BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED (BUNC) COINS
Many coin collections can start from a humble find in loose change and there are still lots of coins to found in circulation. However since 2019 many of the commemorative coins produced by the Royal Mint have not entered circulation and whilst this means they are more expensive additions, they also tend to be more valuable due to the condition which is described as 'Brilliant Uncirculated' or 'BUNC.'
'Uncirculated,' has a dual meaning in the coin world. Firstly, it can simply refer to coins which have not ever entered general circulation and it can also refer to the condition of the coin. Of course, condition is subjective to many but coins that have not entered circulation tend to fall into the BUNC category as they do not have the same wear and tear as circulated coins when compared side by side they appear shinier and devoid of defects such as dents and scratches.
Every coin design produced by the Royal Mint, even those intended for circulation, are also released in a BUNC version inside a sealed presentation pack or as part of it's annual set. This means collectors can choose to purchase a BUNC coin which will retain it's value or wait to find the circulated version in their change, which can sometimes take a while due to lower mintage figures in recent years.
Some collectors opt to own both versions of the coin in their collection and in recent years, the Royal Mint has produced dual versions of certain designs, one intended for circulation and a slightly different varying design for BUNC production only. For example the 2023 King Charles Coronation 50p (pictured) was minted with a crowned monarch on the obverse for sale only, whereas the circulated version featured the standard uncrowned portrait.
Are you a BUNC collector?
BUNC coins are available to buy at www.romileycoins.com or via our eBay store.
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