
Older/classic collectible coins may have friction or slider marks from being stored in old wooden coin cabinets.The larger the coin, the more bag marks and deeper bag marks on the surface of the coin.Scrapes, dings, small scratches during the manufacturing process.

Bag marks resulting from the movement and handling of coins in bins or large bags.Handling coins during the production process can result in the following imperfections on the surface of the coin: These imperfections are not the result of the coin circulating in commerce but are caused during the manufacturing process when handling and moving the coins around the mint. Numismatists define it as the number of imperfections or flaws that are on the surface of the coin. The first category is surface preservation, and it carries the most amount of weight when determining the Mint State grade of a coin. The categories that determine the grade of a mint state coin are: By listening to experienced coin dealers, you can acquire years worth of grading experience in just a few minutes.ĭetermining 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. If he disagrees with your grade, ask him why and then listen to his response. Explain to your favorite dealer why you graded them as you did. Even better, since coin grading is not an exact science, talk to several coin dealers so you can learn different strategies.įinally, you may want to bring several coins that you graded yourself. Remember to use your coin show etiquette skills to learn the most you can from the coin dealer. Ask the coin dealer why he graded them as such. However, purchasing a book on grading uncirculated coins is a great way to start.Ĭonsequently, I recommend that you go to your favorite local coin dealer or coin show and look at Mint State coins in person.

MINT CONDITION DEFINITION SERIES
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.

Therefore, they are usually some of the most beautiful coins in your collection. First of all, Mint State coins must show no evidence of wear. Grading Mint State or uncirculated coins is one of the most challenging skills to learn in coin collecting.
