What Is The Difference Between Circulated and Uncirculated Coins?

The main difference between the two types of coins can usually be easily identified, and the value difference can often be considerable. Every coin starts its life as uncirculated when it is struck at the mint, and it remains in uncirculated condition until it enters the commerce stream or is otherwise damaged.

Uncirculated Coins

In order to be certified as uncirculated, like these uncirculated U.S coins, a coin must not exhibit any trace of having been in circulation. There are two major factors that indicate a coin is in uncirculated condition:

Mint luster. Coins that have never been in circulation usually exhibit a distinctive sheen or luster. The luster wears off very quickly once the coin is in circulation and has been touched by bare hands. It may also diminish over time.

No trace of wear. One of the most obvious signs that a coin is uncirculated is the absence of wear or rubbing on the coin’s high points. As soon as the coin enters circulation, the high points start to show traces of depreciation.

Uncirculated Coin vs Circulated Coin

Contrary to popular belief, an uncirculated coin is not always in pristine condition. It can, in fact, exhibit “contact marks,” which are small dings and even scratches that can be picked up from contact with other coins at the mint and in bags as the coins are transported from the mint. Take for example Morgan Silver Dollars, some of which are considered uncirculated, even though they bear marks from being jostled in bank bags. Experts can tell the difference between contact marks and wear from circulation.

What are the different grades for uncirculated coins?

Uncirculated coins are graded between MS60 and MS70. A coin in perfect MS70 condition will not have any contact marks or other blemishes, while a coin in MS60 condition may show contact marks and may be missing much of its luster.

Circulated Coins

Any coin that has entered circulation is classified as circulated. The condition of a circulated coin ranges from barely-perceptible traces of wear to so heavily worn that few details can still be seen. Some coins are collected almost exclusively in uncirculated condition, while others are virtually unobtainable in uncirculated condition. In general, the older the coin, the more difficult it can be to find in uncirculated condition. Modern coins are usually collected only in uncirculated condition.

To illustrate the potential difference between the value of circulated and uncirculated coins, look at the 1884 Morgan Silver Dollar from the San Francisco mint. The value of this coin is about $50 in the average circulated grade of EF40. Its value increases to about $5,500 in the lowest uncirculated grade of MS60 and $250,000 in the high grade of MS65.

Circulated Coins vs Uncirculated Coins

Not all coins exhibit such dramatic differences in value between circulated and uncirculated condition, but the value will always be higher for an uncirculated coin than for the same coin in circulated condition.

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Do You Have Coins, Gold and Silver, Estate Offerings or Unwanted Jewelry?

Martinez Coin & Jewelry Exchange and Vallejo Coin Exchange buy all types of gold and silver jewelry and coins along with old sterling silver flatware and hollowware.

We want everyone, whether you are a long time customer, a past customer or a new friend to Martinez Coin & Jewelry Exchange and Vallejo Coin Exchange, to research where you sell your unwanted or estate jewelry. Many businesses are new or are traveling through, visiting hotels and flea markets. Come see us at Martinez Coin & Jewelry Exchange or Vallejo Coin Exchange for an honest hassle-free appraisal from a local company that has been in business for over 4 decades.

We buy all forms of scrap gold and silver based on the current market price. We also buy and sell all types of U.S. coins and paper money as well as some foreign coin.

Our buying process is completely transparent. We tell you exactly what you have and break it down in an easily understandable way. We don’t try to confuse you or hide any information. When selling your valuables, you want a trusted, reputable and honest dealer, such as Martinez Coin & Jewelry Exchange and Vallejo Coin Exchange, who pay top dollar.

Martinez Coin & Jewelry Exchange and Vallejo Coin Exchange are always buying collections of all sizes; no matter how big or small. As the area’s most distinguished and trusted dealer since 1979, we pay honest and fair prices and you receive payment on the spot. Furthermore, we make sure all clients are treated equally.

Some of the items we buy:

If your item is not listed here, just ask! We may be able to work with you!

