What do the terms UNC, AU, VF,..,… on the coin’s description mean?



These terms are used to describe the condition of the banknotes:

 

GEM UNC

In perfect condition, not showing the slightest mark of mishandling or, of course, of use.

For French banknotes, almost GEM UNC (pr. or presque neuf) often describes a note with a counting mark, or with a slight bundle fold (of course the central fold is not visible in any way, just a slight curve of the paper) or if the bundle was stored with a tight rubber band that marked the central margins a little. Almost GEM UNC notes are almost perfect, they should never ever have pinholes.

 

 

SPLENDID  (SPL - AU)

A SPLENDID note is an uncirculated note with pinholes (preferably in the upper left part) OR that has been folded once but without the paper fibers being broken. Of course, one can also refer to a note as being SPLENDID if a perfect note has one problem important enough to make the note less than almost GEM UNC (an unbroken fold at a corner of the note, irregular margins, etc....).

 

 

SUPERB (SUP - XF)

In the worst case, two or three pinholes and, minor folds can be present but the note must still have an excellent appearance and have no major problems of any kind. A SUPERB note should always be checked with utmost care as the difference with a nice TTB - Very Fine is seldom obvious. Always check the back of the note, fold marks must be perfectly clean (but not doctored !). A SUPERB note must have retained the original crispness of the paper.

 

VERY FINE (TTB - VF)

Very Fine doesn't mean a lot and such a note must be carefully checked to avoid discussions and arguments. The easiest way to describe VERY FINE is to figure out what a SUPERB note constitutes : a very fine note is one that could have been superb but isn't. Circulation is obvious and the note has various problems (nothing really serious) but the overall look is pleasant and fresh ; it is the typical collectible circulated note.

 

FINE (TB - F)

A FINE note has obviously been in circulation for a long time but has to be representative of the average quality of a note and look decent, with no major tears or spots. A FINE note has no  missing parts, a lot of circulation, many pinholes and folds, is often a little bit dirty, has minor tears, margin problems, rounded corners, etc...

 

GOOD (B – G)

A GOOD note has been circulated a lot and, has many pinholes, folds, dirt, and tears, but no major part is missing (except if precisely mentioned)

Its description is quite the same as FINE but with a difference ; the overall look is really worse than FINE or the note is VERY FINE with a major problem. GOOD is often the grade for XIXth century notes.

 

ALMOST GOOD

ALMOST GOOD is the minimum quality to include a note in a collection however rarethe note  could be (but unique of course, for which "identifiable" is acceptable) Of course, no common note is ever offered in an ALMOST GOOD condition but with a dramatic problem on an otherwise very nice note.  In fact, only very rare notes, usually XIXth century issues are offered in this grade. AG is more commonly seen than M (for mediocre) which is out of fashion or only seen when even AG is not sufficient.