Updated 10 October 2026.
UNC, BU, BUNC, Proof: a short coin description can contain a lot of shorthand. The useful distinction is between a coin's condition and the way it was made. Read both before comparing prices, especially when two listings show the same design.
Condition: how much wear does the coin show?
Circulated coins have been used as money and show wear. British descriptions commonly include Fine (F), Very Fine (VF) and Extremely Fine (EF). These terms describe different levels of preservation; they are not different editions of a coin.
Uncirculated, usually shortened to UNC, means the coin has not been used in circulation. It can still have contact marks or imperfections from production and storage. Uncirculated does not automatically mean a flawless surface.
You may also see qualifiers such as About or Good attached to a grade. A short label is only part of the description. Look at the photographs and ask about any marks that matter to you before buying.
Brilliant Uncirculated: a striking standard
Brilliant Uncirculated is often abbreviated to BU, BUNC or BUC. In The Royal Mint's terminology, it describes a collector striking standard with a more detailed finish than ordinary circulating coins. It is not simply another way of writing Uncirculated.
Do not assume that a loose UNC coin came from a Brilliant Uncirculated presentation pack. If the packaging or edition matters to your collection, check that the listing actually includes it.
Proof and FDC are different terms
Proof describes a special method of manufacture using prepared dies and blanks. FDC, short for Fleur de Coin, describes exceptionally high quality. Treating Proof and FDC as interchangeable can confuse a manufacturing standard with an assessment of condition.
A coin does not become Proof because it is shiny, and a photograph alone may not establish its edition. Read the seller's description rather than assigning a finish from the image.
What Uncirculated means at Copes Coins
Our current range is the 2018 and 2019 Great British A–Z 10p coins, offered in Uncirculated condition. We do not describe them as Brilliant Uncirculated, Proof or professionally certified to a numerical grade.
Our coin condition and photography guide explains how to read the listings. Unless a listing expressly says otherwise, its photograph illustrates the design rather than the exact individual coin you will receive. The 2018 and 2019 dates are separate choices, even when the letter design is the same.
Care for the surface you already have
Do not polish a coin to make it look Uncirculated. The Royal Mint advises against cleaning because removing tarnish can damage the surface. If a coin needs attention, seek specialist advice before attempting treatment.
When choosing your next coin, match the year, condition and edition your collection needs. You can compare our available 2018 A–Z 10p coins and 2019 A–Z 10p coins, then check the full listing before adding a missing letter.