subject: MS69 Silver Eagle - Is The MS 69 Grade Really Worth The Cost? [print this page] MS69 Silver Eagle - Is The MS 69 Grade Really Worth The Cost?
Firstintroduced in 1986, the wonderful American Silver Eagle coin could well be the most popular silver bullion coin available. The MS69 silver eagle is one of the finest grades to choose from. However is it really worth the price? Let's find out...
MS69 signifies "Mint State Brilliant Uncirculated." It's one of the grades used by two of the most popular independent, third party grading providers - the NGC, which stands for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation and PCGS, which is short for Professional Coin Grading Service. When you're looking to purchase a high grade silver eagle coin you should make sure that you use these dependable grading services.
A coin graded by these services can obtain a score ranging from 1 all the way up to 70. MS70 is the absolute highest grade that a coin can get. A coin that is graded MS-70 is absolutely perfect. There are a few grading services that will not designate a MS70 grade as they declare that a total perfect coin can't exist.
The "MS" part of the grade represents "Mint State." A Mint State coin could be graded from MS60 all the way up to MS70.
A coin is graded based on a number of different factors. These factors include scratches, polishing, nicks, rims, and other imperfections.
The MS-69 Silver Eagle is a coin that's nearly virtually perfect and perfect in condition. When bought the coin will be encapsulated in a slab which has been sonically sealed. This is done so as to certify and protect its high grade. The MS-69 grade is only guaranteed if the silver eagle is kept in that slab. The coin will be labeled with the grade, grading service and coin type which for instance might be PCGS MS-69 Eagle. It will likewise include the the mint mark and unique serial number.
Even though the silver eagle is a super popular coin, they aren't many available in the highest grades. This is as a result of minting process itself. Just the simple act of handling the coin can very easily cause things such as minor scratches which would disqualify them from getting the MS-69 grade.
Now that you've got some history on the MS-69 American Silver Eagle the big question is, should you pay the extra expense for it?
That all is dependent upon your reason for buying the coin in the first place. If you are buying silver eagles only for the bullion, I believe you would be better served getting plain vanilla eagles in uncirculated condition.
If you're set on purchasing a grade MS69 silver eagle or higher you should know that the price which you pay will be dependant on the demand for the coin. To put it simply, the ultimate worth of the coin is dependent upon its date. Keep in mind that high grade + limited supply = $$$.
