If a coin is circulated even once, is it no longer BU?

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by bugo, Dec 15, 2013.

  1. bugo

    bugo Well-Known Member

    Let's say I spend a coin, say a MS-70 1970 Kennedy half, carefully holding the coin by its edge, and the cashier immediately puts the coin aside on a soft surface and buys it. He then puts the half in a plastic holder before he even leaves the store. The coin is not damaged in any way. If it were sent to be graded again, it would still be an MS-70. Is it no longer considered uncirculated, even though it's still in perfect condition? Why or why not?
     
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  3. Tinpot

    Tinpot Well-Known Member

    If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?
     
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  4. Tom B

    Tom B TomB Everywhere Else

    The definition of uncirculated is no sign of wear. That should answer your question quite clearly.
     
  5. mikenoodle

    mikenoodle The Village Idiot Supporter

    I think that this is why many people have abandoned the term "Uncirculated" for "Mint State". It is a more accurate assessment of a coin that is still in the same state as it left the Mint.
     
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  6. 19Lyds

    19Lyds Member of the United States of Confusion

    The term "uncirculated" is a term indicating the state of a coins "preservation" not whether or not it has actually been circulated or even spent.
     
    bugo likes this.
  7. bugo

    bugo Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the feedback.
     
  8. rickmp

    rickmp Frequently flatulent.

    If you make a statement and your wife is too far away to hear it, are you still wrong?
     
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  9. GDJMSP

    GDJMSP Numismatist Moderator

    Unless of course you are a TPG.

    Devil made me say it, I swear he did :D
     
  10. daveydempsey

    daveydempsey Well-Known Member

    If you had the choice between being with your wife or winning the lottery,
    Which new car would you buy ?:D
     
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  11. mlov43

    mlov43 주화 수집가

    Aw, snap! :) you guys are gonna get me in trouble...making me laugh out loud, and the spouse comes in to "investigate" what I'm laughing at on the computer. Luckily I was able to click away to another post.
     
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  12. rickmp

    rickmp Frequently flatulent.

    If you use Google Chrome, you can open CT in an incognito window so there's no trace of where you've been when you close it.
     
  13. superc

    superc Active Member

    You are rating it as a 70 before sending it in to be graded? That is problem 1.

    Problem 2, you bought it. That is all by itself a circulation, so it is no longer uncirculated.

    Perhaps 'Once Uncirculated' is the most honest.
     
  14. bugo

    bugo Well-Known Member

    Theoretical situation.
     
  15. superc

    superc Active Member

    Understood. My highest 'at home' grade awarded by me is 45. Anything I think may deserve a higher value goes to the TPGs and I let them make the call. Avoids issues if I sell it.
     
  16. bugo

    bugo Well-Known Member

    I don't grade my own coins because quite frankly, I have no idea. I don't collect for profit, so it's not a big deal.
     
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