U - Coin Collecting Glossary

Coin Term Glossary

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Ultra-High Relief

An alternate name for Extremely High Relief.

Ultra Rarity

A term used for a coin or other numismatic item that is represented by only a few examples.

UNC

Uncirculated

Uncirculated

Coins that come directly from the Mint, to the banks and into a collection. This coin or numismatic item has never been in circulation and doesn’t show any handling or wear. Mint Packs produced by the Mint are also classified as UNC and specially packed before they are sold.

Underbidder

The individual that bids in an auction is then outbid.

Uniface

Refers to a coin with a design on only one side, the other side blank.

Universal Rarity Scale

A collectables rarity information scale was developed in 1998 by 21 major collectables experts in order to both define rarity within their individual markets and allow collectors and dealers from different collectables markets to more easily communicate with one another. The Universal Rarity Scale is a 10-point scale. The least rare collectable items are those where more than 10,000 examples are estimated to exist. These items are designated “UR1” and are described as “readily available.” The rarest items are those where only one example is known to exist. These rarities are designated “UR10” and are described as “unique.”

Upgrade

Refers to a coin being resubmitted to one of the third-party CERTIFICATION SERVICES and being returned in a higher grade. As the certified grade of a coin plays such a large role in determining its value, a one-point upgrade on the SHELDON scale could mean a significant increase in value.

Upsetting Mill

A machine that raises the outer rim on a planchet prior to striking. Upsetting ensures that the rims are properly formed during striking.

URS

Universal Rarity Scale

Used

Describe a coin that has light to heavy wear due to circulation and handling.