Secondly, it is difficult to learn the skill of grading Mint State coins from a series of descriptions or pictures found in the book or online at a website. However, purchasing a book on grading uncirculated coins is a great way to start. Consequently, I recommend that you go to your favorite local coin dealer or coin show and look at Mint State coins in person. Ask the coin dealer why he graded them as such. Remember to use your coin show etiquette skills to learn the most you can from the coin dealer. Even better, since coin grading is not an exact science, talk to several coin dealers so you can learn different strategies. Finally, you may want to bring several coins that you graded yourself. Explain to your favorite dealer why you graded them as you did. If he disagrees with your grade, ask him why and then listen to his response. By listening to experienced coin dealers, you can acquire years worth of grading experience in just a few minutes. Determining the grade of a Mint State coin can be broken down into four distinct areas, each with varying degrees of importance in determining the final grade between MS-60 and MS-70. The categories that determine the grade of a mint state coin are: Handling coins during the production process can result in the following imperfections on the surface of the coin:
Bag marks resulting from the movement and handling of coins in bins or large bags Scrapes, dings, small scratches during the manufacturing process The larger the coin, the more bag marks and deeper bag marks on the surface of the coin Older/classic collectible coins may have friction or slider marks from being stored in old wooden coin cabinets Light friction on the highest points of the design is acceptable as long as this resulted from handling in mint bags or bins. Caution: This should not be confused with circulation friction on the highest points of the coin’s design.
The level of surface preservation can be divided into six categories as follows:
Poor (MS-60 to MS-61) heavy marks and scratches over the entire surface Fair (MS-61 to MS-62) numerous marks and scratches but not so heavy and concentrated, maybe a few toned spots Average (MS-63 to MS-64) noticeable marks scattered across the surface of the coin but not as heavy nor deep or numerous hairline scratches Choice (MS-65 to MS-66) minimal marks that are scattered, none of them deep nor obtrusive Gem (MS-67 to MS-69) a few trivial marks that are shallow and not obtrusive when looking at the coin. Some may be only observable under magnification Gem Perfect (MS-70) no marks or imperfections are visible on the surface of the coin, even under magnification.
The following two variables determine the quality of the strike: The poor luster on the surface of a coin can result from weak striking pressure, poor storage conditions (such as moisture or harsh environmental conditions), or excessive cleaning/dipping of a coin in a mild acid to remove surface toning. Dark and ugly toning will detract from the grade that your Mint State coin will receive. Bright colors that are attractive or have a rainbow effect will result in a higher Mint State grade. Unfortunately, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and what may be beautiful to one coin collector may be ugly to another. Toning on older coins may also indicate that the coin has not been cleaned or dipped since it was minted. For example, a 150-year-old silver coin should not be bright and gleaming just as the day it came off the coining press. However, new and modern coins should have bright and brilliant color to them.
