What Is an Uncirculated Coin? Guide to Condition and Value (2024)

FAQs

What makes a coin uncirculated condition? ›

Uncirculated coins have never been used in circulation and are thus in pristine condition. Uncirculated coins are made using a process called “plating,” which involves coating a blank coin with a thin layer of metal.

Usually uncirculated coins are almost entirely blemish free, although this isn't always the case. The main attraction of buying uncirculated coins is usually for collectors, as they will often increase significantly in value over time and be worth more than their circulated counterparts.

Uncurrent coin is coin that shows excessive wear due to natural abrasion, but that can be identified readily as to genuineness and denomination and is machine countable. The Federal Reserve accepts deposits of uncurrent coin from depository institutions.

The terms “Mint State” (MS), “Uncirculated” (Unc.), and “Brilliant Uncirculated” (BU) are all used to describe the condition of a coin that has not entered circulation. These coins are minted to a higher standard than circulated coins, created with investors and collectors in mind.

Proof Coins: Are the finest quality of coin produced by the United States Mint. The term "proof" refers to the coin's finish. Proof blanks are specially treated, hand-polished, and cleaned to ensure high-quality strikes.

These coins have never been in circulation and are struck with a pristine finish making them perfect for display or gifts.

Local Dealers

Almost every coin dealer is well accustomed to purchasing coins brought into their shops. You can bring in one piece or an entire collection and your local dealer may well be interested in buying it. If not, they are usually more than happy to point you in the right direction.

The Kennedy half dollar coin from pre-1975 is worth between $10 and $1,500+, depending on condition and rarity. The key aspect of the coin that causes the difference in worth is whether the print of Kennedy has "accented hair" above his ear or not.

Credit unions or community banks are more likely to have free coin-counting machines for members. Coinstar machines are in many supermarkets, and Publix has its own machines. You may be charged up to a 11.9% processing fee if you wish to convert your coins into cash.

What is the best way to store uncirculated coins? ›

For high-value coins, use hard plastic holders. Professional coin grading services use sealed holders called slabs to protect authenticated and graded coins. Use acid-free cardboard and plastic holders free from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Acid and PVC can ruin a coin's surface.

One of the most common error coins is the off-center struck coin. When the blank is fed into the press improperly, it strikes the coin improperly because the dies only strike the blank that is inserted in the press. Sometimes this causes an uneven strike of the coin, taking away from the round shape.

Uncirculated bills, on the other hand, have never been used for transactions. These bills are typically in mint condition, displaying sharp corners, vibrant colors, and an overall pristine appearance. Uncirculated bills are often carefully stored and protected from environmental factors that can contribute to wear.

Littleton Coin Company's "How To Collect Paper Money" booklet defines uncirculated as "a note that has not been released into circulation and is in the same condition as it was when produced." In other words, the note had to have gone from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C., where it was made, to ...

Fill a plastic container with distilled water and stir in the mild hand soap in which you will soak the dirty coins for 10 to 15 minutes. After this, take the coins out, lay them on a clean, soft cloth, and use the old, soft toothbrush to scrub each coin gently.

Never touch valuable collectors coins with your bare hands. This rule matters most if you own proof coins or uncirculated coins. The natural oil in your skin, as well as any dirt that might stick to your hands, will tarnish your coins' shiny surfaces.