Hello. Just wanted to check whether my interpretation of an 'uncirculated' coin is correct or not. The mint has just released a new 50 cent coin to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Mabo decision. You can buy 20 coins in a mint bag from the Mint website. These coins are made for circulation but have not yet been in circulation (in that they have not been released into the public registers and pockets). In this case, would you classify the 20 coins in the mint bag as "Uncirculated" or not? I think they qualify as Uncirculated but others possibly believe an "Uncirculated" coin to be one from a special mint issue or limited run. Just wondering what "Uncirculated" means in terms of coins?
You have circulated and uncirculated. Anything out of a mint bag or mint roll is uncirculated. It may have bag marks out of a bag,but its never circulated,that means to go around. My Google dictionary says,,,,,,, Uncirculated adjective (especially of a note or coin) that has not been in circulation.
New to this so I find the terminology on the RAM website confusing. Presume they categorise: Uncirculated = This coin type will not be released as part of general currency Circulated = This coin type has been released Circulating = This coin type will (?) be released In which case you have uncirculated circulating coins
Additional to 'uncirculated' is: Brilliant Uncirculated Mint State ( may have associated numbers, such MS61 ). FDC ( Fleur de Coin, French for 'perfect coin' )
I think it means two things... A coin that is/was minted with the expectation that the coin would not be in general use, ie proof coins, modern bullion, commemorative coin. Or a coin that is/was minted for general use but was never used, I believe these coins have to be officially graded, not something one thinks it is.
Uncirculated can mean a couple of things, it is an Australian Grading standard and it is also a marketing term to show that a coin has not been taken from circulation. There are many different grading systems and uncirculated is not used in all of them because it is a bit ambiguous, a coin that has never been circulated could well be damaged in ways not relating to circulation. Some systems define Uncirculated as "A coin with only minor rub on the highest points. Hairlines or friction should be at a minimum." There could still be "bag-marks" present. The American system would further break the grade down into different levels of damage. I have taken many coins out of circulation that would be graded as Uncirculated in the Australian system. Don't forget you also have Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT) which would also be considered uncirculated. In your case you should be able to label them as Uncirculated and if any are in really good condition you could label them as Choice Uncirculated or Gem Uncirculated. Anything a bit iffy you could call aUNC, about uncirculated.
Wrong thinking ... Just because a coin was meant to be NCLT, does not mean it is uncirculated. I've found many in my change, thus, they are then 'circulated'. Some of you guys are reading too deep into myth. It's simple ... 'Uncirculated' is a grade, and a statement of the coin's history.
