What does "mint condition" really mean?
“Mint condition” gets thrown around a lot, but in coins, it has a very specific meaning: A coin that has never been in circulation.
It doesn’t just mean “looks good.” A Mint State (MS) coin retains its original “mint luster”—the way light flows across the microscopic ridges left by the striking process. It will have zero wear from being handled or spent.
Coins are graded on the Sheldon Scale from 1 to 70. “Mint State” starts at MS-60 (may have bag marks but no wear) and goes to MS-70 (flawless under 5x magnification).
Your change? Mostly circulated, graded from Fair (FR) to About Uncirculated (AU). Finding a true mint state coin in change is like finding a unicorn. The Coin ID Scanner app helps you understand the grade and where your coin fits on this scale. Knowledge is power!