Thread: Circulated but Still Uncirculated?

Hi,
This question seems to pop up alot. How can a coin from a roll be Uncirculated?.
Actually, it's a GREAT question. By virtue of the fact that it was in a roll, it was circulated; Right??
Well, Since we don't usually get coins straight from the Mint (except for purchased sets and coins) this thought leads to the obvious, aren't they all circulated?

The answer is that we get Uncirculated Coins in rolls all the time. Let me explain. While the purist may cringe and I admit, I did at first, there is a new way of thinking afoot.

The common MS grading system that we use where MS means MINT STATE, grades a coin based upon it's state of preservation not on the fact that it may or not be technically taken from circulation.

I have found coins in mixed rolls that would grade as high as MS-68 (MS-70, being the "perfect" coin. The grading system that we regularly use calls anything MS-60 or higher an Uncirculated grade. The MS-60 thru MS-70 range has grading based upon marks, scratches, eye appeal etc.

So the answer is , Yes, Uncirculated coins can be found in rolls as we now base our grades on various States of Preservation.

Have Fun,
Bill

Thanks for the explaination.....I know I recently asked this very question in a thread