G (good)

How to read it

PCGS describes good as little detail but outlined major devices, with the rims on some coins worn to the tops of some letters. The two numbers mostly turn on the rims and the lettering around the edge. At G 6, PCGS says the rims are complete and the peripheral lettering full, and NGC has the rims sharp; at G 4 the major details are worn flat, with minor wear into the rims and the lettering nearly full (PCGS), and NGC has the rims showing wear. An ANA article calls G 4 the lowest grade where the design really starts to become visible. Above G 6 is VG 8; below G 4 is AG 3.

Also searched as: G 4, G 6, good grade.

Why good means heavily worn

Good was once a much better grade. PCGS's history says that when a small number of numismatists traded with each other, three broad terms were enough: good, meaning a coin with most of the detail intact; fine, clear detail with some luster; and uncirculated. As the market grew, terms such as very fine and extra fine emerged for coins in between. Today good is 4 and 6 on a 70-point scale.