What is the Value Difference Between Proof Coins and MS-70 Coins? - APMEX (2024)

FAQs

What is the Value Difference Between Proof Coins and MS-70 Coins? - APMEX? ›

Proof coins tend to be more valuable than MS-70 coins because they have been made to a higher standard than regular strike coins and are often scarcer. The value of a specific Proof or MS-70 coin depends on its condition, specific characteristics, and the current market for that coin or how in-demand it is.

Proofs are almost always going to demand a premium when compared to raw Uncirculated coins, but they also carry a better presentation, quality, and a higher degree of scarcity.

What are the Benefits of Buying Coins with an MS70 Grade? Numismatic enthusiasts covet coins that receive an MS70 grading because of their guaranteed authenticity, condition, and overall quality. Because of these features, MS70 coins may also have a higher collectible value.

What is the Difference Between MS70 and PF70? The primary difference between MS70 and PF70 coins lies in the type of coin and the production method. As mentioned earlier, MS70 refers to a perfect mint state coin with a business strike finish, while PF70 refers to a perfect proof coin with a mirror-like finish.

A Proof 70 coin is 100% free of hairlines, planchet flaws, lint marks, and any other mint-caused or post-striking defects (p. 40). This standard has been modified to the current standard, published on PCGS.com: Fully struck and lustrous, free of visual marks.

Proof coins and MS-70 coins are considered higher quality than other circulating coins. Proof coins are made using a special process that yields an attractive finish with greater detail. MS-70 coins are also high-quality coins, but they are not considered as perfect as proof coins.

For a coin to achieve a perfect score of 70 it must have “no post-production imperfections at 5x magnification.” Basically, it's the perfect coin. A perfect proof coin would be graded “PF 70”, a circulating coin would be “MS 70” and an uncirculated (non-proof) coin would be “SP 70”.

While bullion and proof coins can appreciate over time, proof coins have the potential for greater price appreciation due to their collectability and limited mintage.

Unlike basic gold or silver coins, proof coins offer high numismatic value in addition to their precious metal content. Therefore, investing in proof coins can help you diversify your precious metal portfolio by giving you additional ways to profit.

In the United States, coins are graded based on what is referred to as the Sheldon Coin Grading scale. This is a 1 to 70-point grading scale that was developed by William Sheldon in 1949. The basic idea here is that a coin with a rating of 70 would be worth 70 times as much as a coin with a rating of 1.

What is the highest MS coin grade? ›

Grading Scales

The lowest circulated, the numismatic grade is Poor-1, and the highest circulated grade is Very Choice About Uncirculated-58. The lowest uncirculated, numismatic grade is MS-60 (MS is short for “Mint State”), with the highest being MS-70, or a perfect coin.

A Mint State coin can range from one that is covered with marks (MS-60) to a flawless example (MS-70). A coin usually struck from a specially prepared coin die on a specially prepared planchet.

Gem Uncirculated (MS-65) – An above-average uncirculated coin that may be brilliant or lightly toned and that has very few contact marks on the surface or rim. Choice Uncirculated (MS-63) – A coin with some distracting contact marks or blemishes in prime focal areas. Luster may be impaired.

Mint State 70. MS70. The "perfect coin", as minted. Has no trace of wear, handling, scratches or contact with other coins from a (5x) magnification. Coins in this grade are almost non-existent in older coins with very few examples known.

Proof coins are better suited to collectors or as presents. The premiums you would pay for buying a proof coin set is more or less the same as that of a commemorative issue. One needs to bear in mind that the higher price being charged for a proof coin is simply on account of production costs and limited availability.

Yes, they are legal tender, exactly the same as the normal, circulation strikes of the same coins; the only difference between the two (uncirculated & proof finishes) are the appearance: the proof versions having a much more pronounced mirror finish, as obviously they are struck with much more detailed dies.

It's considered a low-risk investment with excellent potential to increase in value. Because proof coins are more rare and produced in smaller numbers with a higher level of quality control, you can expect these coins to hold and increase in value.

Over time, the limited availability of certain proof coins can lead to an increase in their numismatic value. Collectors appreciate the look and feel of proof coins, especially proofs of existing popular precious metal coins.

Generally speaking, US proof set values are higher the closer they are to 1936. However, throughout the series there are special instances of various sets going for hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than normal.

Generally speaking, proof coins have a higher relative mark-up than uncirculated coins. As a collector's item, proofs can be sold for more than the value of the raw precious metals they contain. However, the downside is they cost a little more than uncirculated coins to purchase.