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Coin and Paper Money Collecting/pcgs vs proof and mint condition

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Expert: - 3/26/2008


Question
Hi,
While shopping on e-bay and at my local store in Chicago,I wondered why a proof coin lets say a silver eagle would sell less than the same coin in a ms 70 condition? Also, why would a mint coin original from the mint be less than a coin grade MS69? I can understand how a BU coin from a roll would have slightly different grading.
Thanks

Answer
Hi David,
It all has to do with the strike of the coin.  As the dies wear down, the crispness of the strike is lost.  For a coin to be MS-70 or PR-70 it would have to be one of the first strikes and then maintained in that condition.
I have often wodered myself why every proof coin from the mint is not PR-70, as it should be, but hence if that were the case, the grading services would be making less money.
Regards
Joe Hylas

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Joe Hylas

Expertise

Numismatic professional with over 30 years experience can answer your questions about US coins, their values, how best to sell them and where to buy them. Interested in starting a collection? Find out which areas are undervalued and how to acquire those coins at the best price.

Experience

Ex-Head Precious Metals trader for Deak-Perera International with 42 offices worldwide. Industry experience since 1978. Has worked co-operatively with US Mint, Royal Canadian Mint, Austrian Mint, Chamber of Mines of South Africa, World Gold Council and Platinum Guild International. Professioanl numismatist specializing in US Coins. Always buying collections, will travel if size of collection warrants. Website: www.AllCoins.US

Organizations
PCGS, NGC, Rotary

Publications
Physician's Money Digest

Education/Credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration

Awards and Honors
Paul Harris Fellow

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