Strike Type: MS
Mint State. Coins struck in the same format as circulation issues. Applies to grades 60 to 70.
Strike Type: PF
Proof. Coins struck in a special format for collectors.
Numeric Grades
WAC uses a numeric grade to succinctly describe a problem-free coin’s condition. The available numeric grades range from 1 to 70 based on an internationally recognized scale developed in the 1940s. As the numeric grade increases, a coin’s condition is considered to be better. Some numbers are skipped below the grade of 60, which is the threshold for a coin to be considered Uncirculated.
MS/PF 70
Mint State. Uncirculated coins.
MS/PF 69
Mint State. Uncirculated coins.
MS/PF 68
Mint State. Uncirculated coins.
MS/PF 67
Mint State. Uncirculated coins.
MS/PF 66
Mint State. Uncirculated coins.
MS/PF 65
Mint State. Uncirculated coins.
MS/PF 64
Mint State. Uncirculated coins.
MS/PF 63
Mint State. Uncirculated coins.
MS/PF 62
Mint State. Uncirculated coins.
MS/PF 61
Mint State. Uncirculated coins.
MS/PF 60
Mint State. Uncirculated coins.
AU 58
Almost Uncirculated
AU 55
Almost Uncirculated
AU 53
Almost Uncirculated
AU 50
Almost Uncirculated
XF 45
Extremely Fine
XF 40
Extremely Fine
VF 35
Very Fine
VF 30
Very Fine
VF 25
Very Fine
VF 20
Very Fine
F 15
Fine
F 12
Fine
VG 10
Very Good
VG 8
Very Good
G 6
Good
G 4
Good
AG 3
About Good
FR 2
Fair
PO 1
Poor
Plus Grades
WAC assigns a to coins at the high end of their assigned grade, approaching the quality requirements for the next grade. For example, a coin graded WAC MS 64 is close to the quality of a coin graded WAC MS 65. In addition to their superior technical merit, coins that receive a must have above-average eye appeal.
Coins grading from WAC XF 45 to WAC MS 68 or WAC PF 45 to WAC PF 68 may receive a , while lower- and higher-grade coins cannot.
Strike Characters
Strike characters are used to describe how well an area of a coin is struck and when information is of specific interest to collectors. For example, strike characters can describe the degree of red luster on a copper coin’s surface (BN, RB and RD), the degree of contrast on a Proof coin (Cameo and Ultra Cameo) or other distinctive features, such as FB for Full Bands on a Mercury Dime.
RD
Red. A coin with full mint red luster.
RB
Red Brown. A coin with a mix of red luster and brown patina.
BN
Brown. A coin with full or nearly full brown patina.
DPL
Deep Prooflike. The fields are deeply mirrored. Does not apply to Proof coins.
PL
Prooflike. The fields are mirrored. Does not apply to Proof coins.
Ultra Cameo
Applies only to PF coins. The fields are deeply mirrored and the devices are heavily frosted for bold contrast on both sides of the coin.
