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"Gem Uncirculated" vs "Crisp Uncirculated"

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What's the difference between "Gem Uncirculated" and "Crisp Uncirculated"

The reason I ask has to do with the below article:

In 1973, strained relations with the Middle East resulted in an U.S. oil embargo! As supplies dwindled and gas prices skyrocketed, agitated Americans waited in long lines for gasoline, only to be turned away by the "No Gas" sign. The U.S. government urged conservation while they prepared for the worst. In 1974, they printed 4.8 billion gas ration coupons as part of a planned rationing system. However, because the gas crisis soon passed, these coupons were never used.

Three series of coupons, “A” “B” and “C” were produced. “A” coupons were printed from January 25 to February 25, 1974. “B” coupons were printed from March 17 to March 27, 1974. “C” coupons were printed from February 24 to March 20, 1974.

In June 1984 the Energy Department ordered all but 2 sheets of coupons destroyed by shredding and burying the gasoline rationing coupons at the Pueblo Army Depot in Pueblo, CO.  But some of those intended to be destroyed found their way to the public. Two were even confiscated by the Secret Service! No longer pursued by the government, one of these coupons, in Crisp Uncirculated condition, fetched $1,350.00 at auction on February 29, 2000.

Coupon_USGas_1974_PuebloDepotHoard_1003117-076_a.jpeg

Coupon_USGas_1974_PuebloDepotHoard_1003117-076_b.jpeg

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According to this grading guide from Heritage, "Crisp Uncirculated" just means a 60+ graded note and you could just as easily say "Uncirculated," without the "Crisp."

https://currency.ha.com/tutorial/how-to-grade-currency.s

With NGC / PMG with coins and notes:

Uncirculated / "Brilliant Uncirculated" / "Crisp Uncirculated" is 60 or above (60-62)

"Choice Uncirculated" / Whatever is 63 or above (63-64).

"Gem Uncirculated" is 65 or above (65-66).

"Superb Gem Uncirculated" is 67 or above (67-70).

Under "Superb," when HA says "Notes in this grade are rare, even in the most common series. " "Rare" is highly subjective / relative, and there are plenty of modern series and issues where a 67 EPQ graded note is quite common and can be had quite easily and cheaply... So I wouldn't put too much stock in that statement.

 

All that said, that coupon is cool! 

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