Grades and Abbreviations

The grades you will find on my website follow what is known as the "Sheldon Scale", which is simply a standardized method for the grading of numismatic material. Below is an explanation of grade and metal abbreviations:

(Providers)

NGC: Numismatic Guaranty Corporation- Official coin grading and authenticating service provider.

PCGS: Professional Coin Grading Service- Official coin grading and authenticating service provider.

ANACS: American Numismatic Association Certification Service- Official coin grading and authenticating service provider.

(Grades, Low to High in descending order)

G: Good- Details are full, rim is sharp

VG: Very Good- Exhibits wear throughout design. Soft details

F: Fine- Sharp details, recessed areas are soft

Ch. F: Choice Fine- Sharp details, recessed areas are slightly soft

VF: Very Fine- Near complete detail. Wear on high points, soft design

Ch. VF: Choice Very Fine- Complete detail. Wear on high points.

XF: Extra Fine- Complete detail. Slight wear on  high points.

Ch.XF: Choice Extra Fine- Complete detail. Very slight wear on some high points

AU: Almost Uncirculated- Full details. Slight wear on more than 50% of design

Ch.AU: Choice Almost Uncirculated- Full details. Very slight wear on parts of design

MS: Mint State- Uncirculated coin with seperate grading scale based on production imperfections. 

(Metals)

AE: Bronze

AR: Silver

AU: Gold

Cu: Copper

BI: Billon- Alloy of Silver and base metal, usually copper or bronze

EL: Electrum- Naturally occurring alloy of Gold and Silver

NI: Nickel

Fourrée: French for "Stuffed", a base metal coin with a thick silver or gold plating, sometimes indicative of ancient counterfeit.