Coin Grading Explained: PCGS, NGC & the Sheldon Scale

If you have ever seen a coin described as "MS-65" or sealed in a plastic holder marked PCGS or NGC, you have run into coin grading. Grade is one of the biggest factors in what a collector coin is worth, so it helps to understand the basics before you sell.

This guide explains the grading scale, what certification means, and how grade affects the offer you receive.

The 70-point Sheldon scale

Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. The higher the number, the better the condition. A well-worn coin might grade in the single digits or teens, a lightly circulated coin in the 20s to 50s, and an uncirculated coin from 60 to 70.

The letters in front matter too. "MS" means Mint State (uncirculated), "AU" means About Uncirculated, and "PR" or "PF" means Proof, a specially struck coin. So "MS-65" is a solidly uncirculated coin.

What PCGS and NGC certification means

PCGS and NGC are the two leading third-party grading services. They authenticate a coin, assign a grade, and seal it in a tamper-evident holder called a slab. Because a trusted third party has verified the coin, certified pieces trade with far less uncertainty.

That certainty is worth money. A certified coin can be priced directly against published guides and auction records for that exact date and grade, while a raw coin carries more risk for the buyer.

Why grade changes the price so much

For scarce coins, the jump between two adjacent grades can mean a large difference in value, because high-grade survivors are much rarer than worn examples. This is why two coins of the same date can sell for very different amounts.

It is also why you should never clean a coin. Cleaning damages the surface and lowers the grade, which is the opposite of what you want.

Should you get coins graded before selling?

For most coins, no. Everyday coins are appraised raw all the time, and grading fees would not be worth it. For a small number of high-value coins, certification can raise the price enough to justify the cost and wait. An honest buyer will tell you when that is the case.

Key takeaways

Coins are graded 1 to 70; higher is better.
MS means uncirculated, AU means about uncirculated, PR/PF means proof.
PCGS and NGC certification reduces risk and supports a firmer price.
Never clean a coin; it lowers the grade and the value.

FAQ

Common questions

What does MS-65 mean?

MS stands for Mint State, meaning uncirculated, and 65 is the grade on the 70-point scale. An MS-65 coin is a high-quality uncirculated coin with minimal marks.

Is a certified coin always worth more?

Certification does not add value to a common coin, but it removes uncertainty on scarce coins, which usually supports a stronger, firmer price. We appraise both raw and certified coins.

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