• Gold Watches
• Pocket Watches
• Sterling Flatware
• US Coins
• Gold & Silver Foreign Coins
• Bullion
• Bracelets
• Earrings
• Chains
• Broken or Damaged
• Jewelry
• Charms/Pendants
• Rings
• Cuff Links
• Silver Jewelry
• Gold Teeth

The History of U.S. Circulating Coins

 

The story of U.S. circulating coins began long before the opening of a national mint in 1792. Before national coinage, a mix of foreign and domestic coins circulated, both during the Colonial Period and in the years following the Revolutionary War. After Congress established the U.S. Mint in 1792, the Mint struggled for many years to produce enough coins. Finally, production numbers grew to meet the demands of a growing nation, providing some of the most beloved circulating coin designs.

During the Colonial Period, a variety of coins circulated, including British pounds, German thalers, Spanish milled dollars, and even some coins produced by the colonies. Spanish milled dollars became a favorite because of the consistency of the silver content throughout the years. To make change for a dollar, people sometimes cut the coin into halves, quarters, eighths, and sixteenths to match the fractional denominations that were in short supply.

After the Revolutionary War, the Articles of Confederation governed the country. The Articles allowed each state to make their own coins and set values for them, in addition to the foreign coins already circulating. This created a confusing situation, with the same coin worth different amounts from state to state.

In 1787, after much debate about national coinage, Congress authorized the production of copper cents. Called Fugio cents, the coins featured a sundial on the obverse and a chain of 13 links on the reverse. However, the following year, a majority of states ratified the Constitution, establishing a new government and creating a new debate over national coinage.

Ancient Coins - How Were They Made?

 

 

There are a lot of ancient coins that reached our days. They must have had a pretty good way of manufacturing them.

Thats what we're going to discuss today: How were ancient coins made, what kinds of peculiarities each time period had on their processes and explore the little quirks, defects and final results of each technique.

Happy Memorial Day!

 

Happy Memorial Day! Thank you for your service and time. 

Martinez Coin & Jewelry Exchange

3755 Alhambra Ave Ste 1

Martinez, CA 94553

CALL US: 925-335-9500

The First American and U.S. Coins: An Illustrated History

 

This video illustrates the underlying stories of the first American and U.S. coins.  As the video demonstrates, the story of America itself is closely connected with its coinage.

It’s important for collectors to understand the early history of American and U.S. coins and the precise distinction between the two.

We’ll delve into American colonial coinage and the 1652 New England shilling and the events leading up to the American Revolution.  

During the Articles of Confederation era of 1781-87, there was a confusing array of state-issued coinage and the Fugio cent.

Finally, we get to the Mint Act of 1792 and the beginning of U.S. coins following the adoption of the Constitution.

Coin Collecting as a Hobby Through History

Coin collecting dates back to ancient times and is one of the oldest pastimes on record. Roman Emperor Augustus liked to give inspiringly designed coins to his friends.

Coin collecting has been a popular hobby for many great and well-known figures throughout history. King George III and at least three U.S Presidents in Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams and Franklin Delano Roosevelt were all known to have had an active interest in coin collecting. In fact, John Quincy Adams, serving president from 1825 to 1829, collected and studied coins and used his knowledge to guide the direction of early American currency.

From about the 15th century onward, coin collecting was mostly reserved for kings and statesmen who employed specialists to scout Europe and Asia for coins of significance and beauty.

Numismatic research was encouraged by nobilities and a major trade in coins was encouraged by mass excavations of ancient sites. King Louis XIV of France kept a large collection that he actively tended to each day.

The Victorian years saw the creation of many numismatic societies and from there came an entire industry of dealerships and enthusiast magazines to support the hobby. By the 21st century, coins were an accepted form of investment and gold and silver coins have become a stable point of investment in uncertain economies. 

Today’s hobbyists, just like Augustus, still treasure coins for historical merit and the immense sense of achievement.

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