Canadian Coin Grading
Elizabeth II (1953 - 1964)
This page describes the criteria used to assign grades to Canadian circulation coins which use the portrait of Elizabeth II between 1953 and 1964. It also shows sample images of each grade.
All photos used here were taken of coins that have been professionally graded by companies like PCGS.
NOTE: Click on any photo to load a much larger version of both the obverse and reverse sides of the graded coin
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PO-1 (Poor 1)- Refers to a coin which is so worn that most or all of the lettering around the portrait merge into the rims, and the rims are worn flat. - You might not even see the entire outline of the portrait. - You may not be able to determine the date, but should be able to determine the denomination by the outline of the portrait, the diameter, approximate weight and type of metal of the coin. At this grade the weight may not be a match to the specifications because so much of the metal has worn away. |
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AG-3 (About Good 3)- Only the silhouette of Elizabeth remains. All portrait detail is worn away. - No traces of the detail in her hair or laurel wreath, the outline of the eye and the jaw line are barely visible. - Most (if not all) of the letters around the rim have begun to merge with the field. G-4 (Good 4)- Some of the letters around the rim may have begun to merge with the field. |
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VG-8 (Very Good 8)- All of the detail of the laurel leaves and hair have worn away. The shoulder folds of the dress are also worn flat. - All of the lettering around the rim is raised from the background, but worn down. |
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F-15 (Fine 15)- The four central laurel leaves and the top next leaves are almost worn through. - The hair detail above and below the ear is gone. - Dress folds are worn. - The outline of the ear is noticeably flattened. |
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VF-20 (Very Fine 20)- The hairline from above the eye down to the nape of the neck shows wear. - The four central leaves of the laurel wreath are worn. - The dress folds are clear. - No mint lustre is present. |
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EF-40 or XF-40 (Extra Fine 40)- There is slight wear on the swept back hair and the laurel wreath. - The eyebrow is worn. - The dress folds are distinct. - Mint luster has all but disappeared. The only mint lustre may appear between the letters of the legend. |
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AU-50 (About Uncirculated 50)- Very slight wear on the eyebrow. - Some traces of wear appear on all high points. - 50% of the lustre is present. - Mint lustre has been disturbed in the fields around the design. |
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MS-60 (Mint State 60)- No traces of wear anywhere. - Contact or handling marks (bag marks) may be present on all parts of the design. - Lustre may be disturbed, but is present to a high degree. |
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MS-63 (Mint State 63)- No trace of wear anywhere. - May have minor contact marks and blemishes. - Typical strike strength and original mint lustre. |
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MS-66 (Mint State 66)- No trace of wear anywhere. A nearly perfect coin. - May have minor hairlines or handling contact marks in secondary areas ONLY. - Full original mint lustre must be present. |