You would think that would be the case but

If I am correct the only differences that are considered when grading are the individual series' specific attributes like the wear points or anything else that may be applicable for that series. For example; the wear points and the prime focal areas for Lincoln Cents are not the same as those for Indian Head Cents, however, that only goes as far as the circulated grades. Uncirculated grades are basically the same. An MS 65 coin, no matter what the coin, should have the the same determining factors. The number and severity of contact marks vs. their location to the prime focal areas, luster, strike etc. The only exceptions here are the individual strike characteristics for any given series such as Full Head, Full Steps, Full Bands etc.

My real curiosity lies in the Colonial and Early American series' like the Flowing hair or earlier coins. How does anyone really know what a true mint state coin is supposed to look like. Are there any mint state specimens left that have full original mint luster left like it just came off of the press? I've never seen one but that does not mean much. There are a lot of coins that I have never seen and many, if not most of those, I will probably never see.

Mike