Coopers Coin Academy: What coin grading has in common with school reports

Cooper, a black Labrador puppy from Coopers Coin Academy, sits on a tree trunk. Alongside this is a postcard entitled “Top of the Class – In Coins and Puppy School!” and text about his first dog school and the coin grading PF70.

Coopers Coin Academy 🐾: What coin grading has in common with school reports

Hey friends, this is Cooper! 📚🐶

This week I started dog training – and guess what: I mastered some pretty challenging agility exercises right away! 🐾✨ Even the trainer was surprised, because in my very first lesson I was faster and more focused than some of the much older dogs. Not bad at all for the youngest in the class! Honestly, I felt like a real PF70 that day. 🌟

Okay, I admit it… the second half of the lesson didn’t go quite so perfectly. It was playtime with the other dogs. Some of them were real “giants”—already five months old! 😳 I was a little shy and not quite ready to jump into the pack. But I watched attentively and I’m sure: next time I’ll be brave enough to join in.

And you know what? Coins also go to school, so to speak. When they are graded, it’s like a school report card:

  • PF70 / MS70 = A+ 🥇 Flawless – the top of the class!

  • PF69 = A ✅ Almost perfect, with only the tiniest flaw.

  • PF68 = B+ 📖 Strong, but with a few minor weaknesses.

  • PF65 = C ✏️ Solid, but not best in class.

Whether it’s coins or puppies – evaluations show progress and potential. And just like me at dog training school, a PF70 is always the superstar everyone admires. 🌟

FAQ on coin grading – explained by Coopers Coin Academy 🐾

1) What do PF70 and MS70 mean in coin grading ?
PF70 or MS70 is the highest grade on the Sheldon scale. Flawless, without any visible defects, maximum detail, and the best eye appeal. PF stands for Proof, MS for Mint State.

2) PF, PR and MS – what is the difference?
PF/PR = Proof, meaning collector’s issue with polished dies. MS = Mint State, meaning uncirculated, uncirculated condition without any signs of wear. PCGS often uses PR, NGC mostly PF. The number following indicates the quality grade.

3) Why are PF70 coins more expensive than PF69?
PF70 is the absolute top quality. The combination of high demand and low availability can lead to premiums compared to PF69.

4) How does Cooper’s dog school fit into the grading system?
Cooper’s agility score was PF70, which is A+. He was still a bit shy during playtime. That would be more like PF65 or “not yet graded.” Learning and progress are what count.

5) Where can I find a concise introduction to grading?
In the know-how section of RareCoin.Store as well as in the guide to PF70/PR70.

About the author: Larissa Wasserthal

Larissa Wasserthal writes for Wasserthal RareCoin.Store about modern numismatic gold coins, grading , rarity, and collector value. In Cooper’s Coin Academy, she combines numismatic expertise with easily understandable explanations for collectors.

Who is Cooper?

Cooper is the Labrador of Wasserthal RareCoin.Store and the junior numismatist of Cooper’s Coin Academy . In his lessons, he explains the basics and connections surrounding coin collecting in an understandable and sometimes slightly unusual way. 🐾

More lessons from Cooper’s Coin Academy

Further lessons on grading, quality levels and certified coins can be found in the Cooper’s Coin Academy .

Related to this lesson: PR, PF and MS – short, clear and without jargon · Cooper’s Coin Academy – Lesson: Big-Dog-Energy for Collectors