FDC – “Fleur-de-coin”   

Normally only used with PROOF coins. Means a perfect coin from a polished die - never circulated.
No bag-marks, as these are normally packaged at the mint.

Gem BU

These are normal circulation coins that have been selected before distribution. Therefore they have no bagmarks and are exactly as issued. Coins in this condition have normally come from packaged mint sets.
They are effectively FDC – but do not come from a polished die.

BU – Bright Uncirculated

Appears to have never circulated. A coin in this condition will appear to have all (or almost all) its original lustre.

All normally issued BU coins will have some level of contact marks (bag-marks), these will be visible under a magnifying glass. This is due to their original method of delivery.

Medals or Medallions which are marked BU will normally be Gem BU – no bagmarks – and as issued. They are effectively FDC – but do not come from a polished die.

UNC – Uncirculated

An uncirculated coin is one in a similar condition to a BU coin – but will not have its full original lustre. It may also be more heavily bagmarked.

EF – Extremely Fine

To the naked eye, an EF coin may appear uncirculated.
Under a magnifying glass, it will show minor wear on the very highest points.

VF – Very Fine

A VF coin will exhibit very little wear overall, but the high points of the design will show wear.

F - Fine

A Fine coin is one that has been well circulated, and shows obvious signs of wear. The major design will be clear and the date and legends will be clearly readable.

VG

A VG coin is one where the design is worn but is still recognisable. Legends should be mostly readable.

G – Good
(similar too “Fair”)

A Good coin is obviously well-worn, but is clearly recognisable, some legend will be readable and the date will be clear.

CD – Clear Date
(similar to “Poor”)

Coins in this category, are very worn, designs are recognisable but may not be clear. The date must be readable.

In Addition

G - Good

Can also be used as an additional description.

Signifies a higher level of condition than the stated one.
GVF is a “Good VF” condition.

A – Almost

Used as an additional description.

Signifies a lower level of condition than the stated one.
AVF is an “Almost VF condition” – Not quite a VF – but much better than a F or a GF.

Term

Explanation

Brockage

Where a coin flan is stuck in the machine – and impresses its design on the next flan. This gives an reversed image on the second flan.

Die crack
(or die flaws)

The die, which impresses the design onto the black, sometimes cracks to a greater or lesser degree.
The design on the coin shows these cracks as raised lines, often linking parts of the design. Die flaws can be constant over large numbers of coins, and can be collected in different states, showing the growth of the cracks.

Flan (or blank)

The plain circular piece of metal that is to be struck into a coin.
Otherwise known as a blank.

Piedfort

A coin struck on a thicker than usual flan.