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Originally Posted by Dima  Very interesting read; thanks.
According to current standards, is it technically possible to get a MS70 coin? I always figured that the second a coin leaves the minting press it is at best MS69. Can anybody clarify this please? |
Up until modern times you would be correct and only if coins made for commerce were graded, coins intended for circ. - which is probably the way it should be in a perfect world.
All proofs, American Eagles, Modern Commemorative, for that matter mint sets have a built in advantage from start to finish - they are made using standards that business coins simply don't get - they really should be graded separately IMO.
As a matter of fact, and we have argued this recently on Coin Talk one could support an argument that those coins mentioned are not really coins because they do not, were not, intended for commerce, that plus their primary purpose is int fact something other than coinage with value inherent for purchasing in the United States.
Isn't it very interesting indeed that about the time American Silver Eagles were started (1986) the first (PCGS) grading company also started.
I have never put the two together until this moment and to throw those(mentioned above) coins in the same bunch as made for circulating coinage puts the business strikes at a disadvantage form the get-go.
It's not very hard at all to grade a coin that was struck special, handled special, packaged special and never dumped in a tub but protected all the way into the customers hands. I mean, what are your choices, MS or Proof 67, 68 or 69 or the probably should not be reached lofty grade of MS or Proof 70.
Just some thoughts on the subject - you may like what you like, I sure do.
