Why Grades Matter
Coins use the Sheldon 1–70 scale—think of it like school grades:
| Range | Nickname | Quick Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1–10 | “Basal” | Barely recognizable |
| 11–58 | Circulated | Pocket wear from real use |
| 60–70 | Mint State / Proof | No wear at all; straight from the mint |
A jump of just a few points can double or triple price, because high‑grade survivors are scarcer.
Price Ladder Example – 1881‑S Morgan Dollar
| Grade | Typical Price* |
|---|---|
| MS‑60 | $75 |
| MS‑63 | $110 |
| MS‑65 | $180 |
| MS‑67 | $900 |
*Prices vary with market cycles but the shape of the ladder stays the same.
What About 70s?
- MS‑70 / PR‑70 = perfect under 5× magnification.
- Modern bullion coins can have 10,000+ perfect 70s—plenty for trading.
- ColCur waits until population ≥ 10k before assigning a ticker, so spreads stay tight and liquid.
Quick Takeaways
- Grade is a shortcut to scarcity. Higher numbers = fewer coins.
- Independent grading = trust. No seller can over‑describe condition.
- Live grade premiums show on every ColCur ticker, so you always see how much of a coin’s price is grade vs metal.
Next: grasp the two‑layer price itself ➜ Collectible vs Metal Value