MS-70 is the numismatic grade given to perfect uncirculated coins on the Sheldon grading scale. It is the highest grade that can be given to a coin intended for circulation and is reserved for perfect coins.
Dr. William H. Sheldon developed the Sheldon Coin Grading Scale in 1949 to grade his own collections of U.S. coins. The Sheldon Cale grades coins from 1 to 70, with one being used for the worst coins and 70 reserved for perfect coins.
The criteria used to grade coins include eye appeal, luster, strike, and surface preservation. Surface preservation refers to imperfections and flaws on the surface of the con, like bag marks, scratches, scrapes, and dings.
Mint State Grades
The MS in MS-70 is for mint state. Mint state coins are coins that have never been circulated and do not show signs of wear, and mint state coins are assigned numeric grades 60 through 70.
MS-70 Grading Standards
These coins display no trace of handling, wear, contact with other coins, or scratches when viewed at 500% magnification. Older coins are almost non-existent in this grade; there are few known examples. The reason for this is that numismatic coins were used in circulation when gold and silver were used as common currency.
MS-70 copper coins, like cents, are bright and have full, original mint luster and color. The eye appeal of MS-70 coins should be exceptional.
PCGS MS-70 Grading Standards
For coins to earn an MS-70 grade from Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS), they must be free from visual marks, fully struck, and exhibiting full luster.
The PCGS standards for MS-70 allow for production defects, but only if they are minor and do not have a negative impact on the coin’s eye appeal.
NGC MS-70 Grading Standards
For a coin to receive an MS-70 grade from the Numismatic Guarantee Corporation (NGC), it must not exhibit post-production flaws at a magnification of 5x.
Can Any Coin Receive an MS-70 Grade?
Circulated coins will not be eligible for an MS-70 grade. Since it is the highest grade given, it is only used for coins that exhibit absolutely no signs of wear.
Do MS-70 Coins Make Good Investments?
While a graded coin cannot be used in your Gold IRA, graded coins that are protected from environmental contaminants and other harmful elements will only become scarcer over time.
Understanding the grades that are assigned to coins can be essential for making wise investments. It should also be noted that an MS-70 grade does not automatically confer rarity or a high value to a given coin. The grade of a coin is one of several factors that determine its value. A coin’s rarity, market demand, and intrinsic precious metal value are also worth considering.
