$2.5 Indian Head Gold Coins MS 65

$2.5 Indian Head Gold Coins MS 65

Grade Definition

MS 65 is the contraction for the denotation "Mint State Grade 65" within the Sheldon grading system. Dr. Sheldon, who was a Psychologist as well as a numismatist, developed the scale more than 60 years ago because there was no good standard in describing the condition of a coin. Though he developed the system to be applied to "Large Cent" coins, today it has been adapted to grade all American coinage.

Specifics of the Grade

A $2 1/2 Indian gold coin in MS 65 started out from the U.S. Mint as a coin of high strike quality. Any minting or strike deficiencies will have to be magnified to see. A $2 1/2 Indian in this grade will have a very fair amount of "Mint luster" or sheen which is quite pleasing to the eye, and would be what many would expect out of a golden coin. Any scuffs or scratches will be minute and few. Even "Common date" $2 1/2 Indians in this grade will trade at a significant amount over the price of gold in the retail gold coin market.