What is VF in coin grading?
Michael Gray
Updated on April 08, 2026
The numerical grades MS-60 through MS-70, used to denote a business strike coin that never has been in circulation….PCGS Grading Standards.
| Grade | Labeling | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Very Fine 35 | VF-35 | Light wear is seen over entire surface though all major detail still visible. |
What does FB mean in coin grading?
Full Bands
To qualify for NGC’s Full Bands (FB) designation, the two central bands (seen at the center of the coin) must show full separation (with a recessed area between them). The top and bottom groups of bands must also show separation.
What does it mean when coin is graded VF or EF?
If you may see a coin graded as ‘VF/EF’ it means the obverse side (head side) is ‘Very Fine’ and the reverse (tails side) is ‘Extremely Fine’. Some collectors will even use preceding letters to further describe a grade.
What’s the difference between AU and EF coins?
AU – Almost Uncirculated Coins Grade Explanation: AU graded coins have a small trace of wear visible on the highest points. XF or EF – Extremely Fine Grade Explanation: XF grade coins (or EF) have very light wear on only the highest points.
What’s the difference between GVF and VF coins?
Some collectors will even use preceding letters to further describe a grade. For example, a ‘G’ for Good, ‘N’ for Near and ‘A’ for About – which can result in ‘GVF’ being used to describe a coin that is better than a ‘Very Fine’ (VF) but is also not quite in the ‘Extremely Fine’ (EF) bracket.
What to look for when grading a coin?
With an XF coin, you can usually see the wear without messing around too much, but it is a very small amount of wear. There is often some of the mint luster left on the coin. Most of the devices on the coin are clearly defined. For each type of coin, there are different things to look for in determining if a coin meets this demanding grade.
