grading question

[theshoenlebens]

I'm looking at all these coins on various sites. All I see are Gem proof?? Is there a close to standard to that?? I mean I guess, if it was you, would you say a Gem proof is a AU58. PR 61 etc..... What one is closest?
Thanks
Chris

[Doctor Steuss]

I'm looking at all these coins on various sites. All I see are Gem proof?? Is there a close to standard to that?? I mean I guess, if it was you, would you say a Gem proof is a AU58. PR 61 etc..... What one is closest?
Thanks
Chris

I may be wrong (I am only an amateur coin collector, and have only been collecting for about 5 years), but… I think it's usually just one of those terms that is often more of a marketing ploy than an actual estimation of grade.

I personally would be severely disappointed if I bought a proof that was under 60 years old that was marketed as "Gem" that was below a PF65. If it’s a more modern proof, and marketed as “Gem,” it should likely be PF69+ (as lower grade modern proofs are the exception more-so than the norm).

At least that’s my anonymous guy on the internet opinion.

-Stu

[Rodebaugh]

I'm looking at all these coins on various sites. All I see are Gem proof?? Is there a close to standard to that?? I mean I guess, if it was you, would you say a Gem proof is a AU58. PR 61 etc..... What one is closest?
Thanks
Chris

Good eye Chris...and good question

Actually Gem does have a grade to it as do other terms. Be careful though, folks toss those terms around on eBay without knowing exactly what they mean; or the seller may just be a piss poor grader.

Gem Uncirculated = Solid MS-65
Choice Uncirculated = Solid MS-63

[theshoenlebens]

Thanks for the replies guys.
Yup, these coins are modern and not silver. I've been looking at some ikes and such and for not much (2X FV or much less) of the coins value I thought about getting some. I figure if nothing else they are really cool looking and they might get the the kids into it.

[Rodebaugh]

Thanks for the replies guys.
Yup, these coins are modern and not silver. I've been looking at some ikes and such and for not much (2X FV or much less) of the coins value I thought about getting some. I figure if nothing else they are really cool looking and they might get the the kids into it.

Nothing wrong with collecting coins because they look cool and you like them.......heck thats what its all about......and whatever it takes to get the kid's minds on collecting rather than spending I am all for.

[Doctor Steuss]

Good eye Chris...and good question

Actually Gem does have a grade to it as do other terms. Be careful though, folks toss those terms around on eBay without knowing exactly what they mean; or the seller may just be a piss poor grader.

Gem Uncirculated = Solid MS-65
Choice Uncirculated = Solid MS-63

It's a damned good day when I have the pleasure of learning something new.

Thank you Rodebaugh.