$10 Indian Head Gold Coins MS 61

$10 Indian Head Gold Coins MS 61

Grade Definition

MS 61 is a contraction for the denotation of "Mint State Grade 61" of the Sheldon Scale, which was invented by Dr. W. H. Sheldon in 1949. He originally set out to create a scale to better categorize the condition of Large Cent coins, but his invention was eventually applied to grade all American coinage. "Mint State" means the coin is in uncirculated condition, and this designation begins at MS 60.

Specifics of the Grade

A $10 Indian gold piece in MS 61 condition will still have some of it's original golden shine or "Mint luster" created by the sheer force of the U.S. Mint presses, but there will be visible areas where the luster has dissipated. Scuffs or scratches, or groups of scratches may be visible on the higher relief areas of the coin, including the likeness of "Lady Liberty" in her Indian headdress. There may be visible raised hairline "Cracks", that are often the results of small cracks in the dies that are used in the minting process. "Bag marks", or physical wear from being stored in the bottom of a sack of gold coins, are also not uncommon on a MS 61 $10 Indian gold coin.