Here are some examples of typical descriptions under the
adjectival system:
1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln cent, Extremely Fine.
1874-S Liberty Seated quarter, Choice Uncirculated with
iridescent toning around the rims.
1916-D Mercury dime, AU.
1971 Proof Jefferson nickel without mintmark. Gem Proof.
1817 large cent, Newcomb-16, F-VF.
1854-O $20 Very Fine with some nicks on the obverse.
1793 Chain AMERI. large cent, Sheldon-1, AU, lightly
cleaned years ago and now retoned a brown color.
1912-S Liberty nickel, Gem Uncirculated with light
iridescent toning.
Numerical Grading Systems
Although numerical systems for grading have been proposed
several times over the years (an early plan, outlined in the pages of The
Numismatist in the 1890s, suggested Roman numerals, such as I, II, III, IV,
etc.), the system in use today is based upon that created by Dr. William H.
Sheldon in 1949 for use in his book Early American Cents. The Sheldon scale is a
combination of numbers and letters and was originally intended to be part of a
formula for determining market prices.
Important steps in the Sheldon numerical system, as it is
used today, are these:
Poor-1
Fair-2
About Good-3 (abbreviated as AG-3)
