Posted 05/20/2011 8:46 pm
Yes, a 70 should be the perfect coin. You are also correct that it is easier for a proof coin to reach 70 than it is for an uncirculated coin. To give you an idea of what exactly "perfection" means, here is the official ANA definition of MS-70-
MS-70- The perfect coin. Has very attractive sharp strike and original luster of the highest quality for the date and mint. No contact marks are visible under magnification. There are no noticeable hairlines, scuff marks, or defects. Eye appeal is attractive and outstanding. If copper, the coin is bright, with full original color and luster.
A 69 allows for no more than 2 miniscule contact marks, none in a prime focal area. 69s are very nice and just barely miss perfection. It is very difficult/almost impossible for business strikes to get an MS-70 simply becuase they do not receive any special handling. Typical coins that reach those levels are uncirculated Eagles and commemoratives. Remarkably, there are a few Morgan dollars with the lofty grade of MS-69. Outside of the aforementioned Eagles and commems, coins at these grade levels tend to be very pricey and have become even more so with the popularity of TPG registry sets. Lets take a step down from the rarified air and look at MS-67.
MS-67- Has original luster and normal strike for the date and mint. May have three or four very small contact marks and one more noticeable but not detracting mark. On comparable coins, one or two small single hairlines may show, or one or two minor scuff marks or flaws may be present. Eye appeal is above average. If copper, the coin has luster and original color.
67s are still very nice coins and it is a more attainable grade for business strikes. Coins from the 2005-2009 satin finish Mint Sets are typically 67s and 68s. 67 should be the minimal grade for specially handled coins although you will sometimes see 66s and even "lowly" 65s.
MS-70- The perfect coin. Has very attractive sharp strike and original luster of the highest quality for the date and mint. No contact marks are visible under magnification. There are no noticeable hairlines, scuff marks, or defects. Eye appeal is attractive and outstanding. If copper, the coin is bright, with full original color and luster.
A 69 allows for no more than 2 miniscule contact marks, none in a prime focal area. 69s are very nice and just barely miss perfection. It is very difficult/almost impossible for business strikes to get an MS-70 simply becuase they do not receive any special handling. Typical coins that reach those levels are uncirculated Eagles and commemoratives. Remarkably, there are a few Morgan dollars with the lofty grade of MS-69. Outside of the aforementioned Eagles and commems, coins at these grade levels tend to be very pricey and have become even more so with the popularity of TPG registry sets. Lets take a step down from the rarified air and look at MS-67.
MS-67- Has original luster and normal strike for the date and mint. May have three or four very small contact marks and one more noticeable but not detracting mark. On comparable coins, one or two small single hairlines may show, or one or two minor scuff marks or flaws may be present. Eye appeal is above average. If copper, the coin has luster and original color.
67s are still very nice coins and it is a more attainable grade for business strikes. Coins from the 2005-2009 satin finish Mint Sets are typically 67s and 68s. 67 should be the minimal grade for specially handled coins although you will sometimes see 66s and even "lowly" 65s.
