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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Volodya, post: 2345560, member: 19615&quot;]Mint State and FDC aren&#039;t really synonymous though, although I agree they often are used that way. The way I use the terms, MS means exactly that: a coin in the same condition now as the day it left the mint, with neither wear from circulation nor post-striking damage such as corrosion. A MS ancient coin can have quite significant defects however such as poor centering or areas of flat strike. It should have full luster or very nearly so, although that luster can now be toned over.</p><p><br /></p><p>FDC on the other hand is a description rather than a grade per se. A true <i>fleur de coin</i> specimen, in addition to being unworn, should be perfectly centered and very well struck, exhibiting the complete types on both sides with nothing missing at all. It should also be struck from reasonably fresh dies that retain even the finest details that frequently are lost as the die is used. Ideally, it should also be from dies of the very best style for the issue, although that isn&#039;t quite a requirement to warrant the FDC description. Think of it as an example the die engraver might include in his portfolio on a job interview.</p><p><br /></p><p>Phil Davis[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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