Hey guys, I've been in the coin collecting hobby for over a year now and have noticed something about mintstate coins. An MS65 coin is very pleasing to the eye and most have little distractions to the eye appeal of the coin. It's a beauty! An MS63 coin is still a great grade but the coin might have small lustre breaks or light scuffs. It is also pleasing to the eye. Now, I've noticed that an MS64 coin will have some sort of problem that doesn't allow it to reach a higher grade. I have a few MS64 coins and notice that overall they look like a solid 65 or 66, except that have a "problem" that drops the grade. In my case, I notice that a more significant distracting mark or scratch is the reason for its given grade. In my opinion, I'd rather have a solid MS63 coin, then an MS64 with a distracting knick or mark. This is just what I have noticed looking at my coins and others. Let me know what you think!
My opinion - not saying all graded coins are the correct grade, but you should be able to say the same thing for any set of grades and even within a grade. I mean a choice AU-58 coin is nicer than the average MS60 to MS62 coins and even some 63's(I could probably throw a few 64's also) and you can work your way up the scale. The key is knowing the traits and technical differences between the coins and the grades. So where do we end up - buy the choice coins for the grade you can afford. Just my humble opinion.
It sounds like you are describing what I refer to as "grade limited" coins. Grade limited coins are coins that would appear to be a higher grade if not for the presence of a grade limiting condition. I have seen certified coins grade limited for every element of grading. The most common being surface marks and strike. Here are some examples of what I am talking about. Grade Limited MS64 Morgan Dollar (Surface Mark) Besides the phenomenal toning, the first thing you notice when viewing this coin is the large mark right in the focal area of Liberty's cheek. The strike, luster, and eye appeal of the coin are outstanding even for an 1880-S. In addition, the reverse is easily MS65 quality. The obverse although it has some luster grazes and small marks on the cheek would merit MS65 as well if not for the grade limiting mark on the cheek. Grade Limited MS64 Morgan Dollar (Strike) Here is a Morgan Dollar with a strike so poor that most collectors think the coin is AU. Good luster, alluring eye appeal, and premium gem surfaces are held to a choice uncirculated grade due to the poor strike. While it may seem that all MS64's are grade limited examples, I promise this is not the case. While grade limited examples do exist, the majority of the MS64's are simply a lesser quality than MS65 and a greater quality than MS63's. Here are a few. Personally, I love the grade limited coins and much prefer them over MS63's.
