Grading explained

The Sheldon scale, explained

Collectors describe a coin's condition on a scale from 1 to 70. This page explains the scale and the striking errors worth looking for.

In the app: AI Coin Collector gives a Sheldon grade estimate from your photos, shown as an estimate, not a certified grade. It does not detect striking errors. For a certified grade, send the coin to PCGS or NGC.

How the Sheldon scale works

The numismatic standard is a 1 to 70 scale. Higher is better: from a barely identifiable coin up to a flawless specimen.

P-1 to AG-3

Poor to About Good

Heavily worn; design barely visible.

G-4 to VF-30

Good to Very Fine

Clear design with moderate wear.

EF-40 to AU-58

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated

Light wear, most detail intact.

MS-60 to MS-70

Mint State

No wear; MS-70 is flawless.

Proof coins use the parallel PR-1 to PR-70 scale. For a certified grade, send the coin to a professional grading service such as PCGS or NGC.

Striking errors to look for

These errors can turn a common coin into a valuable one. Check suspected errors under magnification and compare with documented examples.

Doubled die (DDO / DDR)

A doubled image on the obverse (DDO) or reverse (DDR) caused by misaligned hubbing, as on the famous 1955 and 1972 cents.

Repunched mint mark (RPM)

A mint mark punched more than once at slightly different positions, leaving a visible secondary outline.

Off-center strike

A coin struck off-center, where part of the design is missing and a blank crescent shows on the planchet.

Filled die and more

Filled dies, die cracks and other striking anomalies that can set an error apart from an ordinary coin.

Famous documented varieties

A few well-documented varieties that collectors check every coin jar for:

Identify and value your coins now

The app identifies a coin from both sides, estimates its grade and shows the catalogue price per condition. See pricing for what each plan includes, or join the list now.