A coin of grade AU 55 will have only small patches of wear are visible on the highest points of the design.

As is the case with the other grades described here, specific information is listed in The Official American Numismatic Association Grading Standards for U. S. Coins  under the various coin types, for wear often occurs in different spots on different designs.

Eye appeal and surface are above average.

Obverse: Slight wear is evident on only the highest points  forehead, eye, ear, cheek and curls by the neck. Mint luster on the cheek is gone and slight rub from circulation is evident.

Reverse: Details in the feathers on the breast are plain. The eagle's head, tops of legs and talons only show the slightest of wear. All finer details on the wreath are obvious.

Surface:  Most of the mint luster is still present, although marred by light bag marks and surface abrasions.

Full detail with friction on less than 1/2 surface, mainly on high points

Full detail with slight friction on less than 1/2 of surface, on high points. Eye appeal is good.