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Topic: "BU" or "Brillian Uncirculated" for banknotes?  (Read 6019 times)
BWJM
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« on: August 26, 2008, 04:58:24 pm »

Dear Banknote Expert...

In the past few days, I've noticed this term appearing at least twice... "BU" or "brilliant uncirculated"

I am at a loss as to how this would apply to banknotes. Where does BU fit with UNC, C.UNC and G.UNC?  Are we moving to a scheme of UNC, A.UNC, B.UNC, C.UNC, D.UNC, E.UNC, F.UNC, G.UNC, etc?

Can you shine some light on this subject please?

-- Confused in Canada

BWJM, F.O.N.A.
Life Member of CPMS, RCNA, ONA, ANA, IBNS, WCS.
President, IBNS Ontario Chapter.
Treasurer, Waterloo Coin Society.
Show Chair, Cambridge Coin Show.
Fellow of the Ontario Numismatic Association.
JB-2007
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« Reply #1 on: August 26, 2008, 05:18:02 pm »

I thought that BU was used in grading uncircualted coins.
In grading banknotes, the term UNC, Ch-UNC and GEM UNC should only be used as it would make our lives much easier.
Oli1001
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« Reply #2 on: August 27, 2008, 12:10:26 am »

-- Confused in Canada

Sounds like one of those old time anonymous advise columns in the paper...from the 1950's!

From my understanding;

BU is a term used from grading coins. It is essential a description used to classify a broader range Unc (ie, Unc 60 all the way up to Unc 70 - or in paper terms Unc/Choice/Gem)

I guess the basic idea is if you open up a roll of new coins, all of them are BUs. Or on the paper side of it, any note pulled from a brick would classify as a BU even though could be an Unc/Choice/Gem.



friedsquid
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« Reply #3 on: August 27, 2008, 08:16:59 am »

Quote
Or on the paper side of it, any note pulled from a brick would classify as a BU
I will now classify my notes for sale as BU  Brick Uncirculated
Will I sell more that way ;D



Always looking for #1 serial number notes in any denomination/any series
Bernie
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« Reply #4 on: August 28, 2008, 07:31:24 pm »

BU should NOT be used for grading currency!!!!!!!!!!!!! PERIOD!!!!!

I just saw an auction that described the note as GOOD, VERY GOOD, AND UNCIRCULATED all within the same sentence or two.

Education is what is required. I find it strange that coin dealers who sell a lot of currency don't take a little bit of time to educated themselves.
 

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