How do you know if a coin is uncirculated?

Answer 1

An uncirculated coin is just that, never been spent or used in change, and should not have any evidence of circulation such as small dents, scratches, nicks and should have no signs of wear. All edges should be sharp and clearly defined.

The flat surfaces of the coin show any dents, nicks and scratches much more readily, and the lettering, design images and the edge of the coin will reveal any wear first.

A magnifying glass will help a lot.

Most issuing authorities will prepare sets of Mint Uncirculated coins each year in a suitable packaging to prevent any damage and to protect the coins from being handled.

Answer 2

Broadly, an uncirculated coin is one that has never been in circulation (that is, that has never been spent). An uncirculated coin will show no signs of wear, although there may be small scratches or "dings" from the minting and distribution process. A newer uncirculated coin will almost certainly be shiny (the numistmatist would refer to it as having "lustre"), although an older one may not (it may be "toned"). To be able to tell if a coin is uncirculated, one must know what the coin is supposed to look like (that is, what detail is supposed to be there). A toned coin, by the way, should not be cleaned in an attempt to increase its lustre - an experienced collector can tell (the resulting lustre doesn't look right), and the cleaning will damage the value of the coin.

Answer 3

There are a couple ways to check if a coin has been cleaned. You can use a magnifying glass to compare it to similar coin or metal to spot similar colors and luster and if there is variation in raised areas or if they are uniform (which means cleaned). You can also look for cloth and wipe marks or scratches from being cleaned.

Answer 4

If you look at it with a magnifier and it has no marks, dents, scratches, even tiny little ones, then it is uncirculated.

If you got in change, it is circulated.

The Mint usually sells Uncirculated coins in their year of minting in protective presentation packs, so that they will remain in Mint Uncirculated condition.

Answer 5

Most coins you have you have received in change and there for they are circulated. Uncirculated coins come from the US MINT sometimes you may get a roll of uncirculated coins from your bank. Uncirculated means just that the money was never used, never in general circulation and that is why collectors will pay more for uncirculated coins.

Answer 6

There is no wear, no fingerprints and in many cases the mint luster is still present.