In coin collecting, especially for gold coins, BU stands for Brilliant Uncirculated.
This term is used to describe a coin that:
- Has never been circulated: It hasn’t been used as currency and shows no signs of wear from being handled or in circulation.
- Retains its original mint luster: It still has the shiny, reflective quality it possessed when it was first struck at the mint.
In essence, a BU coin is in pristine, “mint condition” and showcases a brilliant sheen and sharp details, making it highly sought after by collectors for its aesthetic appeal and potential for value appreciation.
- Luster: A significant factor in evaluating a BU coin’s quality is its original mint luster – the coin’s shininess as it came from the mint.
- Grading: While “Brilliant Uncirculated” is a descriptive term, professional coin grading services, such as PCGS and NGC, assign numeric grades based on the Sheldon scale (1-70). BU coins typically fall within the Mint State (MS) category, ranging from MS-60 to MS-70.
- Value: BU coins generally command a higher price than circulated or less perfectly graded coins, due to their pristine condition and appeal to collectors.
Note: While BU coins are of excellent quality, proof coins are considered a step above. Proof coins are struck multiple times using specialized techniques to achieve an even higher level of detail and a distinctive finish, often with frosted designs and mirror-like fields.
Are BU coins worth more?
Great question! These terms can have a sizeable impact on a coin’s value. 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 does BU mean on a gold coin?
A coin described as BEu. Means that the coin is in brilliant uncirculated condition meaning the coin has not been circulated.
How do you know if a coin is BU?
Thanks for asking. A coin described as BU means the coin is in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, meaning the coin has not been circulated and shows no signs of wear.
What is gold BU?
Good point! The term “BU” stands for ” Brilliant Uncirculated.” For example, when Silver Eagles or other coins are labeled as BU, it indicates that the coins are in a pristine condition, as if they just came from the mint – literally “mint condition”. BU coins notably exhibit a high level of luster and shine.