When you see a coin labeled MS62 you might think it just means it is in good condition but there is much more to it than that. MS stands for Mint State which tells you the coin was never used in circulation. It was kept in its original state as it came from the mint.
The „62“ is assigned according to the Sheldon Grading System, which is a 70-point grading system used by professional coin graders to assess a coin's condition. The grading scale spans from 1 to 70 with 70 being a perfect coin and 1 being barely identifiable.
An MS62 coin is considered to be in the lower end of the Mint State range. It still has no signs of wear from handling but it does show noticeable imperfections. Common flaws include minor abrasions from coin-to-coin contact or minting friction.
There may also be some minor bag marks, which are tiny dents or scrapes that happen when coins are stored in bags at the mint. The luster or shine of the coin may be dull in spots and the overall eye appeal is not strong. All design features are present and legible but they might not be as sharp or crisp as on a higher graded coin.
Coins graded MS62 are often found in older collections or in bulk lots where the coins were not carefully handled. They are not rare in terms of availability but they are not considered high quality either. Beginner collectors often opt for MS62 coins because it is more affordable than higher grades. Experienced collectors and アンティーク コイン investors typically seek MS65 or higher because those have better luster, fewer marks, and more visual appeal.
Coin grading can be subjective. Two different graders might assign slightly different numbers to the same coin. That is why many collectors rely on third party grading services like ICG which mount the coin in a certified plastic case with the grade clearly labeled. This certification provides assurance of accuracy and authenticity.
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If you are buying or selling a coin labeled MS62 make sure you understand what you are getting. It is far from perfect but it is still a genuine mint issue with no circulation wear. It strikes a sensible middle ground between affordability and preservation.
Grasping the significance of this grade leads to wiser collecting habits whether you are building a collection or just starting out in numismatics.