Difference Between Mint State and Satin Finish
Their is a slight difference between the two distinct surface designations made by the third party grading services. You must understand this difference in buying coins on Ebay or from a dealer. The difference can be significant in terms of price and value due to rarity. Some coins in a particular grade are much more valuable than the same grade for a coin in the other surface finish.
This is because satin finish coins are handled much better in production because they are meant only for collector mint sets, while mint state coins are produced for circulation, even if they never actually make it to that point.
Typically, satin finish coins are worth less because they appear in higher grades in greater numbers. Circulation grade, uncirculated coins are much more difficult to find in high grades and, therefore, hold greater value to collectors and potential buyers. Though, in very high grades, the satin finish coins could be quite valuable. They are typically very hard to find in 69 or even 70, but it has been done.
Most grading services label these coins as MS for mint state and SP or SF for satin finish. If not then they may directly say “satin finish” underneath the grade.
