Basal (Basal State) BL
The least condition a coin can achieve. A mostly circular piece of metal that can still be identified as a coin. Usually heavily damaged.
Poor (PR1)
An intact planchet with less damage then the BL, but the type of coin may be discerned from barley perceptible details. Coin is heavily worn and can have some damage.
Fair (FR2)
The coin is flat, but enough design details allow for determination of the coin type. The date or lettering is almost completely worn off, and may not be readable.
About Good (AG3)
Less flat then an FR2 grade, but more of the design can be seen and some of the lettering and date can be read.
Good (G4)
Most details can be discerned, but will have a lot of wear. Some of the lettering will be merged with the rim in certain spots.
Very Good (VG8)
Hair is flat, rays have weak spots, part of motto is weak, but with a complete rim.
Fine (F12)
Hair bordering face is weak, slight wear on hair of the neck and the bun, and rays show a trace of wear.
Very Fine (VF30)-(VF20)
Hair details bordering face weak, upper hair wave has light wear, hair by the ear area is worn, but single strands discernable. A VF20 will show a little more wear on above features.
Extra Fine (EF40)-(EF45)
Hair has slight flatness on high points, but most hair strands separated. The face and lower neck lightly worn. A EF45 will show a smaller amount of wear on the above features.
Almost Uncirculated (AU50)-(AU58)
Slight traces of wear on cheek, neck, hair around ear, and forehead; high points only. In AU58, only a slight trace of wear will be evident above the ear, and must not be confused with weak strike. Also, look for traces of slight wear on the rim and reeding; a hint of brief circulation.
Mint State (MS60-MS70)
In MS60 there is no trace of wear, but will have a large amount of contact marks, and often less appealing then a choice AU58. In MS63 the coin will have less contact marks then an MS60, and they will be less distracting. In MS65 the coin is considered a GEM, and may have a slight nick or two on the cheek, but should be mostly smooth; some slight contact marks are acceptable in the fields but shouldn't distract from the eye appeal. In MS70 the coin is perfect with no slight contact marks whatsoever.