What does "GEM BU" mean on a graded coin? 0

[writer1102]

Curiosity makes me ask this question:  What does "GEM BU" mean as far as a coin graded by NGC?  Here is an example:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2012R-Vatican-50C-Pope-Benedict-XVI-NGC-GEM-BU-Vatican-City-Euro-Coin/283688105833?hash=item420d20f769:g:rt0AAOSwBqpd3AL6

Does it mean that the coin was not officially assigned an MS number?  Why would that happen?  Or does the coin pre-date current MS grading numbers?

Thanks!

[Ronnie@NGC]

Thank you for your message. 

Gem Brilliant Uncirculated (BU), or Gem Uncirculated, is an adjectival grade which NGC defines as being MS 65 or higher. The coin was not officially assigned an MS number, most likely as part of a special submission program. Adjectival grades exist alongside the numerical grades of the 70-point Sheldon Grading Scale.

[writer1102]

Thank you, Ronnie!

[LakeAnna]

I have a question in this regard. I just purchased three NGC slabbed coins that state "Gem Uncirculated", "Gem Proof" and "Gem Reverse Proof" but none of these slabs have a numerical grade? And while they have a NGC serial number there is no specific information on these exact coins? What do I need to learn about this? Help

[Sandon]

@LakeAnna--Welcome to the NGC chat board.

   Some dealers elect to have coins such as the ones you purchased submitted in bulk adjectivally instead of numerically graded for a discount in the grading fees. As previously indicated by the NGC administrator in answering the original post in this topic, "Gem" refers to a coin that would have been numerically graded "65" or higher. See What is an Adjectival Grade? | NGC (ngccoin.com), especially the last paragraph.

   It is generally preferable to post your questions about coins as separate topics, not as a reply to someone else's topic from some time ago.

[LakeAnna]

Thank you, I started searching for the term and a thread that was relevant. Some forums people answer by saying have you searched yet? But thank you. So I assume I could always submit the slabs for a numerical grade.  

[Greenstang]

Good that you did some research before submitting a question
I think the point Sandon is making is that even after research, you should still
start your own thread as it gets confusing with more than one on the same thread.   
And yes, if you submit a coin for grading, it will get a numerical grade if it is eligible.   
The GEM BU is only for bulk submissions.