What is circulated and uncirculated coins?

Answer 1

Uncirculated means a coins has not had any wear, like what a coin might sustain while used in commerce. Often, minor "bag marks" can be seen on uncirculated coins as a result of rubbing against one another while inside the canvas bags in which they are transported, and during the production process itself. An uncirculated coin should grade at least MS-60, but may show tarnish, toning, spotting, or discoloration.

These imperfections will not be observed on proof coins, which are manufactured differently to produce coins with more detail and a more polished appearance.

Proof coins are minted using specially prepared and polished dies and polished blanks or planchettes. Proof coin will have a mirror like finish on the flat surfaces and are usually sold in some form of packaging to protect the high quality finish.

Collectors of uncirculated and proof coins should store them in archive-quality cases, or at least handle them with cotton gloves to prevent skin oils from degrading the finish.

Answer 2

Circulated coins are coins that have been used in transactions and have signs of wear and tear. Uncirculated coins are coins that have never been used in transactions and typically retain their original mint state condition. Uncirculated coins are often more valuable to collectors due to their pristine condition.

Answer 3

"Uncirculated" means just that - the coin was never spent, but was obtained from a mint roll at a bank, or bought as part of a mint set. It has no wear and is either shiny or exhibits so-called toning, which is a kind of colorful tarnish that some coins acquire from exposure to the air.

A circulated coin has been spent and has been kicked about with other coins. Its condition may range from AU (Almost Uncirculated), which means that it may have been spent only once or twice and has essentially no wear, down to AG (About Good), which is so worn that you can barely identify the date and denomination.

Answer 4

A Circulated coin is one that has left the mint gone to the federal reserve bank then is sent to the banks that deal with the public. From there the coins enter "Circulation" as change or as rolls when businesses come in to get money. The coins then pass from person to person. Circulated coins have less value to a collector because in circulation they wear down. High features of the design wear down over time and handling.

An Uncirculated coin is one that generally is not placed into the general circulation of the public. You can get these from coin dealers, and even your bank if they haven't broken the roll of coins yet that they received from their Federal Reserve Bank. These coins usually have a higher value because they are in better condition than a circualted coin.

Answer 5

Circulated means used, uncirculated is like new or unused.