Choice Uncirculated MS : A good luster and a decent strike, these coins may have one or two noticeable marks, scuffs and other defects. Gem Uncirculated MS : A maximum of two large marks may be present, and scuff-marks may also be visible, but the overall appeal is above acceptable. Gem Uncirculated MS : The mint luster is there in full and the strike is above average, but there may be as many as two noticeable scuff-marks.
Superb Gem Uncirculated MS : This grade denotes a high quality strike and the original luster, but as many as 4 small contact marks may be present, as well as 1 larger and more noticeable mark. Superb Gem Uncirculated MS : Exceptional to the naked eye, this coin may display as many as 4 small flaws, with no scuff-marks.
Superb Gem Uncirculated MS : Two small non-detracting flaws may be present, but the luster should be there in full and the strike, as well as the eye appeal, should be exceptional.
This abbreviation is short for Brilliant Uncirculated, a frequently used term in the numismatic and bullion markets. How can one tell? When a coin is handled or rubbed, it gradually loses its flash. Then, as the coin circulates even more, it loses some of its design detail.
The highest points and more delicate elements wear down and eventually disappear. If a coin is graded Brilliant Uncirculated, one can assume that all design details are intact and the coin is still extremely flashy. It may, however, display marks and scratches. Even if a coin escapes the mint untouched by human hands, it may still show some abrasions. It all depends on the striking, packaging, and distribution methods employed by the mint.
Silver Eagles , for instance, are struck and tubed using an automated process. The coins are handled delicately, albeit by fast-moving robots. It used to be difficult to pinpoint the quality of coins. Thankfully, numismatist William Herbert Sheldon, Jr.
He first presented the scale in , and it was adopted by the collector and assessor community in the s. About Uncirculated coins are sometimes the ones to look for instead of BU coins. For a coin to be Brilliant Uncirculated, members of its batch must have been circulated, meaning there were enough produced for there to be extras. The highest points of a coin are those areas that rise up more than the other areas of a coin.
In the case of a portrait coin the highest points would be the hair, ear and cheek. Each coin is different though because of the differences in design. Each coinage metal changes in color a bit differently after experiencing wear, friction or rub.
Wear on the high points will almost always feature this discoloration. Additionally, mint luster will be interrupted on a coin that has wear, friction or rub. This is not the situation with Mint State coins.
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