From 1 to 70. A structured language for condition.
The IGA grading scale uses a 1–70 numeric system to describe the preservation of coins and eligible collectibles. Each number reflects a technical assessment of the item’s visible condition at the time of examination, based on wear, surface quality, strike, luster, eye appeal, and rim or edge condition. A grade is not just a number — it is a structured way to document an item’s condition, compare it with similar pieces, and present it clearly among hobbyists, collectors, and dealers.
The complete 1–70 spectrum
Tap a segment to read what defines that bracket.
Mint State
Uncirculated. Quality makes the difference.
Mint State grades describe items with no visible wear from circulation. However, Mint State does not automatically mean perfect. Within this range, the grade depends on surface preservation, contact marks, strike quality, luster, and eye appeal. An MS-60 piece may be uncirculated but show noticeable marks or average visual quality, while an MS-70 piece approaches the highest level of visible perfection under the applicable grading standard.
- No visible circulation wear.
- Grade depends on surface quality, luster, and strike.
- The difference between 60 and 70 can be significant in value and rarity.
About Uncirculated
Nearly uncirculated, with very light friction.
About Uncirculated grades apply to items that retain most of their original appearance but show slight friction on the highest points of the design. Some pieces in this range may look uncirculated to the unaided eye, but close examination reveals limited wear or minor loss of luster.
- Very light friction on high points.
- Most original luster remains.
- May look Mint State at a quick glance.
Extremely Fine
Light circulation with very strong detail.
Extremely Fine pieces show limited circulation wear, usually only on the highest points of the design. Most details remain sharp and clear, and traces of original luster may remain in protected areas or between design elements. This range is suitable for pieces that still have strong visual presence despite having entered circulation.
- Light and limited wear.
- Most major details remain sharp.
- Traces of luster may remain in protected areas.
Very Fine
Clear detail with even wear.
Very Fine grades describe pieces that have seen clear circulation, while still retaining most major design elements. Wear is visible on the high points, but lettering, main lines, and some interior detail remain visible to varying degrees. This range is common for historical pieces that combine attractive appearance with honest use.
- Most major detail remains visible.
- Wear is clear but even.
- Strong presentation for a circulated item.
Fine
Moderate wear with the core design intact.
Fine grades show moderate wear across much of the item, while the main design remains clear and largely complete. Fine details may be weak or partially missing, but the major elements, key lettering, and date are generally readable.
- Core design remains clear.
- Moderate, even wear.
- Fine details are weak or partly missing.
Very Good
Well-worn, but strongly identifiable.
Very Good pieces show significant wear, but the main design remains clear enough to identify easily. Some interior details may be weak or missing, while the outline, key lettering, and date are usually distinguishable.
- Main design remains recognizable.
- Some interior detail may remain.
- Rim and lettering are generally identifiable.
Good
Main design present, fine detail mostly gone.
Good grades apply to pieces that have experienced long circulation and clear wear. The general design outline remains, but fine details are usually smooth or nearly gone. Lettering or date may remain readable to varying degrees, and the rim may begin to merge with the field.
- Overall design outline remains visible.
- Most fine detail is gone.
- Lettering or date should generally remain identifiable.
About Good
Very heavy wear with major outlines remaining.
About Good pieces show very heavy wear, with only major outlines or parts of the main design remaining. Interior detail is usually lost, and lettering or date may be weak, but the item can usually still be identified by type or origin.
- Major outlines partly visible.
- Interior detail mostly gone.
- Basic identity remains determinable.
Fair
Extremely worn, but still identifiable.
Fair grades describe pieces with extreme wear and most design detail lost. Only basic outlines or limited parts of the lettering or date may remain. Even so, the item should generally remain identifiable by type, period, or origin.
- Most design detail is gone.
- Basic identity remains possible.
- Often used for rare or reference pieces.
Poor
The lowest grade on the scale.
Poor is used for pieces with extremely heavy wear or damage, where most design elements are no longer clear. Enough evidence should remain to identify the item in a general way, even if the details are almost entirely gone. This grade gives a clear place on the scale to items that remain identifiable despite very weak condition.
- Design details are nearly gone.
- Heavy wear or damage may be present.
- Identification relies on limited remaining evidence.
Behind every number is a structured technical assessment.
An item’s grade is not based on one factor alone. The final grade reflects a balanced reading of multiple elements that affect condition, appearance, and comparability with similar pieces. Grading is a structured technical opinion based on the item’s condition at the time of examination, IGA’s applicable standards, and the information available during review — and a numeric grade does not guarantee any specific market value, resale price, or commercial acceptance. If a material concern appears after certification, a review request may be submitted according to IGA’s approved Grade Guarantee terms.
Preservation and Wear
The most important factor. The grader reviews how much of the original design remains and how circulation or wear has affected the main and high-point details.
Surface Quality
This includes contact marks, scratches, hairlines, spots, environmental damage, and any surface issue that may affect the grade or result in a Details designation.
Strike Quality
Strike quality measures how clearly the design was transferred from die to item. Some weak details may result from strike weakness rather than wear, so the two must be distinguished carefully.
Luster
Luster reflects the character of the surface and how much of the original mint appearance remains. It is evaluated carefully while considering metal, age, and issue type.
Eye Appeal
Eye appeal includes visual balance, color, consistency, overall impression, and how attractive the item appears compared with similar pieces at the same grade.
Rim and Edge Condition
The rim, edge, and any side impacts or damage are reviewed because these elements can affect the grade or the item’s eligibility for encapsulation in a slab.
Every term, clearly defined
In some cases, an item may be genuine but receive a Details designation instead of a full numeric grade because of a material surface or condition issue — such as cleaning, heavy scratches, environmental damage, repair, holes, or soldering. A Details designation does not automatically mean the item is not genuine; it means a material issue must be documented alongside the grading result. The glossary helps explain technical terms that may appear on a label or certificate page — including Details, Proof, Cameo, Cleaning, Environmental Damage, and more.