Mint State
MS

The coin is as struck. It has no wear, but can demonstrate weakness of the die(s) or “soft” striking. Some off center is acceptable, but the legends must be visible.
Coin grading is subjective, and different individuals will grade ancient coins differently. That is why we wont to present our criteria and standards. The grades most collectors and dealers use for ancients are somewhat different than the grades used for modern world coins. In our practice we use definitions that we believe represent the most wide accepted norms. Adjustments for the base grades as VF-, VF+, aVF (about VF) are possible, but we will try to avoid them. The grades from highest to lowest state of preservation are: FDC (Fleur-de-coin); Mint State; Extremely Fine; Very Fine; Fine; Fair; Poor.

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