Mint State grading is an important aspect of coin collecting, as it helps to determine the condition and value of a coin. The Mint State grading scale is used to evaluate the condition of a coin and ranges from MS-60 to MS-70. In this blog post, we will focus on the Mint State grading scale for Morgan Silver Dollars and the identifying features of each level.
The first level on the Mint State grading scale is MS-60. Coins at this level will have noticeable surface marks and scratches, as well as a lack of luster. These coins may also have weak strikes and may not have full details. They are considered to be in “circulated” condition, meaning they were used in regular commerce.
The next level is MS-61. Coins at this level will have fewer surface marks and scratches than MS-60 coins, but will still have a lack of luster. They will have slightly better details than MS-60 coins, but may still have weak strikes.
MS-62 is the third level, where coins will have fewer surface marks and scratches than MS-61 coins, and will have a slight luster. They will have better details than MS-61 coins and may have slightly better strikes. This level is considered to be a “Choice Uncirculated” condition.
The fourth level is MS-63, where coins will have fewer surface marks and scratches than MS-62 coins and will have a moderate luster. They will have good details and strikes.
MS-64 is the fifth level, where coins will have fewer surface marks and scratches than MS-63 coins, and will have a strong luster. They will have very good details and strikes.
The sixth level is MS-65, where coins will have only a few minor surface marks and scratches, and will have a full luster. They will have excellent details and strikes.
The final level is MS-66 and above, where coins will have no more than a couple of minor surface marks and scratches and will have a full luster. They will have exceptional details and strikes. MS-67 and MS-68 are considered rare and MS-69 and MS-70 are considered extremely rare and are usually only found in collections of the most advanced and dedicated collectors.
It’s important to remember that grading a coin is a subjective process and different experts may have different opinions about a coin’s grade. However, by understanding the Mint State grading scale and the identifying features of each level, you can get a good idea of a Morgan silver dollar’s condition and value. As with any coin, it is important to handle them with care, store them properly and consult a professional coin grader to determine the authenticity and grade of a coin before making a purchase.
Understanding the Mint State grading scale and the identifying features of each level can help a collector in several ways:
- Determining Value: The grade of a coin is one of the major factors that determines its value. By understanding the Mint State grading scale, a collector can get a good idea of a coin’s condition and value, which can help them make informed purchasing decisions.
- Setting Expectations: Knowing the identifying features of each level on the grading scale can help a collector set realistic expectations for the condition of a coin they are considering purchasing.
- Identifying Counterfeits: Understanding the grading scale can also help a collector identify counterfeit coins, as counterfeiters often produce coins that are of a lower grade than their authentic counterparts.
- Building a High-Quality Collection: By understanding the grading scale, a collector can ensure that they are building a high-quality collection of coins that will retain or increase in value over time.
- Identifying Coins that are Undergraded: With the knowledge of the grading scale, a collector can also identify coins that are undergraded, which can be a great opportunity to acquire a coin that is in better condition than its grade suggests, hence increasing the value of their collection.
In conclusion, understanding the Mint State grading scale and the identifying features of each level is an essential part of coin collecting. It can help a collector make informed purchasing decisions, build a high-quality collection, identify counterfeit coins and take advantage of opportunities to acquire undergraded coins.