The purpose of this guide is to provide a brief explaniation of the terms used most commonly in.

PROOF - A specially made coin distinguished by sharpness of detail and usually with a brilliant, mirrorlike surface. Proof  (PF or PR) refers to the method of manufacture and is not a condition, but normally the term implies perfect condition unless otherwise noted.

PF-65 Gem Proof 65  --  Brilliant surfaces with no noticeable blemishes of flaws.  A few scattered , barely noticeable mark or hairlines.

PF-63 Choice Proof 63  --  Reflective surfaces with only a few blemishes in secondary focal places. No major flaws

PF-60 Proof  60  --  Surface mave have several contace marks, hairlines, or light rubs.  Luster may be dull and eye appeal lacking.

MINT STATE - The term Mint State (MS) and Uncirculated (Unc.) are used interchangably to describe coins showing no trace of wear.  Such coins may vary to some degree because of belimishes, toning, slight imperfections, as described in the following subdivisions.

MS-70 Perfect Uncirculated 70  --  A flawless coin, exactly as it was minted, with no trace of wear or injury.  The coin must have full mint luster, and brilliance, or original toning, and a full strike.  For all intents and purposes, this grade is theoretical.  Only a highly trained specialist can grade this coin.

MS-67 Gem Uncirculated 67  --  Minutely disturbed surfaces, well struck, superior luster, and incredible eye appeal. Any marks must be where you can not see them easily.

MS-65 Choice Uncirculated 65  --  A coin that is far above average Uncirculated; a coin that possesses a superior strike, exceptional luster or desirable original toning with only some minor marks which do not detract from the overall pleasing appearance of the coin.

MS-63 Select Uncirculated 63  --  A mid-range Uncirculated coin which may exhibit numerous but non-severe marks.  It may have a weak but not a poor strike, and it may not be fully brilliant, although it will not have a dull finish.

MS-60 Uncirculated 60  --  A coin that will have no trace of wear but may show numerous contact or bag marks, nicks or spots.  It may lack luster and/or have a weak strike.  This is the lowest grade a coin can be and still be new.

CIRCULATED coins, as their designation suggests, are coins that have been used to some degree.  The grading scale for such specimens stems from Poor-3; applicable to an example so worn its features are barely visible, to About Uncirculated-58, which denote a nearly Uncirculated appearance.  It is virtually impossible to make distinctions between used coins adjacent on the grading scale--for example, a 30 and a 31; as a result, the scale has been divided into groups:

AU-58 Choice About Uncirculated 58  --  This is a virtually new coin, with luster and the basic appearance of a new coin, but has slight wear.  It was sometimes called a "slider" in the trade if the wear came from a coin holder.

AU-55 Choice About Uncirculated 55  --  The wear is barely distinguishable but is visible on the highest points.

AU-50 About Uncirculated 50  --  Nearly all of the detail and most of the luster are still present, but there is light wear on the high points.

EF-45 Choice Extremely Fine 45   --  There is visible wear on the highest points and most of the luster is still present. (or XF-45)

EF-40 Extremely Fine 40 or XF-40  --  Most of the detail and some of the luster still present.

VF Very Fine 20, 25, 30 or 35  --  Light to moderate wear with most of the design still visible and the high points rubbed smooth.

F Fine 12 or 15  --  Moderate to heavy wear with up to half of the design rubbed smooth.

VG Very Good 8 or 10  --  Some of the design still visible but still having full rims.

G Good 4 or 6  --  Some of the design still visible but will be weak and may not have full rims.

AG-3 About Good 3  --  Most of the design will be gone.

FR-2 Fair 2  --  Design will be barely distinguishable but still recognizable.

PO-1 Poor 1  --  Design is recognizable by date and type but no more.

NOTE - Damaged coins, such as those that are Bent, Corrodes, Scratched, Holes, Nicked, Dinged, Stained or Mutiliated, that have characteristics of the Grades described above are worth less than those without defects.

Coins with manufacturing defects do not always lessen values.  Ecamples would be those that have a Weak Strike, or Planchet Flaws, Clip or Lamination Error, Die Cracks, Cuds.  Also coins with Lint Marks or "Strike Threw" a forign material also may not lessen value of a coin. 

This is a basic explaniation of the terms used to explain the grade or condition of coins commonly seen on E-bay.  Its recomended that you consult a grading guide to get specifics explinations for the grading of each coin type.

Check out and look for my coin IDENTIFICATION GUIDES, on all United States Mint denominations.  Half-Cent, Large Cent, Small Cent, 2,3&20 Cents, Half-Dimes, Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, Dollars.....   Silver and Gold Coins....    I think you get the picture.  Have fun and enjoy the hobby of collecting coins.