Grade is the single biggest factor in Roman coin pricing. An Augustus denarius in EF can sell for three to five times the same type in F. Understanding grades helps you assess whether a coin is good value before you buy.
Uncirculated. No wear whatsoever.
Exactly as struck — every detail razor-sharp, original mint lustre preserved. Exceptionally rare for ancient coins, which spent centuries underground.
Slight traces of wear on the highest points only.
Just a whisper of circulation. High relief areas (portraits, eagle wings) may show faint friction. Most of the original lustre survives.
Light even wear on highest points. Sharp overall.
The practical top grade for most collectors. All design elements clear and well-defined. Hair strands, legend letters, and reverse details all legible.
Moderate wear on high points. All major features sharp.
The most common collector grade. Portrait still strong, major details present, though fine hair and drapery lines may be softened by wear.
Even moderate to considerable wear. All design elements visible.
Portrait and reverse recognisable but smoothed. Legend fully readable. A good entry point for rare types where better grades are unaffordable.
Well worn. Design clearly visible but flat.
Main design outline clear, but surface detail largely worn away. Legend may be partially worn but still readable.
Heavily worn. Design visible but faint in spots.
The portrait outline survives but features are mostly flat. Legend may be incomplete. Chosen only for very rare types.
Extremely worn. Portions of legend visible.
Barely identifiable. Typically purchased only for historical interest or as a placeholder for an impossibly rare type.
Median sale price at each grade. Filter to compare specific types.
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Price records will appear here as auction data is added.