$5 Indian Head Gold Coins MS 63

$5 Indian Head Gold Coins MS 63

Grade Definition

MS 63 is the contraction for the denotation "Mint State Grade 63". This grade is part of the Sheldon coin grading scale, developed in 1949 by a numismatist by the name of Dr. W. H. Sheldon. Coins in this grade are uncirculated, and in a condition which pleases the eye. Old and soft (Gold is a soft and malleable metal, very similar to lead in this respect) gold coins such as the $5 Indians are seldom seen in grades higher than MS 66, and rarity and value increase with each successive higher grade of coin condition.

Specifics of the Grade

A $5 Indian gold piece in MS 63 condition will still have areas of "Mint luster" or what the common eye will see as "Shine". Any marks or scars on the coin will be relatively few or small compared to coins of a lesser grade. The details of the coin were most likely sharp at the original striking of the coin, but several minute die cracks or worn details, along with slight damage to the incused, or sunken designs on the front and back of the coin, would probably result in a MS 63 grade.