Grading question : BU = ?

g097103

If I understand correctly the designation BU is commonly understood to mean MS63 or there abouts. Is that
correct? I realize it doesn't have an exact numeric equivalent but where on the scale would a rule of thumb
place it.

Thanks,
Scott M

RGL

BU generally is taken to stand for an uncirculated coin, and generally MS-60-62, at that. Choice BU is generally understood to be MS-63 and perhaps 64, while Gem BU is a MS-65 and higher coin. MS-66 and higher sometimes billed as Superb Gem BU. But, as always, it helps to know the seller's nomenclature. Coin World is strict on how its advertisers list coins under the above designations and I believe I have listed what Coin World requires, grade wise, for a coin to be listed as above.

dbldie55

That is why you now see "Premium Quality Uncirculated" and the likes, which do not correspond to any number. The slime sellers will always find a way to list a whizzed AU as a BU coin and those who they are paying for the right to list it will do nothing.

g097103

Thanks. That clears it up for me. So many terms that mean the same thing makes for confusion.

Scott M

dorkkarl

careful, dudes. time was when "BU" meant "borderline uncirculate"

K s

Conder101

From the old school late 60's early 70's it simply meant an untoned uncirculated coin. The coin was "Brilliant" or in todays terms "white".

The only time it was used to mean Borderline Uncirculated was when it was used by scam artist dealers or in reference by others to the coins the scam artists sold. Normally coins sold as Borderline Uncirculated (AU a term just beginning to become more widely used) were normally listed just that way, Borderline.