What is the Sheldon scale?

The Sheldon scale is a 1-to-70 numeric system for grading coins, devised by Dr. William Sheldon in 1949. It runs from P-1 (Poor) through circulated grades to MS-70 (a flawless mint-state coin). PCGS and NGC both grade on this scale.

What does MS mean before a grade number?

MS stands for Mint State, meaning the coin has no wear from circulation. MS grades run from MS-60 to MS-70. Proof coins use PR or PF instead, but share the same 60-to-70 numbers.

What is the difference between AU and MS?

AU (About Uncirculated, grades 50-58) coins show only the slightest trace of wear on the highest points. MS (Mint State, 60-70) coins show no wear at all. The jump from AU-58 to MS-60 is about the presence of any rub, not eye appeal.

Why are some grades skipped on the scale?

Not every number from 1 to 70 is used. Common grade points are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 53, 55, 58, then 60 through 70. The gaps reflect meaningful, distinguishable steps in condition.

Does a higher grade always mean more value?

Generally yes, but value also depends on rarity, mintage, demand, and eye appeal. A common coin in MS-65 may be worth little, while a rare key date in VF-20 can be worth a great deal. Grade is one factor among several.

Coin Grading Reference Tool

The Sheldon scale assigns a coin a number from 1 to 70 that captures how much wear and detail it shows. This reference lets you look up any grade point and see the standard description so you can sanity-check a listing or your own assessment.

How it works

The scale was created by Dr. William Sheldon in 1949 and is the basis for modern grading by PCGS and NGC. It is divided into broad tiers:

P-1 .. FR-2      Poor / Fair        barely identifiable
AG-3 .. G-6      About Good / Good  heavy wear, rims worn
VG-8 .. VG-10    Very Good          design clear but worn
F-12 .. F-15     Fine               moderate even wear
VF-20 .. VF-35   Very Fine          light to moderate wear
EF-40 .. EF-45   Extremely Fine     slight wear on high points
AU-50 .. AU-58   About Uncirculated trace of wear only
MS-60 .. MS-70   Mint State         no wear; 70 is flawless

Mint State coins are separated by the number and severity of contact marks, strike quality, and luster rather than wear. An MS-70 has no flaws visible at 5x magnification.

Example and notes

A coin described as “EF-40” has full design detail with only slight flattening on the highest points such as hair or feather tips. Stepping up to AU-50 means even those high points are nearly complete with just a hint of friction. Grading is partly subjective: two graders can disagree by a point, which is why third-party slabs from PCGS and NGC command a premium for their consistency. Always consider strike and eye appeal alongside the raw number.