By CoinWeek Notes…
The designation MS62 is a specific grade used by professional coin grading services, such as CAC, NGC, and PCGS, to describe the condition of a coin. It falls within the Mint State (MS) category, which signifies that the coin has never been in circulation and retains its original surface luster.
What MS62 Means
The Mint State scale ranges from MS60 to MS70, with MS70 being a “Perfect” coin. An MS62 grade indicates a coin that is uncirculated but exhibits moderate detracting flaws.
- “MS” (Mint State): The coin was never used in commerce. The coin’s design details are in approximately the same condition as they were when they left the mint, though the coin has likely acquired marks or imperfections during the minting process or while being handled before circulation.
- “62” (Numeric Grade): This number places the coin as an above-average Uncirculated piece, but not a high-end collector example.
Key Characteristics of an MS62 Coin
An MS62 coin will typically display the following characteristics:
- Full Original Luster: The coin retains its complete original mint luster, though it may be slightly impaired or muted.
- Moderate Marks and Abrasion: The coin will show numerous small, distracting contact marks (bag marks) or surface abrasions, often resulting from being tossed in bags with other coins. These marks are more noticeable than those found on an MS63 or MS64 coin.
- Prominent Flaws: There may be one or two noticeable, significant flaws or scuff marks that detract from the overall eye appeal, though not severe enough to drop the grade below MS60.
- Strike Quality: The strike can range from average to full, but the grade focuses more on the preservation of the surfaces.
In the market, MS62 coins often represent a pop choice for budget-minded collectors seeking an attractive uncirculated example without paying the premium associated with the “choice” or “gem” grades (MS63, MS65 and higher).
I bookmarked this article from a few years ago, very insightful as well into the market for AU58 to MS62 grade coins.
https://www.greysheet.com/news/story/au58-ms62-four-grade-points-comprise-one-important-part-of-the-market
But what makes it an oddball grade? Is it because there are AU58 coins that look better, but aren’t mint state anymore?
I would rather have an AU58 than a low grade MS coin (in most cases). AU58 is generally more appealing to the eye and has fewer marks. A better MS coin that has a fingerprint might get graded AU58, where a coin with a little luster and lots of marks might receive a grade of MS60-63. You can build a collection of AU58 coins for far less money and in the end have a collection of coins with better eye appeal.
Wouldn’t you think that with all the advances in chemistry and lasers, that someone would have figured out a way to remove fingerprints and carbon spots without being noticeable and without hurting the value of the coin?
I think for the low-MS graded coins, the collectability also depends on the type of coin in question. Low-MS quarters, for example, might still look good (especially in an album), but low-MS pennies just look ugly (impaired luster seems quite common on those).
Still chase MS 63 or better.
Unfortunately a large percent of my coins are MS62
MS62 isn’t so bad, I’ve seen some that look as good as MS64’s! It’s just crazy how NGC grades their coin. The one I’m referring to even has a proof like reverse and very clean fields no distracting marks I just can’t believe they only gave it a 62 in my opinion and others it should have been an MS63 or better.