what does BU mean when coin collectors describe coins?

A BU coin is a coin that has never been circulated, and retains all of its original mint luster. BU stands for Brilliant Uncirculated. This term is used less frequently now that the Sheldon scale of numerical grading has come into vogue. A BU coin is usually described as MS (Mint State) today, and generally falls into the lowest MS grades (MS-60 through MS-62.) Higher MS grades are designated as "Choice BU" (MS-63 and MS-64) and "Gem BU" (MS-65 plus).

BU is actually and old term that means Brilliant Uncirculated. It meant the coin had nice mint luster and was above uncirculated. Now the Uncirculated grades are called mint state and have numbers such as MS-60 to MS-70 (a perfect coin). Some dealers use the old term for they can get away with not giving it's exact grade. Remember grading is someones opinion and if far from a science. If one wants to collect mint state coins and has trouble grading then buy well know certified coins, keep in mind the grade is an opinion. For non mint state coins almost anyone can learn to grade them from the grading books so it would not be wise to pay more for the coin just because it is certified. One thing scarce or rare coins even in low grades should be certified to prove they are real and not counterfeits. I can grade and I look for good strikes and eye appeal no matter what the grade. Cherry picking nice coins in the end will make you money. The key to coin collecting is know more about the series of coins you collect than the dealer without him knowing. Coin collecting can be a lot of fun and does not need to be expensive. hate grading the collect ancient coins or circulated World Coins.

Coins don't have to be certified, however it does make trading simpler where the buyer isn't able to see the coin in person. When buying coins the certification generally gives you an idea that the coin has been examined and found to be genuine (it's and authentic coin not counterfeit) and that it has been graded to a standard.

You'll often see coins advertised as BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) basically meaning they've never been in someone's pocket, Choice BU which tends to mean they are upper Mint State quality with a good strike and no defects. You'll also see coins advertised as AU (About Uncirculated) which basically means they've been in someone's pocket.

Grading coins is a subjective process - even the pros have difficulty agreeing sometimes - so if you have an interest in specific coins learn more about them at the many resources on the web. PCGS and NGC both maintain prices guides for certified coins online.

This Site Might Help You.

RE:

what does BU mean when coin collectors describe coins?

I have been looking at coins and was wondering what BU stands for, and also does each coin have to be certified?

On the website the term "BU" refers to Brilliant Uncirculated, that's the condition of the coin featured. BU is a grade globally accepted even in countries like the US and Canada which use numerical grading scale. The coin featured has a bullion-type gold fineness(0.9999) but it doesn't seem to be a bullion coin, but a commemorative with bullion fineness. Singapore bullion coins are like the Lion gold series. For your second question, I'd say that it depends on the coin. In general, Proof are more collectible due to aesthetics and limited quantities, but that is not always the case. Take for example some recent commemorative coins from the US. Some BU(or they called MS there) versions are more valuable than their Proof counterparts. Why? Because fewer were minted. So the bottom line is, research on the coin you are interested in, and as a rule of thumb, always go for the one with fewer mintage of the two versions.

Brilliant Uncirculated (numismatics), and I suppose the certification is like a guarantee that it is.

Brilliant Uncirculated! Its comparable to about uncirculated.

Definitely means BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED.