[ThorCavalier]

Okay, so here is my conundrum. I recently picked up a set of PNY's and the seller said that the $1's had been used in 3 games. So what condition should I say they are in? They have completely sharp edges and show no visible signs of use except for an occasional light bit of color transfer which appears to be more from being boxed than played. I have no use for these chips and plan on selling or trading them, but I want to be able to fairly assess their condition. I personally say they are uncirculated as they never made it out onto a casino floor, but being an honest guy I am aware that they saw 3 games worth of play (only because i was told not because of anything I see) so I don't want to use the term "uncirculated" if that is not technically correct.

So my question is at what point is "uncirculated" no longer correct? Do 3 games warrant "circulated" status? How about 1 game? How about a couple of shuffles? If so how would anyone really know if anything is uncirculated unless it came direct from the factory? Is Mint a better descriptor for a chip that you know has seen a handful of games? I'd appreciate any input so I know how to advertise these fairly. (and yes I'll get pics eventually.)

Thanks

[PokerWierdo]

In my best and most fair assessment, I would classify your chips as worthless Go ahead and send them to me, I'll make sure you never have to think about mint vs uncirc again.

FWIW, I would say they are closer to uncirculated than mint.

PW

[mizuchaud]

I got a chip in the mail today, and it really made me realize what mint means..
The crosshatching just jumps out at you. The edges are perfect.
The chip looks like it has never touched ANYTHING let alone another chip.

3 games is a lifetime from mint, but still 'minty'.
I'd say uncirculated.

[JM]

Originally Posted by mizuchaud

I got a chip in the mail today, and it really made me realize what mint means..
The crosshatching just jumps out at you. The edges are perfect.
The chip looks like it has never touched ANYTHING let alone another chip.

3 games is a lifetime from mint, but still 'minty'.
I'd say uncirculated.

Uncirculated would be higher than mint. Uncirculated to me means they have never seen a game or a shuffle. Mint means maybe some shuffles or a game or 3 or maybe more but still sharp edged, clean, good crosshatching, etc. They can be mint circulated, or mint uncirculated, but uncirculated would imply mint anyway so its a bit redundant. Once they've seen a game they are no longer uncirculated.

[ThorCavalier]

Originally Posted by JM

Uncirculated would be higher than mint. Uncirculated to me means they have never seen a game or a shuffle. Mint means maybe some shuffles or a game or 3 or maybe more but still sharp edged, clean, good crosshatching, etc. They can be mint circulated, or mint uncirculated, but uncirculated would imply mint anyway so its a bit redundant. Once they've seen a game they are no longer uncirculated.

I tend to agree with this, but I can also see someone saying mint is higher. (As in fresh off the mint, but not circulated through a casino.) It sounds like an issue of semantics.

BTW just inspected them closer and the edges are totally sharp and the crosshatching is pristine. I do see a very small amount of color transfer on some edges, but considering the fact that they are white Paulsons it doesn't take more than about 2 shuffles for that to happen. (Which is why I am definitely a fan of the Blue $1 when it comes to Paulson.)

So I guess I am officially going to call these "Mint Circulated." They are better than "like new" and even "lightly played" suggests more wear than I see, but to be fair I need some way of indicating that hey have been handled.

[Vince]

But they can also be uncirclelated but not mint anymore after heavy use in your home game!

I think unc. is a kind of title means they have never been used in a casino but it doesn't asure they are in perfect condition the day you buy them.

[NoFear]

UNC = straight from the manufacture to your procession. (still chalkie)

MINT= you touch it shuffle it and maybe play a few game with no mark on chips.

Excellent= more than 10 games just a few mark but the edge still sharp.

Good- has a lot of play the edge is slightly rounded but still stand on edge.

IMO.............

[bbb_forever]

Originally Posted by NoFear

UNC = straight from the manufacture to your procession. (still chalkie)

MINT= you touch it shuffle it and maybe play a few game with no mark on chips.

Excellent= more than 10 games just a few mark but the edge still sharp.

Good- has a lot of play the edge is slightly rounded but still stand on edge.

IMO.............

I would agree with these definitions.

[KYBill]

I bought some chips in the m2m member section and was told they were uncirculated. They came dirty .


So far he hasn't done anything about it, if i don't get a refund today I'm going to let pay-pal take care of it.

Uncirculated= best possable condition.

[jdunford]

Originally Posted by NoFear

UNC = straight from the manufacture to your procession. (still chalkie)

MINT= you touch it shuffle it and maybe play a few game with no mark on chips.

Excellent= more than 10 games just a few mark but the edge still sharp.

Good- has a lot of play the edge is slightly rounded but still stand on edge.

IMO.............

A collecting expert (GamingOre?) should give us the correct definition, but I thought it was the opposite of what JM and NoFear said.

In my opinion:

"Mint" means "right out of the mint (factory)", put in some protective casing, and hasn't touched another chip (or coin) let alone been shuffled or used in play. You shouldn't see any colour transfer, and there shouldn't even be finger grease on them, since they should be "factory fresh".

"Uncirculated" means "hasn't been put in circulation" (i.e. used at a casino, for chips; circulated in the general public, for coins). This means, although they're not worn from use in the environment they were designed for, they might have some minor wear from storage or handling (for coins, could be as little as some oxidation or fingerprints). For chips, I guess you could use them a few times in a home game or shuffle them at your desk a few times, and still classify them as uncirculated since they haven't been worn in yet. A lot of people's card protectors (esp. if not in an airtite) would be uncirculated condition, or maybe worse if the edge is chipped.

e.g. my Samurais were mint when I opened their box... still dusty. After oiling, they were uncirculated, and were identical to that condition after the first few games. Now I'd call them "excellent", as you can tell they've been lightly used as they've become smoother and more slippery on their faces (crosshatching is worked in a bit; less sand-papery, even though still clearly visible), while the edges are still sharp. Oh, and I can only stack them 120-150 high now, instead of 200+ right out of the box (or immediately after oiling).