Sheldon Scale vs. Descriptive Grading
Compare the American 70-point system to traditional European (UK/CGS) and World descriptive grading standards.
Understanding the Differences
The **Sheldon Scale** (MS-70 to P-1) is a numerical standard primarily used in the U.S. and for certified coins globally. Traditional **Descriptive Grading Systems** (like those often referred to as CGS, or used in the UK/Europe) use terms like Fine, Extremely Fine, and Uncirculated, which cover a much wider range of quality than a single numerical grade.
Note: Conversions are approximate. A coin's appearance can cause its numerical and descriptive grades to shift slightly.
Grade Comparison Chart
| Numerical Grade (Sheldon) | Descriptive Grade (CGS/UK) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| **MS-70 to MS-60** | **Uncirculated (Unc.) / Fleur de Coin (FDC)** | No wear present; as struck. MS-65+ often called "Gem Uncirculated." |
| **AU-58 to AU-50** | **About Uncirculated (AUnc.) / Extremely Fine (EF)** | Very slight friction or wear visible on high points; nearly full luster. |
| **EF-49 to EF-40** | **Extremely Fine (EF)** | Light wear on the high points. All major details are sharp and clear. |
| **VF-35 to VF-20** | **Very Fine (VF)** | Moderate, even wear on the surface. All major design elements are visible. |
| **F-15 to F-12** | **Fine (F)** | Considerable wear, but the main features and lettering are clear. |
| **VG-10 to VG-8** | **Very Good (VG)** | Heavy wear, but the coin is readable and major features are outlined. |
| **G-6 to P-1** | **Good (G) to Fair (F)** | Severely worn. The date and type are identifiable, but most detail is gone. |
CGS Numerical Grade Conversion Chart
Detailed comparison of the 100-point CGS numerical system, traditional UK grading terms, and the USA Sheldon (MS/AU/VF) scale.
Grade Conversion Table
| CGS Numerical Grade | Average Raw UK Grade | Average Standard USA Sheldon |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | FDC | MS70 |
| 99 | FDC | MS70 |
| 98 | FDC | MS70 |
| 97 | FDC | MS70 |
| 96 | FDC | M69+ |
| 95 | FDC | MS69 |
| 94 | AFDC | MS68+ |
| 93 | AFDC | MS68 |
| 92 | AFDC | MS67+ |
| 91 | AFDC | MS67 |
| 90 | NFDC | MS66 |
| 88 | BU -NFDC | MS65+ |
| 85 | Choice UNC - BU | MS65 |
| 82 | Choice UNC | MS 64+ |
| 80 | Choice UNC | MS 64 |
| 78 | UNC | MS 63 |
| 75 | UNC or near so | MS 62 |
| 70 | AU | MS62 |
| 65 | GEF | MS61 |
| 60 | EF | AU58 - MS60 |
| 55 | NEF | AU55 |
| 50 | GVF | AU55 |
| 45 | GVF | AU 53 |
| 40 | VF | AU 50 |
| 35 | NVF | XF 45 |
| 30 | GF | XF 40 |
| 25 | GF | XF35 |
| 20 | F | XF30 |
| 15 | NF | XF20 |
| 10 | VG | XF15 |
| 8 | VG | VG10 |
| 5 | GOOD | VG8 |
| 4 | FAIR | G4 |
| 3 | FAIR | G3 |
| 2 | FAIR | G2 |
| 1 | FAIR | G1 |