Talking about conservation status is always a controversial subject in the collector community worldwide, there are different criteria and denominations between continents, opinions are not coherent in the classifications carried out by professionals and non-professionals in the different markets globally.
Therefore, we describe our classification criteria used for the coins and notes that we make available on our website:
NUMISMATICS
Coin in conservation condition PROOF
A special mint coin with a shiny mirrored background and high matte reliefs, as a rule all Portuguese coins in PROOF finish are coins from special issues from INCM, supplied in cases duly identified and packaged accompanied by a certificate of authenticity with all the characteristics.
Coin in conservation condition “BNC” BRILHANTE NÃO CIRCULADA
Coin of normal mintage, but more careful and selected for its shine and intended to be supplied in a case or wallet as a special issue from INCM
Coin in conservation condition PROOF-LIKE
Coins with finishes very similar to PROOF, from the first mintages of the normal circulation series. When the die has an excellent tempering and polishing finish, and when a good metal alloy is used, the first coins made by these dies give rise to coins with mirrored low-reliefs and tinted or shiny high-reliefs, this only happening in the first coins minted before the wear of the dies due to continued minting.
Coin in conservation condition “FDC” FLOR DE CUNHO
Absolutely impeccable coin, without showing the slightest trace of stains, dents or any wear. (As a matter of principle we are not using this classification, but some of the coins that we classify as “SOB” SUBERBA, may be supplied in “FDC” FLOR DE CUNHO)
Coin in conservation condition “SOB” SOBERBA
Coins that have never been circulated, retaining the shine, mirroring or dullness caused by coinage, may show slight abrasion marks as a result of having been in contact with other coins during manufacture or transport. (Some of the coins that we classify as “SOB” SOBERBA, can be supplied in “FDC” FLOR DE CUNHO)
Coin in conservation condition BELA
Coin that appears not to have circulated. Slight signs of wear on the highest edges of the engraving relief, some oxidation or uniform patina is possible.
Coin in conservation condition “MBC” MUITO BEM CONSERVADA
Medium circulation coin, higher surfaces of the engraving show signs of wear, may have small dents in both fields and edges.
Coin in conservation condition “BC” BEM CONSERVADA
High circulation coin, relief of the engraving with considerable signs of wear, but with all details clearly visible, including the legend and date. It may have dents and/or scratches on both sides and edges.
Coin in conservation condition “REG” REGULAR
Coin with considerable wear on the legend and date design, however, the main classification characteristics are visible. It may show significant corrosion and considerable dents and/or scratches on both sides and edges.
Coin in conservation condition “MC” MAL CONSERVADA
Very worn coin, legends and date obliterated, which makes them almost illegible, without, however, any doubt in their identification. It may show corrosion and considerable dents and/or scratches on both sides and edges.
Comments:
1. When we classify a coin we must take into account that there are situations that have nothing to do with circulation wear, examples being the high relief protrusions that appear on many coins that are caused by the cracking of the “CUNHO FENDIDO” stamp, the bad definition of the reliefs derived from the wear of the “CUNHO CANSADO” stamp, as well as flaws in the edge or other defects in the lamination of the metallic alloy “FALHA LIGA METÁLICA”, resulting from the minting process of the coin.
2. As there are several collaborators who release ours articles published on our website, there may be the possibility of incorrect classification in terms of conservation status or technical description, however, you should view the images of the articles and should only add them to the cart if they are of your total I like the price-quality ratio.
3. Given the low value and constant rotation of some of the most common coins that we publish on our website, many of our images can be examples of the available conservation status, however, in our response to your order, we usually always send an image of the coin that we are going to propose to you, you must always take this possibility of occurrence into consideration.
NOTAPHILY
Banknote in conservation condition “NC” NÃO CIRCULADA
Banknote that it has never been circulated and that it is perfect in all printing details, with no traces of folds, creases, dirt stains, holes or other types of superficial damage.
Banknote in conservation condition “QNC” QUASE NÃO CIRCULADA
Banknote that it appears to have never been circulated, but when subjected to grazing light it may present some imperfections, rounded corners, wavy surface, almost imperceptible central crease.
Banknote in conservation condition “PC” POUCO CIRCULADA
Banknote that it appears to have little circulation, keeping all the characteristics of the print intact, showing a central crease, possibility of folded corners, possibility of slight dirt.
Banknote in conservation condition “C” CIRCULADA
Banknote with obvious signs of circulation, and may have several horizontal and vertical creases, dirt, loss of elasticity or wear on the printed surface, but without showing interruptions in the design of the engraving, in the margins there may be small tears, but without lack of paper.
Banknote in conservation condition “MC” MUITO CIRCULADA
Very used and damaged banknote showing intense circulation, with several creases, stains and discoloration of the printed surface. It shows rupture of the paper fibers, especially in the center, with perforation, cut corners and margins with tears that enter through the stain or lack of paper.
Comments:
1. As there are several collaborators who release ours articles published on our website, there may be the possibility of incorrect classification in terms of conservation status or technical description, however, you should view the images of the articles and should only add them to the cart if they are of your total I like the price-quality ratio.
2. Given the low value and constant rotation of some of the banknotes that we publish on our website, many of our images may be examples of the available conservation status, however they may not correspond to the serial number or signature that we will propose, but in our response to your order, as a rule we always send the image of the banknote we are going to propose, you must always take this possibility of occurrence into consideration.
We will always be at your complete disposal to answer any questions you may have, so don't hesitate to contact us.
Numismatic Greetings,
Luís Vieira