"VF" stands for "Very Fine" condition in the British and American grading systems. A VF coin has about 75% of the original design remaining, with all major details still sharp. Minor details such as hairlines and feathers may be worn off. The VF grade is further subdivided into 11 (or sometimes 16) sub-grades ranging from VF20 to VF30 (or VF35), allowing for more specific distinctions.
The 1853-D Half Eagle is a higher mintage (89,678) coin from the Dahlonega, Georgia Mint. This issue was heavily circulated with most examples seen below the grade of AU-50. It is considered the most common issue from this popular southern mint an very desirable as a type coin. A certified example in VF-35 should be in the $1,000.00 to $1,500.00 maybe more or less depending on the condition and actual grade. Coins from this Mint that have not been cleaned or damaged are getting harder to find.
VF means Very Fine. Coin collectors grade our coins on a scale of 1 -70. This is known as the sheldon scale of coin grading. This is how the Sheldon scale is formed: PO-1, FR-2, AG-3, G-4, G-6, VG-8, VG-10, F-12, F-15, VF-20, VF-25, VF-30, VF-35, XF-40, XF-45, AU-50, AU-53, AU-55, AU-58, MS-60, MS-61, MS-62, MS-63, MS-64, MS-65, MS-66, MS-67, MS-68, MS-69 and MS-70 Almost Good, Good, Very Good, Fine, Very Fine, Extra Fine, Extra Fine, Almost Uncirculated, Mint State.