So, I decided to branch out a bit and start a Franklin collection. I'm not sure if I'm doing this correctly, but here is my methodology. I first figure what kind of collect I want. Figured the Franklins were cheap enough to go for an uncirculated set. So, I take my Saturdays, (only the last two mind you) to sit in the coin shop and poor over raw Franklins of ALL grades, asking the coin dealer questions as they arise. During the process I try to point out the high marks of the coin, figuring these would be the first to be worn from circulation. Now, unless I'm wrong, these points would be Franklin's cheek, top of head, and hair curls directly behind the ear. On the reverse, the bell lines are important, so is the feather differentiation of the eagle, and the rope holding the truss of the bell. If I am totally wrong or missing something, please let me know because I'm just doing this free hand and guessing from what I'm seeing on the circulated coins. I tried to find a decent website to help me know the high points in the grades of Franklins, but most are in regard to differentiating the mint state. So, I guess my question is two fold: am I going about learning how to grade Franklins the correct way and am I correct in my assessment as to the key points in looking at the coin? Lastly, I noticed that there's evidently a difference from what is deemed uncirculated to brilliant uncirculated. Again, going off of observation alone, I'm guessing brilliant uncirculated has more of a proof like quality in relation to detail and luster? Since I have never amassed an entire uncirculated set before I figure I best learn the difference. Opinions are welcomed. Thanks guys.
dimeguy, If your new to the series, I would look at slabbed PCGS, NGC AU, MS63 and MS65s and compare them to each other. I even mistake a slider for a uncirculated coin every now and then. Full bell lines are another matter all together. take care and enjoy! tallpaul000
It was always my understanding that Brilliant Uncirculated referred to a coin devoid of any appreciable toning. Uncirculated simply means the coin has no wear. By that definition we have: UNCIRCULATED BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED Here is a secret :secret:. I prefer my coins not to be brilliant.
You may want to get a copy of Coin World's "Making the Grade." It highlights everything you have been saying.
Sometimes dealers and collectors use terms like Brilliant Uncirculated to refer to specific grades, or groups of grades. For example, Brilliant Uncirculated = MS-63, Gem Uncirculated = MS-65, Superb Gem Uncirculated = MS-67 and Perfect Uncirculated = MS-70.
Not so at all. The term has nothing to do with whether the coin is toned or not. In the old parlance, when all they used were adjectives to describe the condition of a coin instead of numbers, the following adjectives were used. Uncirculated - in todays world that can be thought of as referring to MS60, 61 and 62. Brilliant Uncirculated - refers to MS63 and 64. Gem BU - refers to MS65 and 66. Choice Gem BU refers to MS67 and up. There are many who still use these terms, often incorrectly. Especially in ads. edit - I think what you, and possibly others, may be confusing Paul is the use of the term Brilliant when referring to Proof coins. But even in this contex, it still has nothing to do with whether or not the coin is toned. It is merely used to describe one of the many types of finishes used on Proof coins in order to distinguish it from the other types like satin, matte and cameo.
I have several sets of those in Whitman Classic Albums. Set #1 is about Unc, #2 a little less, #3 much less in grade and #4 is just out of change types of coins. Many in 2x2's in a box waiting for a new Album.
