In the Sheldon coin grading scale, an MS61 grade signifies a coin that is in Mint State 61 , meaning it is considered uncirculated but has a variety of marks and other flaws.
Here’s a breakdown of what that entails:
- Mint Luster: May be diminished or noticeably impaired.
- Surface: Features clusters of small contact marks throughout.
- Hairlines: Can be very noticeable.
- Scuff Marks: May appear as unattractive patches on large areas or major features.
- Rim Nicks, Striking or Planchet Defects: May be present, and the overall quality might be noticeably poor.
- Eye Appeal: Generally unattractive.
- An MS61 coin has not been circulated, but it is far from perfect.
- The imperfections are noticeable and can impact the coin’s aesthetic appeal.
- While it’s one of the lower grades within the Mint State category (MS60-70), it still denotes an uncirculated coin, [according to CoinSite].
Is MS61 a good grade?
Thanks for asking. This grade is one of the lowest Mint State pegs of the numismatic grading scale originally created by the American psychologist William Herbert Sheldon. An MS61 disc may show in clusters throughout its surface small contact marks. It could also have highly noticeable hairlines and striking defects.