Quick Answer
Brilliant Uncirculated coins typically receive grades of MS-63 to MS-68 on the Sheldon scale. The most common grade for Royal Mint BU coins in original sealed packaging is MS-65 (Gem Uncirculated) or MS-66. Coins graded MS-67 are exceptional. MS-69 and MS-70 are extremely rare for standard production BU coins.
The Sheldon Scale and BU Coins
The Sheldon scale is the 1–70 numerical grading system used by NGC and PCGS, the two largest professional coin grading services in the world. It was developed in 1949 by Dr William Sheldon and has become the global standard for numismatic grading.
When a Brilliant Uncirculated coin is submitted to NGC or PCGS, it receives a grade in the Mint State (MS) category — the portion of the scale (MS-60 through MS-70) covering uncirculated coins. The "BU" description used in the UK doesn't translate to a single fixed number on this scale. Instead, a BU coin's MS grade depends on the specifics of that individual coin.
Here's how the MS grades map to collector-familiar descriptions:
| MS Grade | Description | BU Relevance | Rarity for Royal Mint BU |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS-70 | Perfect Uncirculated | Theoretically possible but extremely rare | Vanishingly rare (≪1%) |
| MS-69 | Near Perfect | Near-flawless BU — only trivial marks | Very rare (<2%) |
| MS-68 | Superb Gem | Top-tier BU coin with exceptional surfaces | Rare (~3–5%) |
| MS-67 | Superb Gem | Outstanding BU — key grade for premium value | Uncommon (~10–15%) |
| MS-66 | Gem Uncirculated+ | High-end BU from original packaging | Common (~25–35%) |
| MS-65 | Gem Uncirculated | Most common grade for Royal Mint BU issues | Very common (~35–40%) |
| MS-64 | Choice Uncirculated | Good BU — minor marks visible in focal areas | Occasional (~10–15%) |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated | BU with notable contact marks | Less common for sealed packaging (<10%) |
| MS-60 to MS-62 | Uncirculated | Technically uncirculated but heavily marked | Rare for Royal Mint BU — handling damage |
Percentages above are broad estimates for Royal Mint BU coins submitted from original sealed packaging. Actual populations vary by specific coin, year, and condition of the submission batch.
The BU Grade Range Visualised
The chart below shows the typical grade distribution for Royal Mint BU coins submitted from original packaging. The highlighted range (MS-65 to MS-67) represents the vast majority of BU coins:
What Determines the MS Grade of a BU Coin?
The difference between MS-65 and MS-67 can be hundreds or even thousands of pounds for popular coin designs. Understanding what drives the grade helps collectors both manage expectations and maximise the chances of a high result.
1. Contact Marks (Bag Marks)
Contact marks are the most important factor in the MS grade for BU coins. These are small nicks, abrasions, and indentations made when coins contact other coins or metal surfaces during the production process — before packaging. Even a coin that has never been touched by human hands can have contact marks from being fed through coin-handling machinery.
Graders evaluate the number, size, and location of contact marks. Marks in the primary focal area (the portrait face and field directly around it) are penalised more heavily than marks on the reverse or in peripheral areas. A single deep mark on the king's cheek can reduce a coin from MS-66 to MS-64 by itself.
2. Lustre Quality
A Brilliant Uncirculated coin should have its original mint lustre fully intact. Graders look for complete, flowing, cartwheel lustre that covers the entire surface. Dull patches, "breaks" in the lustre, or areas where lustre has been disturbed by handling lower the grade. Lustre can also be weakened by poorly finished dies, over-worked dies, or improper annealing of the blank.
3. Strike Quality
A well-struck coin has sharp, clear details across the entire design — from the centre of the coin to its rim. Weakly struck areas (where the design is soft or indistinct) reduce the grade even on an otherwise perfect coin. The Royal Mint generally maintains good strike quality on BU issues, but some coin designs with very fine detail or deep relief are harder to strike fully and may show weakness.
4. Die Quality
As a coin die is used repeatedly, it accumulates tiny imperfections — die polishing lines, die cracks, die clashes — that transfer to every coin struck. Early production coins from fresh dies typically have superior surfaces and are more likely to achieve higher grades. Coins struck from heavily worn or repaired dies may show die fatigue even when the coin itself has no handling marks.
5. Original Packaging
This is the one factor entirely within the collector's control. Coins submitted in original, sealed Royal Mint packaging consistently achieve higher grades than the same coin type submitted loose or in generic holders. The packaging prevents all post-production handling damage and signals to graders that the coin has been properly preserved. For maximum grade potential, submit BU coins in their original capsule and presentation packaging without removing them.
6. Coin Cleaning (The Grade Killer)
If any previous owner has attempted to clean a coin — even with water, a soft cloth, or silver polish — it will receive a Details grade (e.g. "MS-65 Details — Cleaned") rather than a straight MS grade. Details coins sell for dramatically less than straight-grade examples. Graders can detect microscopic hairlines from wiping under magnification even when they're invisible to the naked eye. Never clean a coin before submission.
