Question Re: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Coin Condition.

Hi All !

While on the Internet I saw mention of a coin condition designated BU that stands for “Brilliant Uncirculated”. So is BU a legitimate designation in the coin industry and if so, why wasn’t it included on page 9 of the 2020 Red Book under CONDITIONS OF COINS ?

Thanks,
ToddB67

 

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"BU" is a very old terminology.

It says that the coin is Uncirculated or Mint State, but it does not say anything about how nice of a Mint State coin it is. It could have bright luster, but be badly marked, or, far less often, it could be a close to flawless coin. “BU” was used extensively 50 to 60 years ago in advertising. It really does not mean very much today.

 

johnmilton,

Thanks for your thorough reply.
I appreciate the details !

ToddB67

 

Generally will be a lower MS grade at best

 

MS 63 or lower.

 

I thought 'Select Unc' was what would now be called MS-60 thru 63/4, and 'Brilliant Unc' was MS-65/+. Obviously, this is incorrect, though.

But I wasn't around then, that's just been my understanding (perhaps I read something?)

 

Thanks baseball21 Good to know !

ToddB67

 

Thanks Morgandude11......I'll keep that in mind !

 

Here's someone's opinion on the meaning of these old fart terms...

https://www.apmex.com/education/collectibles/what-is-brilliant-uncirculated

Speaking of old fart... @GDJMSP ... the OP also puts a space before his exclamation points !! ! !

 

If I call a coin Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) without a number it can be any grade from MS-60 to MS-70. Additionally, it will not be toned.

 

This had interesting and informative posts.

 

CoinCorgi,

Great reply , with informative Link.
Appreciate the effort !

I think spacing-off an exclamation mark makes it more noticeable and distinctive, like an emoticon, but it's use is simply a personal choice.

Thanks !
ToddB67

 

Agree(

! why have "rule s , 4 any thing >

 

This is how I always learned the BU spectrum.

BU = MS60-62
Select BU = MS63
CH BU (Choice) = MS64
GEM BU = MS65
Premium GEM BU = MS66-67

I haven't seen anyone use Select BU on E-Bay in years, but I still use all of the other terms in my E-Bay listings. For my purposes BU = MS60-63.

 

I am close, but I learned:

BU = 60-62
Select/Choice BU = 63-64
Gem BU = 65-66
Superb Gem BU = 67+

I think this came from ANA grading standards back in the day.

 

Hi Insider,

Yeah, strictly speaking, it would seem that without a number a BU could be any grade from MS-60 to MS-70.

As far as the surface toning of MS-60 to MS-70 coins , due to the complexity of this subject, I'll just refer everyone to the following Link to make up their own mind.
https://www.coinnews.net/2007/09/03...ow-does-it-affect-coins-and-their-value-3565/

Thanks for your reply !
ToddB67

 

Todd,

We have two long running threads on toning premiums. Well, the first one fizzled out, and then the second one resurrected the fun. Check em out, they are very informative.

The Toning Premium Thread

The Toning Premium Thread Part 2


Paul

 

Having purchased many "BU" coins through the mail in the past, I would say that it amounts to "condition somewhat open to interpretation." I've received very nice coins in "BU," but I've probably received more that looked far more AU. Some of it comes from subjective judgement, but I stopped buying relatively expensive "BU" coins a long time ago. If they cost under $20 and the condition doesn't really matter to me, then I might buy one. Otherwise, I avoid "BU," "Gem BU," etc., because I haven't had great experiences with them, especially when buying sight unseen (from magazine ads, etc.). The experience of others probably varies.

 

ewomack, posted: "Having purchased many "BU" coins through the mail in the past, I would say that it amounts to "condition somewhat open to interpretation." I've received very nice coins in "BU," but I've probably received more that looked far more AU. Some of it comes from subjective judgement, but I stopped buying relatively expensive "BU" coins a long time ago. If they cost under $20 and the condition doesn't really matter to me, then I might buy one. Otherwise, I avoid "BU," "Gem BU," etc., because I haven't had great experiences with them, especially when buying sight unseen (from magazine ads, etc.). The experience of others probably varies."

Excellent description of the old "Wild West Days." BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) was just thrown around. When the authentication services started to issue grades along with their opinion (First INSAB and then ANACS) the adjectives added to BU became more solidified. Back then "Select" and "Gem" had not been included but "Choice" (MS-65) was a grade. Eventually, the MS range was expanded and "Choice" was downgraded to MS-63.

 

Well folks, this thread has morphed into a nice repository of BU information and I thank you all for the responses.

Since the "BU" coin surface designation still seems to be currently valuable and helpful for some, albeit officially out-of-fashion, the information received thus far satisfies my own needs. If others have more to offer, please feel free to keep this thread chugging along.

ToddB67