Questions About AU Versus MS Grading

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Author	Replies: 5 / Views: 1,447
WildYapok Valued Member Canada 83 Posts	Posted 02/27/2013 10:00 pm These may be a dumb questions but I am a little puzzled by the differences between AU and MS grades. First, how is it that I have seen some AU graded coins that look more "mint" than some lower MS graded coins? Second, does a coin have to come straight out of a sealed mint roll to be MS graded (or can a circulation coin in fantastic condition receive an MS grade)? Finally, if I have some rolls of coins straight from the mint (still in the original plastic wrapper), will all of the coins be MS graded and if so, would it be possible to have MS60 all the way up to MS67 in the same roll? Thanks! Report this Post to the Staff

SsuperDdave Moderator United States 23522 Posts	Posted 02/27/2013 10:04 pm No dumb questions exist. Quote: First, how is it that I have seen some AU graded coins that look more "mint" than some lower MS graded coins? Among the first things to disappear in circulation are the bagmarks which can accrue on Mint State coins. What results is a better-looking AU55 than a given MS61; it's the reason why many collectors prefer high AU coins to low MS ones. I'm one of them. Quote: Second, does a coin have to come straight out of a sealed mint roll to be MS graded (or can a circulation coin in fantastic condition receive an MS grade)? Technically a circulated coin cannot receive a MS grade, but it happens. If it looks Mint State to a grader, it's Mint State. Quote: Finally, if I have some rolls of coins straight from the mint (still in the original plastic wrapper), will all of the coins be MS graded and if so, would it be possible to have MS60 all the way up to MS67 in the same roll? Certainly possible. Report this Post to the Staff
D0ubl3Eagle Pillar of the Community United States 5854 Posts	Posted 02/27/2013 11:39 pm Coins in AU and MS have basically same amount of visible detail but the difference usually shows up as a disturbance in the mint luster. The disturbed area can appear flat, dark, and dull. It can be hard to spot the difference between an AU and MS but with experience it becomes easier. Luster is one possible reason why some AU coins look more "mint" than lower MS coins even when the number and severity of marks and the strike are about the same. Poor luster is one reason why it may have received a low MS grade. Report this Post to the Staff
WildYapok Valued Member Canada 83 Posts	Posted 02/28/2013 07:24 am Thanks for the help! I need to spend more time in the grading forums to improve my knowledge and skills in that area; this was a great start though :) Cheers! Report this Post to the Staff
just carl Bedrock of the Community United States 20753 Posts	Posted 02/28/2013 1:33 pm You may want to think of this. AU is really ABOUT UNCIRCULATED. MS is supposed to be NOT CIRCULATED since it is a Mint state. Report this Post to the Staff
BadThad Bedrock of the Community United States 19944 Posts	Posted 03/01/2013 5:35 pm AU coins typically have traces of rub on the design high points. Once you become familiar with a coin series, you'll be able to spot it. I've found MANY mint state coins searching boxes and coin stashes. Mint state is defined by WEAR. If there's no noticable wear, the coin is mint state regardless of where it came from. Lincoln Cent Lover! VERDI-CARE™ INVENTOR https://verdi.care/ Report this Post to the Staff
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