Proof Grades

[nestermdn1-migration]

What are the actual proof grades when buying proof coins from the US Mint?

[MunkyMan95]

What do you mean? There is no guarantee of grade, and they sure don't COME graded (sometimes I wish they did, though).

[nestermdn1-migration]

Is it just the grading companies who determine what proof grade a coin gets from the US Mint? Is that the only way for a determinatioon? What is the difference between a PF65 and a PF69 or 70 for example? Are we better off buying proof grades from these third party graders instead of the US Mint?

[XpipedreamR]

The mint produces whatever they produce, and submitters send the best of it (theoretically) to the grading companies in hopes of a high grade so they can sell it at big prices or have a highly graded coin in their set. If you're a "regular" collector, the average proof set from the mint, which is of very high quality these days, will be more than enough to satisfy you, and without the added cost. The differences between a PR65 coin and a PR69 or 70 are huge, yet subtle at the same time, if you don't know what to look for. When I say "what to look for," I mean having seen and being aware of the range of qualities available. The average proofs coming out of the mint today would probably grade PR67 or 68+.

[macrocoin]

Is it just the grading companies who determine what proof grade a coin gets from the US Mint?

 

Actually, anyone with knowledge of how to grade can assess what the grade of a coin is. The mint doesnt produce coins to meet the requirements for a given grade...they simply produce the coins and we, the collectors assign the true value.

 

You may want to start with a book on grading to see how the differences between the various grades are determined. Typically, once you are in the 60-70 range, the determining factors are marks in the primary focus areas of the coin. With Proofs, other characteristics such as depth of mirror, luster, and even lint marks could have an effect on grade one might assign.

 

A grade is just a rating based upon an agreed upon set of benchmarks.

Once you understand what those benchmarks are, you would be able to assess your own grades. It is not uncommon for US mint sets to get PF-69 grades from the TPG's. PF70 doesnt come as easily, but some sets do in fact produce coins of that grade.