The condition of a coin is one of the key factors in determining its value. That said, what do the various acronyms mean (UNC, MS, XF, VF and so on), which are sometimes incomprehensible to a new collector? Is a currency advertised as mint state really so? So many questions need to be asked when considering whether to purchase a coin. This article will give you the keys to understanding the various conditions of coins, with a particular focus on the Oscar Roty Semeuse type.
By Franck Perrin of the ADAN
Uncirculated 70 (UNC 70)
A coin in perfect condition where no flaws can be seen even when
magnified tenfold. The minting frost is perfect even at the highest
points, and the quality of the upset and strike is optimal. Unfortunately,
no mint state has yet been found for this coin.
The coin presented is the closest thing to it.
Uncirculated 65 (UNC 65)
The coin is strictly in mint condition, but small bumps caused by handling in the mint or in the banking circuit can be seen with a magnifying glass when magnified tenfold. The minting frost is intact, even at the highest points, and the quality of the upset and strike is good, but nothing more.
Mint State 63 (MS 63)
The coin is in mint condition, without the slightest trace of wear but with very minor
handling bumps visible to the naked eye. The minting frost is almost intact, except at the highest points where it is missing as a result of handling in the mint or in the banking circuit. The quality of the upset and strike may be average.
Extremely Fine 58 (XF 58)
The coin has almost no traces of circulation, but there may be slight wear at the highest points. Very minor handling damage is visible, but most of the minting frost is still present.
Extremely Fine 55 (XF 55)
The coin shows very little wear at the highest points, with the possibility of minor impact marks, and the minting frost remains intact in protected areas, particularly between the letters of the legend.
Very Fine 50 (VF 50)
The coin shows very little wear at the highest points, with minor marks of impact, and is generally very pleasing to the eye.
Very Fine 45 (VF 45)
Wear due to circulation is clearly visible. Nonetheless, the coin is pleasant to look at.
Very Fine 40 (VF 40)
Wear is visible, and no longer confined to just the highest points, with traces of wear
appearing on more protected areas. The coin is still pleasant.
Fine 30 (F 30)
Wear is immediately apparent, but the flattening it causes has not yet completely obliterated the affected areas, such as the locks, the laurel wreath or the ear. Better protected parts show signs of wear.
Fine 20 (F 20)
The coin is really worn and flattening has started to completely erase the details of the highest points, with the more protected parts clearly affected.
Fine 15 (F 15)
The coin has long-term wear from circulation but shows its full design albeit with some completely flat areas. The listel is clearly reduced.
Very Good 10 (VG 10)
A very worn coin that has been in circulation for a very long time. The coin is perfectly identifiable in all its important details – date, workshop, engravers’ marks – and the outlines of the issuing authority remain, though not everything is visible.
Very Good 6 (VG 6)
An extremely worn coin, on which a few engraving details remain, in addition to the
legend (which may be incomplete), the silhouette of the issuing authority and its most
significant elements.
Almost Fine 3 (aF 3)
The issuing authority, year and mint of the coin are identifiable, but the authority is reduced to a near-silhouette.
Good 1 (G 1)
The type of coin can be identified, but neither the year of minting nor the year of issue
 A coin in perfect condition where no flaws can be seen even whenmagnified tenfold. The minting frost is perfect […]){kind=link}
Great article by Franck Perrin using one of the most famous French coins as an example. Easy to understand; well done.