In coin grading, AU stands for Almost Uncirculated.
This grade signifies that a coin has seen minimal circulation and wear, but has not remained in a pristine, uncirculated state.
- Light Wear: AU coins show slight friction or rub on the highest points of their design due to brief circulation or handling.
- Luster: They still retain a good portion of their original mint luster, but it may be diminished or show some breaks in the higher points.
- Detail: The coin’s features and legends remain sharp and clear, with only slight softness on the most raised parts of the design.
- Numeric Grades: The AU grade is further broken down numerically, ranging from AU-50 to AU-58, with AU-58 representing the highest quality within this category, often referred to as “sliders” due to their resemblance to uncirculated coins.
- Value: AU coins are generally desirable to collectors and are a good option for those seeking high-quality coins that are still within a more affordable price range compared to uncirculated coins.
In essence, an AU coin is a nearly perfect coin that has seen a small amount of wear, preventing it from being classified as uncirculated, but still possessing excellent detail and a significant amount of its original beauty.
Which is better, AU or XF?
Thanks for asking. Extremely Fine ( XF/EF-40, 45): Light wear, mostly on the highest points. Some of the original lustre is visible. About/Almost Uncirculated (AU-50, 53, 55, 58): Signs of wear on less than 50% of the design, and at least 50% of the original lustre.
Are AU graded coins worth anything?
While many BU coins are more valuable than AU coins because of their detail and luster, AU coins may provide newer collectors with an option closer to their budget. While an AU coin will show some wear and lacking in full luster, these coins are still in collectible condition.
What does AU mean in grading?
The AU grade indicates that a student has audited a course. The AU grade is assigned by the faculty member at the end of the semester in which the student is registered for the audited course. An AU grade is not included in GPA or credit completion rate calculations, and has no effect on a student’s academic standing.