What does MS-65 vs Prf-65 mean?

2010 American VeteransDisabled for Life Silver Dollar, KM#479 6
West Point Mint: W (Minted: 350,000)
2010W 77,859, MS-65
2010W 189,881, Prf-65
What does MS-65 vs Prf-65 mean? I got some direct from the US Mint Proof.

 

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One is a Uncirculated or Business strike coin (MS) the other is Proof (PForPRF)

 

So the PROOF ones I got direct from the US Mint should be Prf-65? Is there really any difference if both rated at the 65 level?

 

It will be a Proof but whether it will grade 65 is another matter. It could grade higher. It could grade lower. It all depends on the level of preservation and the absense of imperfections.

One is a Business Strike and the other is a Proof. That is a difference in how the coin was made. You should read the portions of the Red Book that describe how coins are made and the section How Modern Proof Coins Are Made. Hopefully after reading that you will understand the difference between coins struck for circulation (Business Strikes) and Proof Coins struck for collectors.

 

Sounds like a great idea:yes:

 

Proof and MS describe the method of manufacture of the coin. They might have the same numerical grade...but the coins were made in a different way.

 

Would you not agree that it would be less likely for a business strike coin to be graded 65 (or higher) than for a proof coin to be graded 65 (or higher) as proof coins are generally handled more carefully?

 

I wouldn't think it would matter when it comes to commemorative issues. Both are designed for collectors and therefore should come from the mint nearly flawless.

 

So would you suggest it would matter then for regular issues?

 

I would say the average proof from the mint would grade at a higher number than the average roll issued business strike coin...if that's what you mean.

 

Yes, and that higher graded MS coins would be more rare than comparable proof coins...

 

In a way-yes. But remember there could be hundreds of millions (or even a billion or more) business strikes for a given year of issue, and there may be a couple hundred thousand proofs for the same year. In this case, even if the proofs collectively are going to be of a higher grade, there could be many more MS65's or 66's or 67's than the equal proof. But yes, in a lot of cases a high-grade MS may be more valuable than the equivalent proof grade coin.

 

And also, there would usually be many more PF70's or 69s than there would be MS70 or MS69 or even 68, so the MS may be the pricier coin.