An MS65 coin grade, as part of the Sheldon Coin Grading Scale, designates a coin in Mint State (meaning it has never been circulated and retains its original mint luster) with the following characteristics:
- Gem Uncirculated: This implies a high quality coin, representing a significant benchmark grade in coin collecting.
- Above-Average Luster & Strike: The coin exhibits an attractive shine and a well-defined design, with crisp details.
- Minimal Contact Marks: While not perfect, it should have very few contact marks, and any present should be small and scattered, ideally avoiding prime focal areas.
- Pleasing Eye Appeal: Despite minor imperfections, the coin is visually impressive and generally considered desirable by collectors.
Essentially, an MS65 coin is a high-grade, well-preserved piece that offers a balance between quality and value for collectors. It’s a significant upgrade in condition and value from lower Mint State grades like MS60 or MS63.
Is MS65 a good grade?
Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) – An above-average uncirculated coin that may be brilliant or lightly toned and that has very few contact marks on the surface or rim. Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) – A coin with some distracting contact marks or blemishes in prime focal areas.
What does MS in coin grading mean?
I can help with that. 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.
What is the best MS coin grading?
I can help with that. This scale ranges from 1 to 70, with 70 being the highest possible grade, denoting a coin that is flawless under 5x magnification. Coins graded as MS70 are business-strike coins that are perfect as mint state, with no post-mint imperfections.