German Rating System

The German system of coin grades is based on a standardised scale that assesses the condition and quality of a coin. There are several recognised grades that are used in the German-speaking world to describe the condition of a coin. The most important grades are
1. brilliant uncirculated (stgl): Coin is in perfect condition, with no visible signs of wear. It has a reflective lustre.
2. excellent (vz): Coin shows minimal signs of wear, such as light scratches or abrasion on the raised areas. However, the details are still clearly recognisable.
3. very fine (ss): Coin shows clear signs of wear, such as scratches, abrasions and slight deformations. The details are partially worn.
4. beautiful (s): Coin shows strong signs of wear with significant loss of detail. Scratches, abrasions and deformations are present.
5. very poorly preserved (sg): Coin is heavily worn and shows considerable deformation, scratches and abrasion. Details are barely recognisable.
These conservation grades are used for the uniform assessment of the condition of coins in the German-speaking world and enable collectors, dealers and auction houses to make a standardised assessment of the condition and associated value of a coin.