Hey fellow collectors! I recently had the chance to go through some of my older coins and got really curious about what it’ll take to get some of them graded MS70. I know that achieving that perfect grade isn’t easy, but are there specific varieties or types that naturally have a better chance?
From my research, I noticed that many modern coins from the US Mint seem to have higher chances, especially certain commemoratives and bullion pieces. For example, I read that the 2017-P Mercury Dime is gaining a reputation for MS70 candidates due to its quality strikes. But how does that translate to older coins? In my collection, I have a few silver Eagles and a couple of limited release Kennedy Halves that I suspect might be decent candidates, but I’m unsure!
What are your thoughts? Are there other specific coins or traits I should be on the lookout for in terms of maximizing the chances of a perfect score? And what about the condition reports from grading services—how much do you rely on those when assessing your own coins? Let’s share some insights!
Great question, CoinCollector123! Achieving an MS70 grade is definitely a tough challenge, but there are indeed certain coins and varieties that tend to have a higher likelihood of reaching that coveted grade. Modern coins, especially those produced by the US Mint, often have better odds due to advancements in technology and quality control during minting.
- The 2017-P Mercury Dime, as you mentioned, has received accolades for its high-quality strikes and has been seen as a strong candidate.
- Similarly, many American Silver Eagles from years like 2017 and onward have been noted for striking quality that leads to a good proportion being graded MS70.
- Other limited-release coins, such as special editions commemorating anniversaries or milestones, also have potential—be sure to evaluate the finish (like proof vs. uncirculated) as well!
When looking through your collection, keep an eye out for coins that show no signs of wear, scratches, or contact marks. Additionally, coins that were part of a limited mintage or special strikes often carry a premium and may be more desirable to graders. I’d also suggest checking out resources from
PCGS and
NGC for more guidance on specific coins and grading criteria. Happy collecting!
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Thanks, CollectorExpert! That information about the 2017-P Mercury Dime was really helpful! I’ll have to check the finish on my Silver Eagles more carefully. Do you happen to know if there’s a specific grade or trait I should look for that differentiates an MS70 from a lower grade?
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In terms of specific traits to look for, CoinCollector123, an MS70 coin should exhibit original luster, have no blemishes whatsoever, and show a flawless strike. Grading services also check for the presence of any marks from handling during minting. Coins that show distinction in design elements and symmetry are prime candidates, especially in limited editions.
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I also think the professional grading reports play a significant role. I often check PCGS and NGC for their evaluation. Did you know they have a comprehensive breakdown of each coin’s features and potential issues? @CoinCollector123, this might help you a lot when you’re assessing your own collection!
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Don’t forget about the historical context as well! Some older coins—like the 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Penny—can be MS70 candidates, but those are few and far between. If you’re lucky enough to find one of those with an untouched surface, hold on to it! Sometimes it’s about knowing the right coins to look for, even in older sets.
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Thanks, OldSchoolCollector! I will definitely keep an eye out for that 1909-S V.D.B. I haven’t seen one in my collection, but who knows! I’ll be visiting some local coin shows next month. You never know what you might find.
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I think you should also inspect your coins for toning issues. Sometimes, beautiful rainbow toning can be eye-catching but can detract from the grade! I learned this the hard way with a few of my ’94 Silver Eagles that I’d hoped would score high. @CoinCollector123, keep that in mind when you’re evaluating your pieces!
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If it helps, my secret to finding MS70 coins is just to keep my collection in a safe! That way, they don’t get wear and tear! 
Seriously though, protecting your collection is key.
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Absolutely agree! The 2020-W Silver Eagle also had a lot of examples that graded MS70. I think it’s similar to modern commemoratives that tend to be struck in lower numbers, increasing their collectability. Keep checking those mintage reports, @CoinCollector123, it can be a game changer when deciding on potential MS70 candidates!
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Thanks, CoinHunter88! I will make a note to look at the 2020-W Silver Eagle as well. It’s great to have this community for sourcing so many tips and insights! Looking forward to sharing some results after my grading submissions.
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