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Some of the questions we receive ask what the difference is between a BU coin, and uncirculated coin and an MS graded coin. We hope that we can help you with our knowledge of 30 years.
UNCIRCULATED - The coin has absolutely now wear on it. Contrary to anyone's belief it can have finger prints, be toned, contain some spotting, bag marks, and some scratches. The coins are not graded by a professional.
BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED - These are coins with absolutely no wear on them. In addition, these coins are bright containing 95%+ of the original mint luster. A soft amber/red or blue color on parts of the coin is acceptable. The coins are not graded by a professional.
NOTE: Coin dealers, including myself, do not waste time on grading coins that are not of significant value. This is why we use uncirculated or BU.
MS GRADING - MS grading is reserved for those professionals that are trained in grading these coins. There is no real specific definitions for MS grading other than some guidelines. If you intend to collect MS graded coins the best option is to purchase a few coins that have been encapsulated as samples. I have numerous samples of PCGS graded coins on hand so that whenever I post an auction with an MS grade, I feel comfortable that the grade is accurate.
It is also a fact that some grading services are tougher than others when assigning a grade. PCGS, NGC and ANA are the most known and respected. Other services are simply not respected enough by the numismatic society.
MS70 - This is a coin that is truly perfect in every way. There are no distractions on the surface of the coin; however it can have natural toning.
MS65 - An MS65 coin is a coin with a few bag marks on the surface of the coin. This is especially apparent on the soft Jefferson nickel surfaces. The coin may have a couple of rim marks. The coin can be brilliant or toned (as long as the dealer specifies it is toned).
MS60 - This is the lowest MS grade, therefore this is a coin that has no wear, but many surface distractions such as scratches, bag marks, and spotting. Most people do not like this grade, unless the coin is of significant value.
In between these grades are MS61, MS62, MS63, MS64, MS66, MS67, MS68 and MS69 which makes the grading process really complicated. The whole process with these grades becomes the number of bag marks, scratches, rim marks, the locations of the marks and the mint clarity. Mint clarity is the sharpness of the details on the coin.
Generally you will find most encapsulated coins in grades of MS60, MS63, MS64, MS65, MS66 and MS 67.
What I have found by subscribing to the PCGS population report is the following:
Lincoln cents - Most are graded MS65, 66 or 67
Jefferson nickels - Most are graded MS64 or MS65
Roosevelt dimes - Most are graded MS65, MS66 and MS67
Proof coins - MS68
What this means is that if you are looking to buy a PCGS set the above denominations by grades are the most affordable.
I hope this helps you.
Stan
Hey, get out there any buy some coins from me, I need to graduate to dog food, while my dog eats roast beef!
UNCIRCULATED - The coin has absolutely now wear on it. Contrary to anyone's belief it can have finger prints, be toned, contain some spotting, bag marks, and some scratches. The coins are not graded by a professional.
BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED - These are coins with absolutely no wear on them. In addition, these coins are bright containing 95%+ of the original mint luster. A soft amber/red or blue color on parts of the coin is acceptable. The coins are not graded by a professional.
NOTE: Coin dealers, including myself, do not waste time on grading coins that are not of significant value. This is why we use uncirculated or BU.
MS GRADING - MS grading is reserved for those professionals that are trained in grading these coins. There is no real specific definitions for MS grading other than some guidelines. If you intend to collect MS graded coins the best option is to purchase a few coins that have been encapsulated as samples. I have numerous samples of PCGS graded coins on hand so that whenever I post an auction with an MS grade, I feel comfortable that the grade is accurate.
It is also a fact that some grading services are tougher than others when assigning a grade. PCGS, NGC and ANA are the most known and respected. Other services are simply not respected enough by the numismatic society.
MS70 - This is a coin that is truly perfect in every way. There are no distractions on the surface of the coin; however it can have natural toning.
MS65 - An MS65 coin is a coin with a few bag marks on the surface of the coin. This is especially apparent on the soft Jefferson nickel surfaces. The coin may have a couple of rim marks. The coin can be brilliant or toned (as long as the dealer specifies it is toned).
MS60 - This is the lowest MS grade, therefore this is a coin that has no wear, but many surface distractions such as scratches, bag marks, and spotting. Most people do not like this grade, unless the coin is of significant value.
In between these grades are MS61, MS62, MS63, MS64, MS66, MS67, MS68 and MS69 which makes the grading process really complicated. The whole process with these grades becomes the number of bag marks, scratches, rim marks, the locations of the marks and the mint clarity. Mint clarity is the sharpness of the details on the coin.
Generally you will find most encapsulated coins in grades of MS60, MS63, MS64, MS65, MS66 and MS 67.
What I have found by subscribing to the PCGS population report is the following:
Lincoln cents - Most are graded MS65, 66 or 67
Jefferson nickels - Most are graded MS64 or MS65
Roosevelt dimes - Most are graded MS65, MS66 and MS67
Proof coins - MS68
What this means is that if you are looking to buy a PCGS set the above denominations by grades are the most affordable.
I hope this helps you.
Stan
Hey, get out there any buy some coins from me, I need to graduate to dog food, while my dog eats roast beef!
Guide created: 09/07/07 (updated 10/20/09)
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