| Abbreviation |
Terminology |
Definition |
| CIR |
Circulated |
A coin made for circulation with wear marks. So it has circulated. Circulated coins are graded according to the level of wear marks. |
| UNC |
Uncirculated or Mint State |
A coin made for circulation without wear marks. So it has not circulated. Uncirculated coins can have marks caused by the production proces (i.e. coins fall in buckets and are packed in rolls/bags) |
| FDC |
Fleur De Coin (Flower of the die) |
A collectors coin like an uncirculated coin, but without packing (bag/roll) marks. They are preserved strait from the coin press, without touching other coins.
Portuguese mint definition: Coins struck with “Fleur-de-Coin” (FDC) finish on specially polished metal blanks. |
| BU |
Brilliant Uncirculated |
Same as FDC, but dies and blanks are handled with extra care. The are almost prooflike in appearance.
Note: In my experience many brilliant uncirculated issued euro coins don't have this prooflike appearence.Portuguese mint definition: Coins struck with brilliant uncirculated (BU) finish on specially prepared metal blanks using polished dies. |
| PL |
Prooflike |
A collectors coin with a mirrorlike reflective surface due to polished blanks (or dies). Dies are handled with extra care, but don't have the characteristics of polished proof dies. They are automaticly minted with continuous quality control.
Note: Dies of prooflike euro coins are sometimes used after for circulation coin production. |
| PR |
Proof |
A collectors coin struck using fully polished dies and blanks to get a full mirror reflective surface. They are manually minted in a clean room to ensure maximum quality. After each strike the dies are inspected and the dies are repolished often.
Note: In my experience it is difficult to say whether proof issued euro coins are realy proof or closer to prooflike.Portuguese mint definition: Coins struck with special proof finish on specially prepared metal blanks using polished frosted dies. |
