Quality grades of coins

When collecting coins from The Silver Mountain, the characteristics and quality are of great importance. The quality of a coin partly determines whether it is an investment or collector's coin. Factors such as the design, the quality, the precious metal content, the circulation and the origin play a role in this. It is important for collectors to store coins safely and in optimal condition.
In addition, it is crucial to consider coin condition and rarity when making new purchases. Coins are minted in various ways, which affects their quality and rarity. Later, we will discuss the various terms that are often used to indicate coin quality:
Circulatiekwaliteit
Uncirculated
Brilliant uncirculated
Proof
Prooflike
 

Circulation quality and uncirculated coins

Circulation quality coins are intended for everyday use. For example, they are used by consumers as a means of payment. These coins are regularly passed from hand to hand and therefore often show signs of wear and minor damage.
Uncirculated coins (UNC) are coins that were minted for circulation, but never actually put into circulation. During the production process, they are collected in a metal collection tray, which sometimes results in minor superficial damage.
Usually, collectors pack uncirculated coins in coin rolls to protect them. Even though they are not in circulation, they can still get scratches and minor damage from contact during production and storage.

Brilliant uncirculated and proof coins

Brilliant uncirculated (BU) coins are the first coins to be minted with a new die, giving them a distinctive shine. BU coins are not minted for circulation, but are specifically intended for collectors and enthusiasts. Due to their unique shine, BU coins are very popular with collectors, who often carefully package them to prevent damage.
Proof coins are the highest quality collector coins available and are minted one at a time using special techniques. In the production of proof coins, polished blanks and dies are used, resulting in a clear contrast between the relief and the background.
These types of coins are no longer minted as proof coins, but these coins are minted specifically for collectors. They are packed in a protective capsule immediately after production, to prevent scratches and damage. Due to their fragility, proof coins should only be touched with gloves, to avoid fingerprints or damage.

Prooflike coins and their special features

Prooflike coins are very similar to proof coins, but are produced slightly differently. In these coins, the die is polished and the blank, the metal from which the coin is minted, is treated in a specific way.
Although multiple coins are usually struck from the same pair of dies, prooflike coins have a shiny appearance. They lack the sharp contrast and refined finish of proof coins. As with proof coins, it is important to handle and store prooflike coins with care to maintain their quality and value.

Quality indications for older coins

Voor oudere munten, waarbij de moderne kwaliteitsaanduidingen zoals UNC, BU, Proof en Prooflike minder van toepassing zijn, worden vaak andere aanduidingen gebruikt:
Beautiful (Pr): These coins were only in circulation for a short time and show little wear.
Zeer Fraai (ZF): Deze munten hebben wat langer in circulatie gezeten en tonen lichte slijtage.
Fine (Fr): These coins have been in circulation for a long time and show visible wear.
Very Good (Vg): Coins with significant wear, as a result of having been in circulation for a very long time.
Good (G): Coins that have been used for a long time and therefore show a lot of wear.
Deze aanduidingen helpen verzamelaars en investeerders om de conditie en waarde van oudere munten in te schatten. Dit helpt om munten zorgvuldig te selecteren bij de aankoop van historische stukken.
Want to learn more about the differences between proof, brilliant uncirculated, and other coin grades? Watch the video below to learn how a coin’s quality and condition impacts its value to collectors and investors.