Coins are graded anywhere between 1 and 70 on a 70-point scale known as the Sheldon numerical scale. Coins graded between 1 and 59 are considered circulated. Coins ranging between 60 and 70 are considered uncirculated, or Mint State.

According to R.S. Yeoman’s, A Guide Book of United States Coins, also commonly referred to as the Red Book:

“The terms Mint State (MS) and uncirculated (Unc.) are interchangeably used to describe coins showing no trace of wear. Such coins may vary to some degree because of blemishes, toning or slight imperfections…”

MS-68 coins are remarkably impressive. Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) describes the lofty MS-68 grade as:

“This is for ‘Mint State’ (the grade) and ‘68’ (the numerical designation of that grade). A nearly perfect coin, with only miniscule imperfections visible to the naked eye. The strike will be exceptionally sharp and the luster will glow. This is an incredible coin.”

There are only two grades higher than MS-68: MS-69 (virtually perfect) and MS-70 (perfect). These grades are very rarely given to rare coins of any type.

Two companies stand out among those that offer coin-grading services: Numismatic Guarantee Corporation (NGC) and the aforementioned PCGS. These long-standing companies take great care in assigning coins the appropriate grade, sealing them in hard, tamper-proof plastic containers, and guaranteeing their authenticity.

All 1908 $20 Saint-Gaudens gold coins offered by Goldline and discussed on this website are graded by either NGC or PCGS and are guaranteed in MS-68 condition.