A coin graded MS60 falls within the Mint State (MS) category of the Sheldon Coin Grading Scale. This means the coin was produced for regular circulation but was never actually put into use. However, the MS60 grade denotes the lower end of the Mint State spectrum.
Here’s what an MS60 coin typically presents:
- Absence of wear: There are absolutely no signs of wear from circulation.
- Presence of imperfections: Despite being uncirculated, the coin may have various flaws acquired during the minting and handling processes. These can include:
– Noticeable deficiencies, such as a dull or washed-out luster.
– Many large, detracting contact marks or damage spots (also known as bag marks).
– A heavy concentration of hairlines (minute scratches on the surface).
– Unattractive large areas of scuff marks.
– Rim nicks.
- Poor eye appeal: The combination of these imperfections results in a coin with very poor eye appeal.
- Copper coins: May be dark, dull, and spotted.
While an MS60 coin has the technical advantage of being uncirculated, it’s important to remember that its visual appeal may be quite negative. Some collectors may even prefer a nicely preserved AU58 (About Uncirculated) coin, which shows a slight trace of wear but may have better eye appeal than an MS60.
Is MS-60 a good coin grade?
MS-60 – Unattractive, dull, or washed-out mint luster may mark this coin. There may be many 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.
What does MS60 mean on a penny?
MS60. Unattractive, dull or washed-out, mint luster typify this coin. There may be many large detracting contact marks (bag nicks), or damage spots, but absolutely no trace of wear. There could be a heavy concentration of hairlines (minute scratches to a coin’s surface), or unattractive large areas of scuff-marks.
What does MS in coin grading mean?
Coins with no wear at all are alternately referred to as Uncirculated (Unc.), Brilliant Uncirculated (BU), and Mint State (MS). When a numerical grade is assigned to an uncirculated coin, it goes along with the abbreviation MS, such as MS-60.
Is MS 64 a good grade?
Thanks for asking. Coins with an MS-64 grade may make great investments and additions to numismatic collections. They do not carry the premium of a more expensive MS-69 or MS-70 coin. They are not at the bottom of the Uncirculated grade, so they exhibit better eye appeal and overall quality than that of an MS-60 coin.