Answer
Mar 13, 2025 - 12:20 PM
Thank you for your question!
No, a polished or cleaned coin cannot be considered in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition. BU refers to a coin that has never been in circulation and retains its original mint luster, with no signs of wear or handling beyond possible minor contact marks from the minting and packaging process.
On the other hand, polishing or cleaning alters the coin’s original surface, often removing natural luster and leaving an unnatural shine, hairline scratches, or residue. Even if a cleaned coin appears bright, numismatists and collectors typically consider it damaged or altered, which reduces its numismatic value compared to a true BU coin.
However, while cleaning affects a coin's collectible value, it does not impact the intrinsic value of its gold content. These coins still contain their original gold weight and purity, making them valuable based on their precious metal content.
