Mint State refers to a grade used in numismatics. It is given to a coin which was not used in circulation, and thus can be described "as new".
In modern-day United States numismatics, mint state coins are given a number from 60 to 70, with 70 being a perfect coin with no visible blemishes such as hits or wear. Coins with a low grade (60-63), although unworn, may suffer from weak striking, bag marks and other defects that make them less attractive to the collector. Some early coins appear quite worn in mint state, due to striking problems.
Famous quotes containing the word state:
“When the Revolutionaries ran short of gun wadding the Rev. James Caldwell ... broke open the church doors and seized an armful of Watts’ hymnbooks. The preacher threw them to the soldiers and shouted, “Give ‘em Watts, boys—give ‘em Watts!””
—For the State of New Jersey, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)