By CoinWeek Notes …..
Also known as “About Uncirculated 58”, or “Borderline BU,” AU58 is a specific grade on the Sheldon Scale. A properly graded AU58 coin shows only the slightest evidence of wear, typically on its highest points. It retains about 90% of its original luster and may appear uncirculated except under specific lighting conditions.
This grade was introduced in the 1970s by numismatist Tom DeLorey.
AU58 coins are often visually appealing and can sometimes have better eye appeal than coins graded MS60–MS62. Some MS60 to MS62 coins exhibit “cabinet friction,” which is a form of wear that is said to have been caused by incidental contact. Seeing as it takes more than incidental contact to cause wear on a coin’s surface, an argument can be made that such wear should reduce a coin’s grade to AU58. CoinWeek advises against paying Mint State prices for coins with this type of wear.
Current Definitions of AU58 from Major Third-Party Grading Services
CAC Grading (as of 8/2025):
CoinWeek asked for clarification on April 7, 2024.
NGC Grading (as of 8/2025):
“Slight wear on the highest points of the design. Full details.”
PCGS Grading (as of 8/2025):
“Only the slightest friction on the highest points. Virtually full luster.”
Extended Coverage on CoinWeek
U.S. gold coin specialist and CoinWeek Content Partner Doug Winter offers some tips on how to price “Gem Sliders”.
Notes on Other Grades in the Sheldon Coin Grading Scale
- Good (G04 or G06)
- MS64: The In-Between Grade
- MS70: The Controversial “Perfect” Grade*
- PR70: The “Perfect” Proof Grade
* * *
I’ve owned both an AU58 Barber quarter – 1892 and an AU55 Half Dollar – 1834. Both coins had very nice luster, little to no bag marks or dings. The half showed definite wear but had great eye appeal. If you do your due diligence when buying you can cherry pick these coins over mint state 60 coins and pay far below what the mint state grade would command, and still get a beautiful coin. The Barber quarter was almost indistinguishable from an MS coin. Both were certified by PCGS.
Allmost mint!
That is a really cool looking coin! It really caught my eye!
Too bad the article didn’t include examples showing more appealing AU58s vs. the less appealing MS60-62s.
I agree Jonathan.
It helps to see the differences between the grades being discussed. I’ve seen some pretty ugly MS coins in the past. I’ve also seen some beautiful lower grade coins.
I’ve cherry picked a few for bargain prices. I don’t need perfect coins for my collection, just above average pieces for the grade. I have a 1917 Type 1 SLQ graded XF45 by NGC. It has a gold, not a green CAC sticker. I got it for $37 plus buyers premium at an auction 4 years ago. SLQ’s are my to to series. Can’t get enough of them. Lol.
Amazing coin!
I have 6 AU 58 BN. Pennies. I have a1973 1C; 1973D 1C; 1984 1C; 1971D 1C; 1980 1C and a 1975 1C. They were all graded by NGC.
I own a 1920 Standing liberty quarter certified as AU58 by NGC with a CAC sticker to boot.
Beautiful coin with plenty of luster, near FH, and some very nice toning around the denticles. Pink and blue hues. I’ll never part with it!
I agree Jonathan.
It helps to see the differences between the grades being discussed. I’ve seen some pretty ugly MS coins in the past. I’ve also seen some beautiful lower grade coins.
I’ve cherry picked a few for bargain prices. I don’t need perfect coins for my collection, just above average pieces for the grade. I have a 1917 Type 1 SLQ graded XF45 by NGC. It has a gold, not a green CAC sticker. I got it for $37 plus buyers premium at an auction 4 years ago. SLQ’s are my to to series. Can’t get enough of them. Lol.