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 Replies: 11 / Views: 2,815 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1613 Posts |
I've seen, and heard, the Gem BU term before, especially seeking out the mint-state grades of Australian Wedge-tailed Silver Eagles. It has been my assumption that those with a BU or Gem BU on the label would get a grade lower than MS68. Is this right? Or are they simply bulk submissions requesting the designation, as I've heard a time or two? I also know that overseas, especially in Europe where they have a different scale than the Sheldon, BU and Gem BU are actual listed grades. Just curious.  ANA member - PAN Member - BCCS Member There are no problems only solutions - the late, great John Lennon
Edited by Ballyhoo
04/08/2021 1:50 pm
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
I still use BU and Gem BU on some of my coins . This is what the old timers used to use for uncirculated coins in the U.S. before the Sheldon Grading System .  |
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Rest in Peace
United States
10625 Posts |
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I still use BU and Gem BU on some of my coins yep, select, choice and gem.  |
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Valued Member
 United States
461 Posts |
Unslabbed BUs are frequently sliders or commercial unc.s with slight circulation.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
I use Sheldon grading for US coins, because US collectors are most familiar with this system and I mostly use Sheldon for Canadian coins for the same reason. I use British adjectival grading for all other coins because that system is much more commonly used and understood by the rest of the World's collectors. Also used by other than US based international auction houses for non US coins. Is I see it, MS60-63 = Uncirculated MS64-66 = choice Uncirculated MS67-69 = gem Uncirculated. MS-70 = FDC (Fleur de Coin) In this case only, can apply to both perfectly struck specimen coins as well as proof coins. 'Proof' added as a comment, but that should be obvious for proof coins struck after about 1960. Irrespective if coins are slab graded or not. |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
United States
12281 Posts |
Based on my read of many US-based auction catalogs over the years. plus books on grading US coins, here is a chart to convert between adjectival and numeric grading: Uncirculated: MS 60 Select Uncirculated: MS 61-62 Choice Uncirculated: MS 63-64 Gem Uncirculated: MS65-66 Superb Uncirculated: MS 67-68 Of course, this was the scale as used before market grading took over. So, today's "Gem" coins may turn out to be yesterday's "Choice" coins that have strong eye appeal! Quote:
It has been my assumption that those with a BU or Gem BU on the label would get a grade lower than MS68. Is this right? In many cases, "Yes, that's correct!" I have, however, purchased a "Gem BU" coin that was submitted for a re-grade and it came bask as MS-69. So, as always, it's best to closely examine a coin vs. just accepting what is listed on a grading label. Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Originally when the so called Sheldon scale was applied to mint state grades by the ANA in 1977 Gem meant a MS-65 coin. Before they finally went to all 11 grades and dropped the adjectives the grades were MS-60 Typical Unc MS-63 Choice Unc MS-64 Select Unc MS-65 Gem Unc MS-67 Superb Unc MS-70 Perfect Unc |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
I simply ignore all of those so called grades. I just want all my coins in an Album to look new.
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Moderator
United States
188750 Posts |
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I just want all my coins in an Album to look new. As do we all!  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Actually I like mine to show a little wear. Proof that they did the job they were intended for.
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Moderator
United States
188750 Posts |
I do not mind the wear, especially in my 7070. Not just because it is cheaper, but old and worn looks real.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1613 Posts |
I use the scale mentioned, Commems. Especially with the Pre-decimal Irish coinage I'm avidly pursuing, shooting for the best examples for a complete series. As to the original question, I'm leaning towards PCGS and NGC giving a coin the BU or Gem BU designation because it would grade below a 68. Which sort of makes sense until compared with, say, Morgan dollars. ANA member - PAN Member - BCCS Member There are no problems only solutions - the late, great John Lennon
Edited by Ballyhoo
04/12/2021 2:32 pm
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Replies: 11 / Views: 2,815 |
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Posted 04/08/2021 4:52 pm