Why MS-67 Is the Key Grade Threshold
In the UK numismatic market, MS-67 represents the most significant value inflection point for Royal Mint BU coins. Below MS-67, prices often track fairly closely — a MS-65 and MS-66 of the same coin may differ by 20–50% in value. But crossing the threshold from MS-66 to MS-67 can double or triple the price for popular designs, and for key dates or rare issues, an MS-67 example might be worth ten times an MS-65.
This threshold exists because MS-67 is genuinely uncommon. Population reports from NGC and PCGS (which show how many examples have been graded at each level) consistently show that MS-67 represents a small percentage of submissions. When a coin with very few known MS-67 examples comes to market, competition among registry set collectors and condition collectors can drive the price far above typical levels.
Population reports: Before submitting a valuable coin for grading, check the NGC Census (ngccoin.com) or PCGS Population (pcgs.com) to see how many examples have already been certified at each grade. If MS-67 examples are plentiful, the premium may be lower. If only a handful exist, even an uncertain-looking MS-67 submission could be very worthwhile.
Early Releases and First Strike Designations
Both NGC and PCGS offer special label designations for coins submitted within 30 days of their official release date:
- NGC Early Releases (ER) — Gold-coloured label indicating the coin was submitted within 30 days of release
- NGC First Day of Issue (FDI) — Special designation for coins submitted on the actual release date, requiring documentation
- PCGS First Strike — Similar to NGC's Early Releases, for coins submitted within 30 days
These designations do not affect the actual numerical grade the coin receives — an MS-65 ER is graded exactly the same as an MS-65 without ER. However, the Early Releases and First Strike labels are desirable to collectors and typically achieve a premium over the same grade without the designation. For popular Royal Mint issues, submitting promptly after release is worthwhile to secure the ER label.
How to Get Your BU Coin Graded
To find out the exact MS grade of your Royal Mint BU coin, you need to submit it to a professional grading service. Here's the process for UK collectors:
- Assess whether grading is cost-effective — For most common BU coins, grading fees (typically £30–£60 all-in through a UK dealer) won't be recovered unless the coin grades MS-67 or higher. Grading is most worthwhile for rare designs, key dates, or coins you genuinely believe are in exceptional condition.
- Choose NGC or PCGS — Both are excellent; NGC is more popular in the UK eBay market. See our grading service comparison for details.
- Find a UK submission agent — Most UK collectors submit through an authorised dealer rather than directly, which avoids customs complications and often reduces per-coin costs. Look for NGC Authorised Dealers or PCGS Authorised Dealers in the UK.
- Keep the coin in original packaging — Submit BU coins in their original Royal Mint capsule and presentation packaging for the best chance of a high grade.
- Track and receive — Both NGC and PCGS provide online tracking. Typical UK submission turnaround is 6–12 weeks for standard service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What MS grade is Brilliant Uncirculated?
Brilliant Uncirculated coins typically grade MS-63 to MS-68 on the Sheldon scale. The most common result for Royal Mint BU coins in original packaging is MS-65 or MS-66.
Is Brilliant Uncirculated MS-65?
MS-65 (Gem Uncirculated) is the most commonly assigned grade for Royal Mint BU coins, but BU doesn't correspond to a single fixed grade. Individual coins can range from MS-63 to MS-68 depending on their specific condition, die quality, and packaging history.
What grade do Royal Mint BU coins usually get?
In original sealed packaging, Royal Mint BU coins most commonly receive MS-65 or MS-66 from NGC or PCGS. Approximately 15–20% achieve MS-67 or higher. Grades below MS-64 are uncommon for coins in original packaging but more frequent for coins that have been handled or removed from their original holders.
Is MS-66 better than MS-65?
Yes. MS-66 is superior to MS-65 — fewer and less noticeable contact marks, slightly better lustre and strike. For popular coin designs, the price premium for MS-66 over MS-65 certified examples typically ranges from 30–100% depending on the coin's population and demand from registry set collectors.
Can a BU coin grade MS-70?
It's theoretically possible but extraordinarily rare for standard production BU coins. MS-70 requires no post-production imperfections under 5× magnification — a bar that virtually no mass-produced coin achieves. If you encounter someone claiming they have an MS-70 Royal Mint BU coin, verify the cert number at ngccoin.com or pcgs.com to confirm.
Does keeping coins in original packaging improve the grade?
Yes, significantly. Coins submitted to NGC or PCGS in original sealed Royal Mint packaging consistently achieve higher grades than the same coin type that has been removed and handled. The packaging prevents all post-production handling damage that would otherwise reduce the grade.
What is the best MS grade for a BU coin?
MS-67 or higher is considered outstanding for Royal Mint BU coins and commands significant premiums. MS-68 and above are exceptional. For most BU coin types, an MS-67 example represents the top tier of what collectors aspire to find.
Browse NGC and PCGS certified BU coins on eBay UK — search by grade to find the condition you're looking for.
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