What does BU mean when coin collectors describe coins?

Question

I have been looking at coins and was wondering what BU stands for, and also does each coin have to be certified?

Answer 1

Coins don't have to be certified, however it does make trading simpler where the buyer isn't able to see the coin in person.  When buying coins the certification generally gives you an idea that the coin has been examined and found to be genuine (it's and authentic coin not counterfeit) and that it has been graded to a standard.

You'll often see coins advertised as BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) basically meaning they've never been in someone's pocket, Choice BU which tends to mean they are upper Mint State quality with a good strike and no defects.  You'll also see coins advertised as AU (About Uncirculated) which basically means they've been in someone's pocket.

Grading coins is a subjective process - even the pros have difficulty agreeing sometimes - so if you have an interest in specific coins learn more about them at the many resources on the web.  PCGS and NGC both maintain prices guides for certified coins online.

Answer 2

Brilliant Uncirculated! Its comparable to about uncirculated.

Answer 3

Brilliant Uncirculated (numismatics), and I suppose the certification is like a guarantee that it is.

Answer 4

BU is actually and old term that means Brilliant Uncirculated. It meant the coin had nice mint luster and was above uncirculated. Now the Uncirculated grades are called mint state and have numbers such as MS-60 to MS-70 (a perfect coin). Some dealers use the old term for they can get away with not giving it's exact grade. Remember grading is someones opinion and if far from a science. If one wants to collect mint state coins and has trouble grading then buy well know certified coins, keep in mind the grade is an opinion. For non mint state coins almost anyone can learn to grade them from the grading books so it would not be wise to pay more for the coin just because it is certified. One thing scarce or rare coins even in low grades should be certified to prove they are real and not counterfeits. I can grade and I look for good strikes and eye appeal no matter what the grade. Cherry picking nice coins in the end will make you money. The key to coin collecting is know more about the series of coins you collect than the dealer without him knowing. Coin collecting can be a lot of fun and does not need to be expensive. hate grading the collect ancient coins or circulated World Coins.

Answer 5

A BU coin is a coin that has never been circulated, and retains all of its original mint luster. BU stands for Brilliant Uncirculated. This term is used less frequently now that the Sheldon scale of numerical grading has come into vogue. A BU coin is usually described as MS (Mint State) today, and generally falls into the lowest MS grades (MS-60 through MS-62.) Higher MS grades are designated as "Choice BU" (MS-63 and MS-64) and "Gem BU" (MS-65 plus).