Brian,

I too am a new collector. I would consider mint any item the is free of defects, damage, or grime.

It sures seems that none of the three 3 pictured were either mint or uncirculated.

There are obvious signs of damage on all 3 chips. Plus signs of wear and dirt on the last two.

I may be more picky than other people but that is my opinion.

I personally consider uncirculated and mint to be the same. If uncirculated chips can have obvious damage to them I wouldn't consider calling them uncirculated.

Hope that helps.

Rick G. TX
Rickgarza@hotmail.com