How to Grade USA Coins
One of the most important factors when determining the value of a U.S. coin is the coin's physical condition. The American Numismatic Association (ANA) created a standard grading system to help coin collectors and dealers describe the physical condition of coins. Circulated coins are graded on a scale that ranges from "Poor" for the weakest coins to "Uncirculated" for the most spectacular specimens. Another grade exists called "Proof," but that is reserved only for special coins minted exclusively for collectors.
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Instructions
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Acquire a U.S. coin price guide that lists the grading criteria for each specific coin. While specific coin grades tend to have similar characteristics across coin types, different coins are graded in slightly different ways. A quality guide will help you get as close to the actual grade of the coin as possible.
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Examine the date on the U.S. coin. If the date cannot be made out, the coin is called a type coin, and is of the lowest grade (often called "Extremely poor" or "Bad"). If the coin's date is difficult to read, that is a giveaway that the coin is in "Poor" or "About Good" condition. If the date is easily readable, the coin may be of a higher grade.
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Inspect both faces of the coin. Pay special attention to the highest details. If the coin's details are all intact and lightly worn, the coin's grade is at least "Extremely Fine." If virtually no wear is visible and the coin has a trace of its original mint luster, the coin is "About Uncirculated" or better. The more wear on the faces of a coin, the lower the grade will be.
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Refer to your price guide's grading outlines for the specific U.S. coin that you are grading to accurately grade the coin. Generally speaking, you should pay specific attention to the readability of any letters adorning the coin as well as just how much physical wear the coin has seen throughout the years.
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Tips & Warnings
The circulated coin grades are as follows (from worst to best): "Poor", "About Good", "Good", "Very Good", "Fine", "Very Fine", "Choice Very Fine", "Extremely Fine", "About Uncirculated" and "Uncirculated." Other subdivisions exist, but for basic pricing of your coin these grades are sufficient.
Visit a U.S. coin store and look over their graded coins to help you get a grasp of the basic grading criteria.
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