much of the lettering is worn away or is very faint. AG2 .. This coin is so badly worn that it is just identifiable and nothing more.