ANG Coin Grading Standards
ANG uses the internationally recognized Sheldon 1-70 numerical grading scale, which was first introduced in the United States in the late 1940s. When ANG was established in 1987, it adopted this widely accepted industry standard. Below are ANG's numerical grading standards, along with the main minting types and designations.
What does Grade 70 mean?
A coin with no post-production flaws visible under 5x magnification is graded MS70 or PF70 by ANG.
Minting Types
ANG prefixes a coin's numerical grade with two letters to indicate its production method and overall appearance. Among these, MS is the most commonly used, standing for Mint State (uncirculated), which refers to coins minted for circulation; and PF, standing for Proof, which are coins specially minted for collectors. Another minting type is SP, standing for Specimen, which describes coins that do not meet the Proof standard but are in better condition than regular circulation coins.
Numerical Grading
ANG uses numerical grading to succinctly describe the condition of a problem-free coin. Based on the internationally recognized quantitative standard developed in the 1940s, the numerical grading scale ranges from 1 to 70. The higher the number, the better the coin's condition. Below grade 60, some numbers are skipped, and grade 60 is the threshold for determining whether a coin is uncirculated.
Plus and Star
ANG uses the plus symbol ( ) to identify coins that are of better quality within a grade, i.e., coins that are close to the requirements of the next higher grade. ANG uses the star symbol ( ) to identify coins within a grade that have exceptional visual appeal. After evaluation, all coins that qualify for a star or plus symbol will automatically receive this designation. ANG does not charge extra fees for this, as it is part of the ANG coin grading process.
In addition to high technical craftsmanship, coins that receive a " " must have above-average visual appeal.
Not all coins can receive a " ". Coins graded from ANG XF 45 to ANG MS 68 or ANG PF 45 to ANG PF 68 can receive a " "; coins graded above or below these levels cannot. The " " can also be awarded to eligible U.S. coins minted from 1792 to the present (excluding U.S. investment gold and silver coins and modern commemorative coins) and world coins minted before 1970.
During the grading process, all coins are evaluated for eligibility for the " " designation. Only coins submitted for grading are evaluated for the " " designation.
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Having an eye-catching appearance is one of the most subjective characteristics of a coin, but coin graders also score based on other criteria. If a coin has an extremely attractive appearance, it often features very vibrant colors and dazzling luster, especially for proof coins with deep relief and strong contrast between the fields and devices. Coins that meet the criteria for the star symbol ( ) must have fields free of any noticeable defects and must not have any unsightly spots or stains. Coins with toning can be a single color or multiple colors, but they must not have dark brown or near-black patches.
It is important to note that the star symbol ( ) does not significantly affect the grade. For example, an ANG MS64 ( ) coin may be closer to MS 63 or MS 65.
ANG awards the star symbol ( ) to eligible coins during the normal grading process. Coins that have already been certified by ANG can be resubmitted for the star symbol ( ) through the "Designation Review Service."
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Strike Characteristics
Strike characteristics are used to describe specific properties of the appearance of a struck coin, as well as information that is of particular interest to collectors. For example, strike characteristics can describe the amount of original mint red on a copper coin (BN (brown), RB (red-brown), and RD (red)), the contrast between the frosted design elements and the mirror-like fields of a proof coin (Cameo and Ultra Cameo), or other distinctive features, such as FB (Full Bands), which applies to Mercury dimes.
ANG Issue Designations
ANG offers several special issue designations that allow users to know that the coin was received by ANG during a specific time period or at a special event and subsequently graded. These issue designations, such as Early Releases, First Releases, First Day of Issue, and Show Releases, capture the excitement of new coin releases and often come with special ANG certification labels.
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