Free tools for numismatic collectors — live metal prices, coin grading lookup, melt value calculator, and more.
Verify the authenticity and grade of PCGS-certified coins. Enter the certificate number from the PCGS holder.
Verify the authenticity and grade of NGC-certified coins. Enter the certificate number and grade from the NGC holder.
The Sheldon scale is the standard 1–70 grading system used by PCGS, NGC, and other grading services worldwide.
| Grade | Name | Description | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint State (Uncirculated) | |||
| MS-70 | Perfect Uncirculated | Absolutely perfect coin with no imperfections even under 5x magnification. The holy grail of coin collecting. | 5 |
| MS-69 | Near Perfect | Nearly perfect with only the tiniest imperfection visible under magnification. | 5 |
| MS-68 | Superb Gem | Only the slightest weakness or imperfection. Very sharp strike and exceptional luster. | 4 |
| MS-67 | Superb Gem | Above average strike and exceptional eye appeal. Any marks are barely noticeable. | 4 |
| MS-66 | Gem Uncirculated | Well-struck with good luster. Minor blemishes only visible under magnification. | 3 |
| MS-65 | Gem Uncirculated | Strong luster, good eye appeal. Light contact marks or minor blemishes. | 3 |
| MS-64 | Choice Uncirculated | Average or better luster. Several small contact marks and minor blemishes visible. | 2 |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated | Moderate marks or minor blemishes. Luster may be impaired. | 2 |
| MS-62 | Uncirculated | No trace of wear. Noticeable blemishes, but still an uncirculated coin. | 1 |
| MS-61 | Uncirculated | No wear but numerous bagmarks, scratches, or other impairments. | 1 |
| MS-60 | Uncirculated | Strictly uncirculated, but many marks, hairlines, or other defects visible to the naked eye. | 1 |
| About Uncirculated | |||
| AU-58 | Choice About Unc. | Slight wear on the highest points. Most of the original mint luster is present. | - |
| AU-55 | Choice About Unc. | Wear detectable on high points. Half the original luster remains. | - |
| AU-53 | About Uncirculated | Obvious wear on high points. Some luster remaining in protected areas. | - |
| AU-50 | About Uncirculated | Wear visible on many high points. Traces of luster may be present. | - |
| Circulated Grades | |||
| EF-45 | Choice Extremely Fine | Light wear on the highest points. All design details are very sharp. Traces of luster may show. | - |
| EF-40 | Extremely Fine | Light wear throughout. All features sharp and well-defined. | - |
| VF-35 | Choice Very Fine | Light to moderate wear on the surface with some pitting. All lettering and major features are sharp. | - |
| VF-30 | Choice Very Fine | Moderate wear on high points. Major design details remain. | - |
| VF-25 | Very Fine | Moderate to heavy even wear. All design elements visible but worn flat in spots. | - |
| VF-20 | Very Fine | Moderate wear on the higher areas. Design elements clear though flat. | - |
| F-15 | Choice Fine | Moderate to heavy even wear. All lettering visible but with flat areas. | - |
| F-12 | Fine | Even, moderate wear. Some details flat but all elements are visible. Full rim. | - |
| VG-10 | Choice Very Good | Well worn. Major design visible but faint in spots. | - |
| VG-8 | Very Good | Well worn. Main features clear but flat. Some detail in recessed areas. | - |
| G-6 | Good | Heavily worn. Design visible but faint. Some details may be flat. | - |
| G-4 | Good | Heavily worn. Design visible but details are flat. Rim may merge with lettering. | - |
| AG-3 | About Good | Very heavily worn with the outline of design visible. Parts of date and legend worn smooth. | - |
| FR-2 | Fair | Barely identifiable. Enough to identify the type. | - |
| PO-1 | Poor | Barely recognizable. Sufficient to identify the coin. | - |
| Proof Grades | |||
| PF-70 | Perfect Proof | A flawless proof coin with no imperfections visible under magnification. | 5 |
| PF-69 | Near Perfect Proof | Virtually perfect with only the most minute imperfections. | 5 |
| PF-67–68 | Superb Gem Proof | Outstanding proof with only trivial imperfections. | 4 |
| PF-65–66 | Gem Proof | Brilliant proof surfaces with very minor hairlines or haze. | 3 |
| PF-63–64 | Choice Proof | Reflective proof surfaces with noticeable but minor hairlines or blemishes. | 2 |
| PF-60–62 | Proof | Impaired proof. May show hairlines, haze, or other defects. | 1 |