Gem Graded Coins 1 1

[Stackerdude21]

What is the difference between a Gem coin and say a “B.U.” one? Is the Gem a Proof coin and the B.U. an M.S. strike?

[GoldFinger1969]

On 12/14/2021 at 12:07 AM, Stackerdude21 said:

What is the difference between a Gem coin and say a “B.U.” one? Is the Gem a Proof coin and the B.U. an M.S. strike?

Gem coins are rated 65 or 66 (they might be higher).   Superb Gem quality refers to 67 and up. 

[Woods020]

These terms do have meaning and Goldfinger explained. However, they are also used often by unscrupulous sellers to hype a coin without giving an actual grade. eBay for example won’t allow uncertified coins be described by grade. Not to say that all uses of the terms is bad so consider where you are reading it but want to make you aware. 

[GoldFinger1969]

On 12/14/2021 at 8:09 PM, Woods020 said:

These terms do have meaning and Goldfinger explained. However, they are also used often by unscrupulous sellers to hype a coin without giving an actual grade. eBay for example won’t allow uncertified coins be described by grade. Not to say that all uses of the terms is bad so consider where you are reading it but want to make you aware. 

I think the marketers who have large coins to submit can get the "Gem Proof" designation for less than what a number grade would cost.  So the coin is somewhere between an MS or PF 65-70.  Whether the marketers have screened them and know that no 67 or higher coins are likely I can't say.

When a numismatist or a TPG uses the term Gem for classic coins....they mean 65 or 66.  Superb Gem means 67-69 (assuming 70 is unattainable).

When I've bought a new Gem Proof coin/commemorative, I've generally paid $$$ appropriate for 65-67 coins.....the Big $$$ is when the coins come back 70 or 69.  When you get to 68 or lower, it's not much difference for the coins I've seen (except when dealing with large coins like 5 ouncers).

Edited December 15, 2021 by GoldFinger1969

[RWB]

On 12/14/2021 at 12:07 AM, Stackerdude21 said:

What is the difference between a Gem coin and say a “B.U.” one? Is the Gem a Proof coin and the B.U. an M.S. strike?

BU = Brilliant Uncirculated. Unspecified quality except that it has no evident circulation abrasion.

MS = Mint State. Unspecified quality except that it has no evident circulation abrasion.

These two mean the same thing, except  a MS coin might have toning/tarnish.

"Proof" refers to the manufacturing process and is NOT a grade or condition. Proof coins usually have mirror-like fields and unpolished or frosted relief.

"Circulation strike" refers to coins made for normal use or standard presses and not given any special treatment. Much nonsense has been attached to these by adding meaningless modifiers and labels in attempts to sell more coins at inflated prices to clueless persons.

Here are clear definitions from Heritage Auctions, Inc.

• Uncirculated (MS-60, 61, 62): An uncirculated coin with noticeable deficiencies, generally either an overabundance of bagmarks, a poor strike, or poor luster. Although most price guides will give a price for coins in MS-60 condition, in many cases this is a very unusual grade, with typical uncirculated pieces often grading somewhere in the MS-62 to MS-64 range depending on the series.
• Select Uncirculated (MS-63): An uncirculated coin with fewer deficiencies than coins in lower uncirculated grades. In general, this will be an uncirculated coin with relatively ordinary eye appeal. Select Uncirculated is sometimes used to refer to a coin grading MS-62.
• Choice Uncirculated (MS-64): An uncirculated coin with moderate distracting marks or deficiencies. These coins generally have average to above average eye appeal. Choice Uncirculated is sometimes used to refer to a coin grading MS-63.
• Gem Uncirculated (MS-65, 66): An uncirculated coin with only minor distracting marks or imperfections. At this point, mint luster is expected to be full, although toning is quite acceptable.
• Superb Gem Uncirculated (MS-67, 68, 69): An uncirculated coin with only the slightest distracting marks or imperfections. Toning is still quite acceptable and in these grades will usually be pleasing. Many circulating coins even of relatively recent dates are quite rare in such lofty grades, although modern bullion coins and commemoratives are often found in grades as high as MS-69.
• Perfect Uncirculated (MS-70): An utterly flawless coin.

 

Edited December 15, 2021 by RWB

[GBrad]

On 12/14/2021 at 1:21 PM, GoldFinger1969 said:

Gem coins are rated 65 or 66 (they might be higher).   Superb Gem quality refers to 67 and up. 

Never really gave it much thought even though I hear, or read, the term "Gem" quite often. I have wondered about this same question pertaining to 'Gem coins' and the true meaning even though I have heard other less accurate explanations in the past.  Good info and post @GoldFinger1969.  Still learning here and I learned something new and valuable today, thanks!

Edit: our post crossed @RWB.  Very good info regarding the meaning of the MS terms used such as- Select, Choice, Gem, etc..... Thanks.

Edited December 15, 2021 by GBrad

[Stackerdude21]

Hey All, 

I did not know that I’d get so many responses. That was real good info. 
My guess…Gem of a question??

[Morpheus1967]

On 12/15/2021 at 3:00 PM, Stackerdude21 said:

Hey All, 

I did not know that I’d get so many responses. That was real good info. 
My guess…Gem of a question??

Let me show you the door on your way out....