PCGS Grading Standards

GRADE
DESCRIPTION

PO-1
Identifiable date and type

FR-2
Mostly worn, though some detail is visible

AG-3
Worn rims but most lettering is readable though worn

G-4
Slightly worn rims, flat detail, peripheral lettering nearly full

G-6
Rims complete with flat detail, peripheral lettering full

VG-8
Design worn with slight detail

VG-10
Design worn with slight detail, slightly clearer

F-12
Some deeply recessed areas with detail, all lettering sharp

F-15
Slightly more detail in the recessed areas, all lettering sharp

VF-20
Some definition of detail, all lettering full and sharp

VF-25
Slightly more definition in the detail and lettering

VF-30
Almost complete detail with flat areas

VF-35
Detail is complete but worn with high points flat

EF-40
Detail is complete with most high points slightly flat

EF-45
Detail is complete with some high points flat

AU-50
Full detail with friction over most of the surface, slight flatness on high points

AU-55
Full detail with friction on less than 1/2 surface, mainly on high points

AU-58
Full detail with only slight friction on the high points

MS/PR-60
No wear. May have many heavy marks/hairlines, strike may not be full

MS/PR-61
No wear. Multiple heavy marks/hairlines, strike may not be full

MS/PR-62
No wear. Slightly less marks/hairlines, strike may not be full

MS/PR-63
Moderate number/size marks/hairlines, strike may not be full

MS/PR-64
Few marks/hairlines or a couple of severe ones, strike should be average or above

MS/PR-65
Minor marks/hairlines though none in focal areas, above average strike

MS/PR-66
Few minor marks/hairlines not in focal areas, good strike

MS/PR-67
Virtually as struck with minor imperfections, very well struck

MS/PR-68
Virtually as struck with slight imperfections, slightest weakness of strike allowed

MS/PR-69
Virtually as struck with minuscule imperfections, near full strike necessary

MS/PR-70
As struck, with full strike