Uncirculated and Mint State, which do you prefer?

nwcs

We had a little discussion about mint state and uncirculated a bit ago. I thought I'd see what you thought of those terms. Whether you think they are the same or if they are subtlely different and why.

XpipedreamR

I personally refer to the coins in question as "uncirculated"

I really think that "MS" can be more of an honest and accurate descriptor. I regularly see coins in circulation that would definitely pass as "uncirculated," but I suppose they would not really be, by definition, "uncirculated." These same coins could be termed "mint state," though, as they most definitely meet the criteria for the various MS grades.

1957joe

same thing. IMO

MadMarty

AU58, of course!!!

XpipedreamR

<< <i>AU58, of course!!! >>

Steve27

They have the same meaning.

coppercoins

The two terms are synonymous. 'Uncirculated,' in the context of grading, does not mean that the coin has never been spent. This is a very common misconception. The term simply refers to a coin that does not have wear. Same thing as mint state, technically.

Edited to add: If you don't see any coins in pocket change that would pass for uncirculated, you haven't been looking hard enough. Any cent you get in change that's all red is likely uncirculated, and I for one receive them all the time. It takes quite a bit of handling to turn a coin into a circ coin, and typically those under 3 years old are not in circulated grade.

flaminio

I prefer the term "Mint State", but I agree that the terms are essentially synonymous.

paigowjohnny

I still don't understand how a coin can grade MS or uncirculated when it has a big ol' fingerprint on it....

mgoodm3

I use both terms.