NGC NGC World Coins & Foreign Coinage 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When NGC grades world coins, what does the designation 'MS' signify on the label?
- Mint Sealed
- Mint State — an uncirculated coin graded on the 1–70 Sheldon scale (Correct answer)
- Master Set
- Multiple Strikes
Correct answer: Mint State — an uncirculated coin graded on the 1–70 Sheldon scale
MS (Mint State) on an NGC world coin label indicates the coin is uncirculated and graded on the 70-point Sheldon scale, just as with US coins.
Question 2: What is a 'crown' coin in the context of world coin collecting?
- Any gold coin from a European monarchy
- A large-sized silver coin roughly equivalent to a dollar, typically 38–45mm in diameter (Correct answer)
- A coin bearing a royal crown privy mark
- A coin issued exclusively for coronation ceremonies
Correct answer: A large-sized silver coin roughly equivalent to a dollar, typically 38–45mm in diameter
A 'crown' refers to a large silver coin of roughly dollar size (typically 38–45mm), a term historically associated with British and European coinage.
Question 3: The Maria Theresa Thaler, still being minted today, is officially dated:
- The year of minting
- 1780, the year of Empress Maria Theresa's death, regardless of when struck (Correct answer)
- 1848, the year Austria became a republic
- Undated by law
Correct answer: 1780, the year of Empress Maria Theresa's death, regardless of when struck
The Maria Theresa Thaler has been continuously restruck since 1780 bearing that same date, as it became a standard trade coin in the Middle East and Africa.
Question 4: Which grading challenge is most common when grading ancient coins compared to modern world coins?
- Ancient coins are larger and harder to fit in slabs
- Surface quality is less important; strike and style carry more weight, and environmental wear is expected (Correct answer)
- Ancient coins cannot be authenticated by NGC
- Ancient coins always grade lower due to age
Correct answer: Surface quality is less important; strike and style carry more weight, and environmental wear is expected
For ancient coins, strike quality, artistic style, and centering weigh more heavily in grading, and environmental patina/wear is expected and considered differently than on modern coins.
Question 5: What does 'encapsulation' provide to a world coin that was previously raw (unslabbed)?
- Increased metallic value due to the holder material
- Protection from environmental damage, authentication, and a standardized grade (Correct answer)
- Legal tender status in the issuing country
- Insurance coverage from NGC
Correct answer: Protection from environmental damage, authentication, and a standardized grade
NGC encapsulation protects world coins from further environmental damage, provides an expert authentication opinion, and assigns a standardized grade for market confidence.
Question 6: What is a 'milled' coin in world numismatics?
- A coin struck using machine-powered screw or collar presses, producing uniform size and edge (Correct answer)
- A coin that has been polished on a milling machine
- A coin with a milled (reeded) edge only
- A coin made from rolled sheet metal
Correct answer: A coin struck using machine-powered screw or collar presses, producing uniform size and edge
Milled coins are produced using mechanical (mill-powered or steam-powered) presses with a collar, giving them uniform diameter, weight, and edge—as opposed to hammered coins.
NGC NGC World Coins & Foreign Coinage 1
When NGC grades world coins, what does the designation 'MS' signify on the label?