What does PF mean in coin grading?
Proof
Proof Strike Coins are always designated as Proof (PR or PF). Quality Level: The numeric part of a Grade designation indicates the coin’s quality level.
What does MS mean in grading coins?
Mint State
Coins with no wear at all are alternately referred to as Uncirculated (Unc.), Brilliant Uncirculated (BU), and Mint State (MS). When a numerical grade is assigned to an uncirculated coin, it goes along with the abbreviation MS, such as MS-60.
Whats the difference between MS and PF?
Strike Type The most common are MS for Mint State coins (those struck for circulation) and PF for Proof coins (those struck for collectors). Another strike type is SP for Specimen, which describes a coin that falls short of the definition for actual Proofs but are superior to the normal currency issues.
What is the difference between PF and PR in coin grading?
PR is the proof designation of the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and PF is the proof designation of the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).
Is MS better than PF?
The most common are MS for Mint State coins and PF for Proof issues. MS refers to a coin struck for circulation—or in the same style as a coin struck for circulation. PF refers to a coin struck as a Proof. The numeric grade of Proof coins is preceded by PF even if the grade is below 60.
What does PF 70 mean?
NGC defines a PF70 coin as “having no post-production imperfections at 5x magnification.” In short, a “perfect” coin. A perfect PF70 grade guarantees a coin’s condition for the life of the coin, bolstering its validity, value, and desirability.
How can you tell if a coin is MS?
The 70-Point Coin Grading Scale. When numismatists grade coins, they are assigned a numeric value on the Sheldon Scale. The Sheldon Scale ranges from a grade of Poor (P-1) to Perfect Mint State (MS-70). Originally coins were graded using adjectives to describe the condition of the coin (Good, Fair, Excellent, Etc.).
How do you get coins graded?
You can find pictures of coins of each grade online or in a book of coin values. Alternatively, you can ask for photographs from a dealer who is willing to teach you to grade coins. Decide which grade most accurately represents your coin. Based on the information you have, give your coin an estimated grade.
How do I grade coins?
Estimating a Coin’s Grade Get a good magnifying glass. Obtain a book that provides coin grades and pictures. Learn the grades of coins. Learn the ANA scale. Practice with a sample coin. Use large quantities of coins. Hold the coin between your fingers in good lighting. Compare your coins to photographs of coins at the different grading levels.
What are the grades of coins?
Coins are graded by the numismatic community using a scale from 1 to 70, with 1 an object barely recognizable as a coin and 70 a perfect coin. Coins in uncirculated condition, that is, showing no signs of wear, grade between 60 and 70.
What is professional coin grading?
Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) is a coin grading, authentication, attribution, and encapsulation service founded in 1985. The intent of its seven founding dealers, including the firm’s president David Hall, was to standardize grading.
