MS61. The "Island of Misfit Toys" coin grade.

Weiss

In theory it's just another MS grade. But in reality, it's an odd grade that nobody wants

Let's see some fantastic MS61s!

Baley

dpoole

drddm

BStrauss3

Well, MS60 is a dog, and a 3 legged, blind in one eye missing half a tail dog, but still a dog (as in an MS60 is still a Mint State coin). So an MS61 is what - the dog chasing the car just before the accident?

lkeigwin

I've seen many stunning MS61's in the bust half world. drddm's above is an excellent example. I have a half dozen or more like the one below.

Fantastic DE, Weiss. Really impressive.
Lance.

PerryHall

Dang! Those are some very attractive coins that appear worthy of a higher grade. I'm guessing there may be some technical issues not visible in the pics such as hairlines from a light wipe that is holding the grade down.

BillJones

This is graded PCGS MS-61, CAC. A former owner tried to upgrade it a couple times.

Once more given the way I take pictures, this one looks better in person. It has been dipped, but it has mellowed out a bit since I bought it. Still you don't find many Dahlonega Mint coins that look like this.

BillJones

This used to be an MS-61, until someone got it into an MS-62 holder before it was auctioned to me. The auction price didn't change much despite the extra point.

BillJones

And this 1794 half cent was stuck with the dies out of alignment which results in softness around the date are. A couple of copper experts have agreed with me that it is a low end Unc.

lkeigwin

This MS61 was previously in an AU58 holder. It is the "tampered-3" variety.
Lance.

lkeigwin

And this MS61 was crossed from NGC. It too may be undergraded or perhaps it is a technical 58 due to the slightest rub but bumped to MS by both services for its eye appeal.
Lance.

ricko

There are some very nice coins in this thread... especially the gold ones .... Grades are not a major focus of mine... I select my coins by what appeals to me..... sure, I like coins to be problem free and not all scratched up from cleaning etc.. That being said, I would never pass up an attractive MS61.... Cheers, RickO

Cougar1978

Wow those bust halves stunning. These look really nice can't believe they just MS61 - I guess I am blind as a bat lol.

JazzmanJAB

Here's the one I have.

crump41

CaptHenway

Part of the obsession with high grades that has seriously damaged the hobby. I personally would love to own a 1796 No Stars Quarter Eagle in MS-61.

crump41

steveben

SkyMan

I've been offered between MS63 and MS64 money for this.

Barndog

10000lakes

PCGS MS61

1896-o Use to be 61, now residing in a 62 holder

crazyhounddog

I've never seen so many beautiful 61's in my life. These are all beauties

logger7

I had this a while back, PCGS 61, possibly upgraded.

jesbroken

Haven't had an MS61 coin, but have had a PF61 Liberty Seated Dime. Sold it to a dealer several years ago.
Jim

19Lyds

BryceM

Zoins

Those are some gorgeous MS61s!

Should there be an everyman's set for 61s?

cardinal

logger7

The most valuable MS61? https://coins.ha.com/itm/liberty-double-eagles/1861-20-paquet-ms61-pcgs-only-three-regular-issue-us-coins-are-unique-the-1870-s-half-dime-the-1873-cc-no-arrows-dime/a/414-5623.s

MS60 is becoming a much harder grade to get. This one got it due to a scratch which was still MA: http://imgur.com/SpT1NzA http://i.imgur.com/sAINPIj.jpg

asheland

Epic thread!

kaz

Terrific coins! Would love to see some more.

Baley

Here's a coin purchased about 14 years ago as an MS61, though it was (and still is) in an MS62 holder

lkeigwin

One more.
Lance.

Catbert

Lance - you have great coins and mad photography skills.

pennyannie

A ms61 Washington quarter or a Jefferson nickel might not garner much interest but a pre 1850 coin is usually a different story unless dipped to death

AmazonX

NGC MS61* PL