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<p>[QUOTE="Mike Thornton, post: 3836334, member: 105289"]Hello Dnna. Welcome to CT. The term BU is still used often these days but as has previously been stated, is an old grading term, prior to the Sheldon Scale. I often get the old terms mixed up in my mind (getting too old now and have been collecting since 1972). Anyway, the Sheldon Scale is pretty straight forward. Grades are from 1 to 70 with Mint State (Uncirculated) coins being in the range of 60-70. </p><p>I found on-line, don't recall from which site, a list of the old terms and their equivalent numerical grades.</p><p><br /></p><p>BU - Brilliant Uncirculated would describe a Mint State coin with no evidence of circulation wear. All of the grades between 60 and 70 could be described as BU. IMO many many online sellers overuse the term and many times to describe a coin that is "all shiny". If it looks new and shiny but is an old coin, it has likely been cleaned. Learn how to identify the signs or risk paying too much. </p><p><br /></p><p>Uncirculated - MS-60 to MS-62</p><p>Select Uncirculated - MS-63</p><p>Choice Uncirculated - MS-64</p><p>Gem Uncirculated - MS65 to MS-66</p><p>Surperd Gem Uncirculated - MS-67 to MS-69</p><p>Perfect Uncirculated - MS-70</p><p><br /></p><p>As others have advised, take your time, educate yourself and have patience. I agree with them. Your patience will be rewarded. I would suggest that you build a relationship with your LCS (Local Coin Shop). It's been my experience that the LCS owner is also a collector and as you can tell, collectors like talking about their coins. You'll get a lot of advise and a free education in the process (well less your time, but time well spent). </p><p>If buying coins online, read the sellers reviews. I also look at where the seller is located. Unless I plan to buy junk, I don't buy from China or other sellers based out of country. Not that it is all junk but US Customs can get involved in international sales. As for China, too may counterfeit coins from that part of the world so buyer beware.</p><p><br /></p><p>Again welcome to CT and enjoy the hobby.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="Mike Thornton, post: 3836334, member: 105289"]Hello Dnna. Welcome to CT. The term BU is still used often these days but as has previously been stated, is an old grading term, prior to the Sheldon Scale. I often get the old terms mixed up in my mind (getting too old now and have been collecting since 1972). Anyway, the Sheldon Scale is pretty straight forward. Grades are from 1 to 70 with Mint State (Uncirculated) coins being in the range of 60-70. I found on-line, don't recall from which site, a list of the old terms and their equivalent numerical grades. BU - Brilliant Uncirculated would describe a Mint State coin with no evidence of circulation wear. All of the grades between 60 and 70 could be described as BU. IMO many many online sellers overuse the term and many times to describe a coin that is "all shiny". If it looks new and shiny but is an old coin, it has likely been cleaned. Learn how to identify the signs or risk paying too much. Uncirculated - MS-60 to MS-62 Select Uncirculated - MS-63 Choice Uncirculated - MS-64 Gem Uncirculated - MS65 to MS-66 Surperd Gem Uncirculated - MS-67 to MS-69 Perfect Uncirculated - MS-70 As others have advised, take your time, educate yourself and have patience. I agree with them. Your patience will be rewarded. I would suggest that you build a relationship with your LCS (Local Coin Shop). It's been my experience that the LCS owner is also a collector and as you can tell, collectors like talking about their coins. You'll get a lot of advise and a free education in the process (well less your time, but time well spent). If buying coins online, read the sellers reviews. I also look at where the seller is located. Unless I plan to buy junk, I don't buy from China or other sellers based out of country. Not that it is all junk but US Customs can get involved in international sales. As for China, too may counterfeit coins from that part of the world so buyer beware. Again welcome to CT and enjoy the hobby.[/QUOTE]
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