|
These five grades are the bench marks between which the other
mintstate grades are interpolated. For example, MS-64 is the
grade given to a coin that is better than MS-63 but does not
quite have the requisites for MS-65.
Perfect Mintstate (MS-70) MS-70 is a theoretical perfection.
To achieve such a grade, the planchet will have to have been
perfectly formed, and have flawless, lint-free surfaces. The
dies will have to have been in new condition and raised from
unworn masters, and the dies will have had no lint, dust,
oil or other contaminants on their surfaces. The coining press
will have been perfectly adjusted to give a full strike to
the coin, which will then have received no marks upon being
ejected from the press, nor in its slide down the chutes and
sorting tables/grids and into a receiving bin. Nor will it
have been marred by all the other coins following it into
the bin, nor from the dumping and counting into bags for distribution.
Such a coin is not possible. We are dealing here with an automated
process that manufactures "Business Strikes" intended
for daily commerce.
Perfect Specimen, Perfect Proof (SP-70, PF-70) Although
rarely seen, these are attainable grades, since Specimens
and Proofs are generally double struck on specially prepared,
polished blanks using specially prepared dies on a slow, high
pressure press, and the pieces are immediately hand picked
off the press with gloved hands and carefully placed in protective
holders.
Superb Mintstate (MS-67) Pieces of this quality will
immediately catch the experienced eye and will appear as perfect
coins to most other graders. They are distinguished by their
full (or very nearly full) strike, superb, virtually flawless
surfaces and superb lustre. If there are any shortcomings
or detractions, they are not initially obvious, but will be
discovered only after extensive study under magnification.
These are exceptional pieces, rarely seen.
Click on the coins to view a larger image
     
Gem Mintstate (MS-65) There is a definite look of
quality to an MS-65 coin that easily distinguishes it from
lower grades of Mintstate. On initial examination, with the
naked eye, the piece will appear nearly perfect. A more detailed
examination will uncover minor flaws. The strike will be no
less than that typically seen for the series, and the surfaces
will have only slight marks that will not distract from the
overall appeal of the coin. The lustre will normally be better
than that usually seen on Mintstate coins of its type. It
is not unusual that one of these factors will be well above
the required level and will compensate for another factor
which is a bit below standard. Virtually flawless surfaces
may, for example make up for subdued lustre or a slightly
weak strike.
Click on the coins to view a larger image
     
Choice Mintstate (MS-63) Generally speaking, this
can be thought of as a nice example of Mintstate coin which
does not meet the exacting quality requirements of a Gem Mintstate
coin. An MS-63 coin will be an attractive and quite typical
example of a "new" coin of its type with a strike
that is typical for the series. There will be a number of
surface marks, but not too many, too large nor too awkwardly
placed so as to be a distraction. And, while the lustre is
usually attractive, it may be somewhat subdued or there may
be some dull areas. Frequently, an MS-63 coin is an MS-65
coin that has a slight deficiency such as one too many hits.
Also very often, one of the grading factors will be of a high
quality not normally seen at this grade and will compensate
for a weaker factor, such as superb lustre balancing a weak
strike, or diminished lustre being propped-up by near flawless
surfaces.
Click on the coins to view a larger image
     
Typical Mintstate (MS-60) The surfaces of an MS-60
coin will often have what is often described as a "baggy"
look, with a numerous "bag marks" or "hits"
of varying sizes depending on the hardness of the metal. And,
while it is usual to expect an MS-60 to look a bit beat-up,
if any of the hits are abnormally large or deep, they need
to be described separately. The strike may be soft or weak,
and the lustre may be impaired by a dullness from over dipping
and be much less than expected on a new coin of its type.
There is, however, no wear on the surfaces of the coin.
Click on the coins to view a larger image
    
NEXT: Go
to Grading Circulated Coins Page
This material is being used under license from the Canadian Coinoisseur, inc.
You can find more information at http://www.coinoisseur.com
|
