Home Is it Good? Is it Very Good? Is it Fine? Is it Very Fine? Is it VF or XF? Is it Extremely Fine? Is it Almost Uncirculated? Is it AU or MS? Is it MS-60 or MS-63? Is it MS-63 or MS-64? Is it MS-64 or MS-65? Is it Red-Brown or Red? | Is it MS-63 or MS-64? When trying to determine the grade of MS-63 and MS-64 coins it is important to understand the root meaning of both grades. A MS-63 is by definition an "average" coin, while a MS-64 is a "choice" example. If you looked at a random group of uncirculated coins, the few example that you would pull out as especially nice would be "choice" examples, or the MS-64's. The group of coins which are not the best, but certainly not the worst in the group are the "average" coins - MS-63. Easy? The images above may not show clearly enough that the MS-63 coin has less eye appeal and more marks. MS-63 coins may also have some spots, strike weakness, planchet flaws and other imperfections. It is very unusual for coin of this grade to be labeled RD. I feel, that MS-63 is the maximum grade for a chemically cleaned coin. An otherwise gem (MS-65) coin may grade MS-63 if it was chemically enhanced. Scrubbed or otherwise harshly cleaned coins fall below MS grades in all cases. The "choice" coins, or MS-64's will have attractive eye appeal and very minor problems, which may not be apparent unless a magnifier is used. If there is strike weakness, the coin must have exceptional attributes in other areas to make up for the lack of detail. MS-64 coins should be original and uncleaned. This is the target grade for collectors who value quality, but within a price that is relatively reasonable. Color: BN: BROWN. No trace of RED. RB: RED & BROWN. Varies from a small trace of RED to a small trace of BROWN. A percentage of RED may accompany the designation. RD: RED. No trace of BROWN. | ||
Copyright on standards given to The Fly-In Club upon acceptance
Copyright on standards Richard Snow prior to acceptance
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