How are coins Graded

These are the best quality coins minted by The Royal Mint. 

These coins are made using hand finished presses. They are made at a much slower rate than circulating coins. The pressure used to mint the coins is also lower and they are pressed 5 times, and finished by hand,

These coins can be in Platinum, Gold, Silver or Base Metals and have the sharpest and clearest details.

Brilliant Uncirculated Coins are the next best quality of coins.

These are made using the base metals that all circulating coins are made from but the quality of the press and the finish is much superior to circulating coins.

These coins are usually found in sets but are also made for individual coins packs too.

As it suggests, circulated coins have been made for circulation. These are made in bulk quantities at a much faster speed.

They will have been mixed in with other coins and have signs of marking from this. Those that have been out in the wild in pockets and wallets will also show signs of ware.

Circulated coins are also put into categories to help identify their condition, this is explained below.

An 'About Uncirculated' (BU or BUNC) coin has a look like it has never been in circulation. Although there may be very slight but hardly visible signs of circulation, the details are still very crisp and the coin has its original lustre and shine.

An 'Extremely Fine' graded coin has been in circulation and shows this on the coin. The details are still clear to see though.

There may be some ware on the raised areas of the coin and there may be scratches and signs of slight denting around the edges.

A 'Very Fine' coin grading means the coin has heavy signs of circulation, ware on the raised areas and maybe some discolouration, but the main points of the coin are still visible, IE the date and design, but they will not show as much detail as they used too.

A 'Fine' coin grading means the coin has extremely heavy signs of circulation, very ware on the raised areas and discolouration. The main points of the coin are still visible, IE the date and design, but they will not show much detail at all.

A 'Good' coin grading means the coin has worn away during circulation. The coin can just about be identified due to the amount of ware but has hardly any details left on the coin.

These grade coins are usually for people that are into social history.

For a coin to be classed as 'Proof' it must still be within its original proof coin set or have clear images of the coins superior clarity. If these cant be seen, the coin should be classed as BUNC.  Grading's are also subject to personal views and may not match up completely with your expectations. Always check all photos in detail or ask for a video view before purchasing online.