Talking about conservation status is always a controversial subject within the worldwide collector community. There are different criteria and denominations between continents, and opinions are not consistent among classifications made by professionals and non‑professionals in the various global markets. Additionally, as we are recently uploading our articles in the English version of the website, many items still display the Portuguese conservation grade. For this reason, we present our national Portuguese classification system, which—through its detailed descriptions—can be easily reconciled with the standardized grading practices used in your own country.

Below we describe our classification criteria used for the coins and banknotes made available on our website.

NUMISMATICS

Coin in conservation condition PROOF
Special mint coin with a shiny mirrored background and matte frosted high reliefs. As a rule, all Portuguese coins in PROOF finish are produced by INCM as special issues, supplied in presentation cases and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity with all technical characteristics.

Coin in conservation condition “BNC” – Brilhante Não Circulada
Normal mintage coin, but carefully selected for its superior brilliance, 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, originating from the first strikes of normal circulation series. When the die has excellent tempering and polishing, and when a good metal alloy is used, the first coins struck may show mirrored low‑reliefs and frosted or shiny high‑reliefs. This effect only occurs in the earliest strikes before the die begins to wear.

Coin in conservation condition “FDC” – Flor de Cunho
Absolutely impeccable coin, without any trace of stains, dents or wear. (As a matter of principle we do not use this classification, but some coins classified as “SOB” may be supplied in “FDC”.)

Coin in conservation condition “SOB” – Soberba
Coin that has never circulated, retaining the shine, mirroring or matte finish produced during minting. It may show slight abrasion marks caused by contact with other coins during manufacture or transport. (Some coins classified as “SOB” may be supplied in “FDC”.)

Coin in conservation condition BELA
Coin that appears not to have circulated. Slight wear may be visible on the highest points of the engraving, and some oxidation or uniform patina may be present.

Coin in conservation condition “MBC” – Muito Bem Conservada
Coin with limited circulation. The highest surfaces of the engraving show signs of wear. Small dents may appear on the fields and edges.

Coin in conservation condition “BC” – Bem Conservada
Circulated coin. The relief shows considerable wear, but all details remain visible, including legend and date. Dents and scratches may be present on both fields and edges.

Coin in conservation condition “REG” – Regular
Coin with heavy wear on the design, legend and date, although the main identification features remain visible. Corrosion, dents and scratches may be significant.

Coin in conservation condition “MC” – Mal Conservada
Very worn coin, with legends and date almost illegible, yet still identifiable. Corrosion and severe dents or scratches may be present.

Comments on Coins

1. When classifying coins, certain conditions unrelated to circulation wear must be considered, such as high‑relief protrusions caused by die cracking (“Cunho Fendido”), weak relief definition due to die fatigue (“Cunho Cansado”), or edge flaws and lamination defects in the metal alloy (“Falha Liga Metálica”), all resulting from the minting process.

2. As several collaborators are responsible for uploading items to our website, occasional inaccuracies in conservation grading or technical description may occur. Customers should always examine the images and only add items to the cart if fully satisfied with the price‑quality ratio.

3. The images displayed in the technical sheets may correspond exactly to the specific coin being offered or, in some cases, to the standard conservation pattern available. When the image corresponds to the exact coin offered, the technical sheet will display: “The photo you are viewing corresponds to the coin you will receive in your order.” When the image corresponds to the standard conservation pattern, it will display: “The photo you are viewing corresponds to the standard conservation pattern of the coin you will receive in your order.” Regardless of the case, in our reply to your order we always send combined 2D scanner images of the exact coins proposed for your purchase.

NOTAPHILY

Banknote in conservation condition “NC” – Não Circulada
Banknote that has never circulated and is perfect in all printing details, with no folds, creases, stains, holes or other surface damage.

Banknote in conservation condition “QNC” – Quase Não Circulada
Banknote that appears uncirculated, but under grazing light may show minor imperfections, rounded corners, slight waviness or an almost imperceptible central crease.

Banknote in conservation condition “PC” – Pouco Circulada
Banknote with limited circulation, retaining all printing characteristics intact. It may show a central crease, folded corners or slight dirt.

Banknote in conservation condition “C” – Circulada
Banknote with evident signs of circulation, possibly showing multiple creases, dirt, loss of elasticity or wear on the printed surface. Small tears may appear on the margins, without paper loss.

Banknote in conservation condition “MC” – Muito Circulada
Heavily circulated and damaged banknote, with multiple creases, stains, discoloration and ruptured paper fibers, especially in the center. Perforations, cut corners and tears entering the printed area or paper loss may be present.

Comments on Banknotes

1. As several collaborators are responsible for uploading items to our website, occasional inaccuracies in conservation grading or technical description may occur. Customers should always examine the images and only add items to the cart if fully satisfied with the price‑quality ratio.

2. The images displayed in the technical sheets may correspond to the standard conservation pattern available or, in some cases, to the specific banknote being offered. When the image corresponds to the standard conservation pattern, the technical sheet will display: “The photo you are viewing corresponds to the standard conservation pattern of the banknote you will receive in your order.” When the image corresponds to the exact banknote offered, it will display: “The photo you are viewing corresponds to the banknote you will receive in your order.” Regardless of the case, in our reply to your order we always send the real image of the exact banknote proposed.

We remain at your full disposal for any questions you may have, so please do not hesitate to contact us.

Numismatic Greetings,
Luís Vieira