AU ABOUT or ALMOST UNCIRCULATED (50-53) Traces of surface wear on the highest points of the coin's design. Some wear will also likely appear in the coin's fields in the form of scattered hairline scratches that are caused by the coin being rubbed slightly, or from being in one's pocket or purse. Since by definition, an AU coin has been circulated, there will be a few contact marks or circulation scratches.  Deep or distracting scratches, marks or heavy rim dings should be mentioned when describing an AU coin in print.  In this grade, the coin may or may not have luster remaining in the protected areas since most silver coins tone quickly and copper coins are often brown even in “Gem” uncirculated, older copper coins usually do not have luster in AU condition. Gold coins should have noticeable traces of original luster on both sides as gold does not heavily tone unless the gold/copper mixture of the coin presents more copper towards the surface.  This phenomenon is known as “copper streaking”.  Overall central figure details about 90% to 95% of the design as originally struck, taking into account softly struck areas.

Usually AU 54 grades are not listed, as this is splitting hairs, much as would be attempting to standardize VF-24, XF-44, etc.

	A sharp coin but on the lower end of AU with noticeable wear on the shoulder, the lower hair locks, the ribbon, and above the forehead.  Note the reverse has a typical weak strike, which should not determine grade as it is not actual wear.
	Less wear on forehead and lower curls than the AU 50.  Reverse also has a typical weak strike.  Note that even AU coins will have circulation marks, bag marks or contact marks, as often even uncirculated coins have large numbers of marks.
	A sharply struck coin and thus a strong AU 53.  Only excessive bag marks or contact marks keep this out of the AU category as there is almost no wear.  Reverse is weak due to a typical soft strike, evident because coins wear uniformly and not just in isolated areas.

Questions? Need Help?  email info@bhcoinclub.org

Legal Notices  
©2000-2008 by Bhcoinclub.org  All material at this site is copyrighted and may not be reprinted in whole or in part, or stored, or transmitted by any means, including electronic.  
All commercial use, transmission and reproduction of this site is strictly prohibited by national and international laws.