Coin Grading
Welcome to our section on how the coin grading system works. Accurate grading of coins can take many years of experience to master properly, and the grades shown below are intended as a guide only.
Many coins do not fit exactly into a specific grade and may fall between grades; therefore, in the English system it is not uncommon to see descriptions such as VF+ or Almost EF. The American system, quoted here in brackets at the end of each description, offers a broader numerical range of grading.
Fine (F)
Worn over the whole area, but only the highest points are worn completely through. (US: VF-20)
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1838 Queen Victoria Shield Sovereign in about Fine condition.
Very Fine (VF)
Detail clear, but with obvious evidence of limited circulation. High points are worn, but detail remains. Traces of mint lustre may linger amongst the letters of the inscription. (US: EF-40)
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1857 Queen Victoria Sovereign in Very Fine condition.
Extremely Fine (EF)
Slight wear on the highest points on close inspection, with all other detail clear and sharp. Much of the original mint lustre may remain. The coin may appear uncirculated to the naked eye. (US: MS-60)
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1827 George IV Sovereign in Extremely Fine condition.
Uncirculated (Unc)
No wear at all, although it is possible for parts of the design not to be fully struck up during the minting process. There may be minor bag abrasions, and older coins may be tarnished or toned. (US: MS-62 to MS-65)
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1852 Queen Victoria Shield Reverse Sovereign in Uncirculated condition.
Brilliant Uncirculated (BU)
Usually implies a coin showing full mint lustre and no evidence of circulation. (US: approximately MS-67)
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1976 Queen Elizabeth II Sovereign in Brilliant Uncirculated condition.
FDC (Fleur de Coin)
Perfect mint state, with no abrasions or marks and full lustre. The term is usually applied to proof coins or coins from sealed mint sets. (US: MS-70)
Proof
Proof is not strictly a condition grade, but describes a specially manufactured coin. Proof coins are struck using specially prepared dies and blanks, normally with multiple strikes and additional pressure to ensure that the design is fully formed.
Typically the fields are highly polished while the design is frosted or matte. However, fully matte proofs are also known, particularly the British proofs of 1902, while some later proof issues can show different combinations of polished and frosted surfaces. Proof coins normally display especially sharp detail and well-defined edges.
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1937 Proof Sovereign in perfect, as-struck condition.
Please note: Coin grading is subjective and this page should be used only as a general guide. Even the examples shown above may fall between recognised grades depending on the individual coin and the opinion of the grader.