Strike vs. Grade: Why Some MS64 Morgans Look Better than MS65s
When collecting or investing in Morgan Silver Dollars, it’s important to understand the difference between strike and grade. While many collectors focus on the grade, the strike can often impact a coin’s appearance and value even more. In this article, we’ll explain how strike and grade differ and why an MS64 Morgans can sometimes look better than an MS65.
What’s the Difference Between Strike and Grade?
Let’s start by defining strike and grade to understand their effect on a coin’s appearance.
1. Coin Grade: What Do MS64 and MS65 Mean?
A coin’s grade is a numerical measure of its overall condition. It’s based on factors like wear, scratches, luster, and eye appeal. The Sheldon Scale is used to grade coins. “MS” stands for Mint State, which means the coin is uncirculated.
- MS64: A Mint State 64 coin has minor imperfections, like light contact marks, but it still looks great.
- MS65: An MS65 coin is almost perfect, with only minimal imperfections visible under magnification.
2. Coin Strike: What Does It Mean?
The strike refers to the quality of the coin’s minting process. It includes:
- How well the dies imprint the design onto the coin
- The strength and clarity of the details
- Any areas where the design may be weak or unclear
A strong strike results in sharp, well-defined details, while a weak strike leads to softness or missing details.
Now that we’ve defined these terms, let’s explore why strike can sometimes make a bigger impact on appearance than the grade.
Why Some MS64 Morgans Coins Look Better Than MS65s
1. The Impact of the Coin’s Strike
The strike can greatly affect a coin’s overall appearance. Two coins with similar grades — like MS64 and MS65 — might look different if their strikes are not the same.
- Strong strike: The design is sharp and clear.
- Weak strike: Some details may appear soft or unclear.
For example, an MS64 coin with a strong strike might look better than an MS65 coin with a weaker strike. This is because the MS64 coin’s details are clearer, even though it’s technically graded lower.
2. The Importance of Luster
Luster is another important factor that affects a coin’s appearance. While both MS64 and MS65 coins have good luster, a coin with a stronger strike will often have more brilliant shine. Coins with stronger strikes tend to stand out more.
MS64 coins with a strong strike often have better luster than MS65 coins with a weak strike.
3. The Subtle Differences Between Grades
The difference between MS64 and MS65 is usually small. Both grades represent uncirculated coins of high quality. However, the Sheldon Scale is precise, and even small imperfections can affect a coin’s grade.
- MS64 coins: May show more contact marks or a weaker strike.
- MS65 coins: Near-perfect but may have slight imperfections, like a weak strike.
Because a strong strike can make a coin look better than a weak one, a well-struck MS64 can outperform an MS65 with a weaker strike. This makes strike quality an important factor for collectors focused on visual appeal.
4. Eye Appeal and Personal Preference
Ultimately, eye appeal plays a big role in which coin a collector prefers. While the Sheldon grade reflects the coin’s condition, collectors may pay more for a coin that simply looks better.
An MS64 coin with a superior strike and bright luster may appeal more than an MS65 coin with weaker details. Personal preference is key: many collectors prioritize a coin’s visual appeal over its technical grade.
How to Evaluate Strike and Grade Together
When buying a coin, consider both its grade and strike. Here’s how to evaluate both:
1. Examine the Strike Quality
Look closely at the coin’s design. Are the features sharp and clear? If they are, the strike is strong. If the features appear soft or blurry, the strike may be weak.
2. Evaluate Luster and Visual Appeal
A coin with a strong strike usually has better luster. Examine how the coin shines in the light and whether the design looks crisp.
3. Consider the Overall Grade
MS64 coins may show more wear, but a coin with a strong strike can still look better than a weak MS65. MS65 coins are close to perfect, but a weak strike can hurt their appearance.
Conclusion: Strike Matters Just as Much as Grade
When it comes to Morgan Silver Dollars, strike quality can be just as important as the grade. A higher grade, like MS65, doesn’t always mean the coin looks better. Sometimes, an MS64 coin with a strong strike and brilliant luster is more appealing than an MS65 with a weaker strike.
As a collector or investor, it’s essential to look beyond the grade and consider the strike. A coin’s true beauty and value depend on both.
At SpringHillCoinShop.com, we offer a wide selection of high-quality Morgan Silver Dollars, including both MS64 and MS65 coins. Our coins are carefully chosen to ensure they meet high grading standards and have excellent strike quality.
Shop Our Collection of MS64 and MS65 Morgan Silver Dollars
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Key Takeaways
- Strike quality impacts a coin’s appearance, sometimes more than its grade.
- MS64 coins with stronger strikes can look better than MS65 coins with weaker strikes.
- Eye appeal is a key factor in determining a coin’s value, regardless of its grade.