What do the letters F, VF, EF and Unc mean when you talk about coins?
A. F is Fine – a coin that has been in circulation and has general signs of wear but isn’t badly worn. VF is Very Fine – a coin that has had little use but shows wear on high surfaces EF is Extremely Fine – looks like it has never been handled but might actually show a few minor marks upon closer inspection. ‘Unc’ stands for Uncirulated – exactly as it suggests, although the coin might show slight marks where it came into contact with others during minting. ‘Proof’ is a particular type of striking. Proof coins are struck on different dies to circulating coins and are usually struck as collectors’ pieces. Usually they are packaged and thus ‘Unc’ but it is possible to get proof coins in VF or F condition!
