Coin Grading

Coin Grading

Grade, the condition or state of wear of a coin, is one of the main determining factors of a coin's value. In the modern era a very small difference in grade could mean a very large difference in price.

For this reason we recommend you buy certified coins in holders called "slabs". Buying certified coins can provide a measure of security and lessen your chances of buying an over-graded, doctored or counterfeit coin. There are around a dozen coin certification services in the United States. Westminster Mint only recommends coins certified by the top 4 third party coin grading services PCGS, NGC, ICG and ANACS. These are all widely respected and nationally known services and are considered to be industry leaders.

Mint state coins are coins struck for circulation that never went into circulation. They are graded on a 10 point scale from Mint state 60 - mint state 70

MS70 - The perfect coin. Has very attractive sharp strike and original luster of the highest quality for the date and mint. No contact marks are visible under magnification. There are no noticeable hairlines, scuff marks, or defects. Eye appeal is attractive and outstanding.

MS69 - Has very attractive and full original luster for the date and mint, with no more than two small none detracting contact marks or flaws. No hairlines or scuff marks can be seen. Has exceptional eye appeal.

MS68 - Has attractive sharp strike and full original luster for the date and mint, with no more than four light scattered contact marks or flaws. No hairlines or scuff marks show. Has exceptional eye appeal.

MS67 - Has original luster and normal strike for date and mint. May have three or four very small contact marks and one more noticeable but not detracting mark. On comparable coins, one or two small single hairlines may show, or one or two minor scuff marks or flaws may be present. Eye appeal is above average.

MS66 - Has above average quality of surface and mint luster, with no more than three or four minor or noticeable contact marks. A few light hairlines may show under magnification, or there may be one or two light scuff marks showing. Eye appeal is above average and very pleasing for the date and mint.

MS65 - Shows an attractive high quality of luster and strike for the date and mint. May have a few small scattered contact marks, or two larger marks may be present. One or two small patches of hairlines may show. Noticeable light scuff marks may be seen on the high points of the design. Overall quality is above average and eye appeal is very pleasing.

MS64 - Has at least average luster for strike for the type. Several small contact marks in groups, as well as one or two moderately heavy marks may be present. One or two small patches of hairlines may show.Noticeable light scuff marks or defects might be seen within the design or in the field. Overall quality is attractive with pleasing eye appeal.

MS63 - Mint luster may be slightly impaired. Numerous small contact marks and a few scattered heavy marks may be seen. Small hairlines visible without magnification. Several detracting scuff marks or defects may be present throughout the design or in the fields. The general quality is about average, but overall the coin is rather attractive.

MS62 - An impaired or dull luster may be evident, clusters or small marks may be present throughout with a few large marks or nicks in prime focal areas. Hairlines may be very noticeable. Large unattractive scuff marks might be seen on major features. The strike, rim and planchet quality may be noticeably below average. Overall eye appeal is below average.

MS61 - Mint luster may be diminished or noticeably impaired, and the surfaces may have clusters of large and small contact marks throughout. Hairlines could be very noticeable. Scuff marks may show as unattractive patches on large areas or major features. Small rim nicks and striking or planchet defects may show, and the quality may be noticeably poor. Eye appeal is somewhat unattractive.

MS60 - Unattractive dull or washed-out mint luster may mark this coin. There may be large detracting contact marks, or damage spots, but no trace of circulation wear. There could be a heavy concentration of hairlines or unattractive large areas of scuff marks. Rim nicks may be present and eye appeal is very poor.