FDC, EE – (Exceptional Exemplary):

An “EE” grade denotes an exceptional specimen free of defects and possessing very desirable qualities. The coin will be well centered on a broad flan, with the entire listel being visible on both sides. The patina will be pleasing to the eye, while the quality of the engraving and portrait will be extremely high with no problems (pits, chips, cracks) to the metal. Light, almost imperceptible wear is allowed, an EE coin will be an “EF” of extremely high quality possessing great eye appeal. Needless to say one very rarely sees this ultimate state of conservation.

Superbe = EF – (Extremely Fine):

Exemplary with only the smallest amount of almost imperceptible wear, close to the exceptional state, but on which the whole listel is not visible. Possibly with a less fine engraving or a less appealing patina. The wear is not perceptible except very lightly on the highest relief points. Must be well centered. Note a coin in “Good Very Fine” with an extraordinary patina, or an exceptional portrait, sometimes can attain this grade.

TTB = GVF – (Good Very Fine):

Exemplary but exhibiting a comparatively small amount of wear, but still well centered on both faces, with a nice engraving and without major defects. Still a very nice coin, the relief simply being a bit blunted.

TB = VF – (Very Fine):

Exemplary with not too much wear present on the prominent relief, perhaps the laurel wreath, for instance, may be partly worn off. All the important details must remain visible and the piece will suffer no major defects. Coin will possess a visible minor defect not ruining the coin entirely.

B+ = GF – (Good Fine):

Worthy exemplary to enter into a collection, but presenting pronounced wear, the reliefs are strongly eroded , the crown and the hair are strongly worn, plus there will be other various defects.

B = FINE – (Fine):

Exemplary but with pronounced wear and several obvious defects.

BC = FAIR – (Fair):

Major defects such as a hole or very strong wear.

Note that by "wear ", one must consider the actual wear of the coin as well as how evenly it was struck. Various intermediary states are indeed possible: Good extremely fine, Near extremely fine, Nice very fine…etc. The state “FDC” was avoided here, because in the opinion of many persons, any coin without traces of circulation is considered FDC. And, we prefer to use "Exceptional state", in order to say that certain coins introduce more desirable qualities other than a simple absence of wear.

Do not blindly trust the grading of sellers on eBay, as they are often wildly overestimated.