$2.50 Liberty Gold Coins MS66

$2.50 Liberty Gold Coins MS 66

Grade Definition

MS 66 is the contraction for the denotation "Mint State Grade 66" a high grade within the Sheldon grading system. Dr. Sheldon, was an avid numismatist and collector, as well as a Psychologist. The Dr. developed the scale more than 60 years ago because there was no good standard in describing the condition of U.S. Large Cents. Though he developed the system to be applied to these coins in particular, his scale has been adapted to grade all American coinage. Old coins this rare and small seldom achieve a grade of MS 65, as the scale tops out at a "Perfect" score of MS 70.

Specifics of the Grade

A $2 1/2 Liberty gold coin in MS 65 started out from the U.S. Mint as a coin of high strike quality. Any minting or strike deficiencies will have to be magnified under at least low power to become visible. A $2 1/2 Liberty in this grade will have a very pleasing and uniform golden hue, or "Mint luster". Any marks or scratches will be minute and few. Even "Common date" $2 1/2 Liberty gold coins in this grade will trade at a significant amount over the price of the gold contained in the coin.