BU stands for Brilliant Uncirculated in the context of coins. This term is used to describe coins that have never been in general circulation and are in pristine, mint condition.
Here’s a breakdown of what that means:
- No Signs of Wear: BU coins haven’t been used as currency, so they don’t have the scratches, dents, or other damage that circulated coins accumulate.
- Original Mint Luster: They retain their original shine and reflective qualities from the minting process, which collectors call “luster.”
- Sharp Details: The design elements and lettering on BU coins are crisp and well-defined.
BU coins are highly sought after by collectors and investors due to their exceptional condition and potential for appreciation in value over time.
While the term “BU coin” most commonly refers to the physical condition of coins, it’s worth noting that it can also refer to certain cryptocurrencies:
- BUMO (BU): A cryptocurrency with a supply of 1.5 billion tokens, though with no tokens currently in circulation. It trades on a few active markets with a current value of around $0.00156 USD.
- BUU Token: Another cryptocurrency with a lower price of $0.0001549 per token and a circulating supply of 1 billion tokens. It has been subject to high volatility with an all-time high of $0.02705 and an all-time low of $0.00007353.
However, when someone uses “BU coin” without further context, they are usually referring to Brilliant Uncirculated physical coins.
Are BU coins worth more?
If there are two coins of the same type, year, and issue in the grades AU and BU, the BU coin will typically command a higher price than the AU coin. But it is also possible that an AU coin can be in better condition and hold more value than a BU coin.
What is the difference between MS and BU coins?
Uncirculated (Unc.) or Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) coins are those that show no signs of wear at all. These are generally assigned a higher grade known as Mint State (MS): Uncirculated (MS-60, 61, 62): Abrasions in the open fields of the coin. Marks or scuffs on the coin, particularly on the monarch’s portrait.
What is the difference between a proof coin and a BU coin?
BU coins offer a bright, attractive finish, though they lack the high contrast and refined look of Proof coins. They are produced for investment purposes while still retaining visual appeal. Lustrous surface but without the mirror-like quality of Proof coins.