What are the meanings of Coin ratings?

Question

I see a coin for sale and it's labelled as: "PF68 ULTRA CAMEO". What does this mean? Also, how does it compare with the other coin ratings and what are these ratings?

Answer 1

you probabley dont expect a s**y babe to know this but I do collect stamps snd coins

PF  refers to the fact it is a proof coin

68 refers to the mint state 68 is a high number and reflective of a high quality coin.

Mint states run from poor 4 to ms 70 which is the highest mint state of frosted proof

Ultra cameo refers to the quality of the toning an important factor in determining condition

Answer 2

Circulated coins are graded on a scale of 4 thru 59. Uncirculated or Mint State coins are graded on a scale of 60 thru 70. The higher the number the better the grade. A proof coin is a coin that has gone through a special minting process. Proof coins are still mint state coins and as such are graded on the same 60 thru 70 scale.

Proof 68 is a high grade proof coin. The ultra cameo means that the background is highly reflective but the design elements have a very frosty look to them creating a pleasant contrasting look to the coin.

To get a better feel for the descriptions used to grade coins I would suggest you get a copy of the Red Book. Most book stores will have one or you might find one at a library. I believe that PCGS.com also has a listing of coin grades.

Have fun.

Answer 3

Coins are not rated but are graded. A numbering system as well as a word grading system is in use today. PF means proof and it is not a grade but a type of a coin. A proof coin no matter what it's grade is made from a special die, with a special planchet and struck more than once in a coining press under more pressure than coins made for general circulation. A PF68 Ultra Cameo coin is a proof that is in the high end of mint state and the image in the center has a real frosted look that stick out. Ultra Cameo is add as dealer talk and of course the grading companies go along with the dealers. There is a lot to grading to much to use this forum to tell you. It would take to much time and space. See a coin dealer and ask him to explain the grading system for coins. You can also buy books from coin dealers on grading.