How can I grade my own coins?
Learn the Basics
Coin grading uses a 70-point scale developed by Dr. William Sheldon in 1949. The scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect Uncirculated). Most circulated coins fall between 1 and 58, while uncirculated coins range from 60 to 70.
Start by familiarizing yourself with the major categories: About Good (AG-3), Good (G-4), Very Good (VG-8), Fine (F-12), Very Fine (VF-20), Extremely Fine (EF-40), About Uncirculated (AU-50), and Mint State (MS-60 to MS-70). Each has specific criteria for wear on high points.
- Use a 5x to 10x magnifying loupe or a stereo microscope.
- Work in bright, diffused light—never direct sunlight.
- Hold the coin by its edges to avoid fingerprints.
- Compare to high-quality reference photos from PCGS or NGC.
Examine Key Areas
Check the highest points of the design first, where wear shows earliest. For example, on a Morgan dollar, look at the hair above Liberty's ear and the eagle's breast feathers. On a Lincoln cent, check the jawline and cheek.
Also assess surface preservation: marks, hairlines, and luster. An uncirculated coin must have no trace of wear and retain original mint luster. Bag marks and contact marks lower the grade within Mint State.
- Use a good light to reveal hairlines and hidden flaws.
- Tilt the coin to see luster and reflectivity.
- Note any spots, toning, or corrosion—these can lower the grade.
- Be consistent: grade the same coin multiple times to check your accuracy.
Practice and Resources
The best way to improve is to practice on many coins. Buy a lot of common circulated coins and grade them, then compare with a friend or a professional service. The ANA (American Numismatic Association) offers grading courses and online guides.
Remember that self-grading is subjective. Even experts disagree by a point or two. For valuable coins, professional grading by PCGS or NGC is recommended for accuracy and market acceptance.
- Use the official ANA Grading Standards book.
- Join a local coin club for feedback.
- Submit a few coins to a grading service to calibrate your eye.
- Keep a log of your grades and the final professional grades.
Common mistakes
- Thinking that a coin with no visible wear is automatically MS-70—most uncirculated coins have minor flaws.
- Grading under poor lighting, which hides hairlines and surface issues.
- Assuming all coins of the same date and mint mark grade the same—strike and eye appeal vary widely.
