Glossary

Within this website and the coin collecting community there are terms and phrases you should know. This glossary is not meant to be all inclusive; however, it should give you the basic knowledge necessary to be an informed numismatist.

A

abrasions

Light friction rubbing or scuffing which is different from hairlines and bag marks.

accumulation

Quantities of coins, tokens and other numismatic material which has not been sorted, classified, attributed nor organized in any meaningful way, unlike a true coin collection.

adjustment marks

Marks or grooves caused by filing a planchet prior to striking in order to reduce it to a standard weight. This was a fairly common practice on many early U.S. coins, in particular bust dollars.

album

A holder with slots for storing and displaying coins in a book type manner. Common brand names include Whitman, Dansco and Harco.

alloy

A combination of two or more metals, such as electrum or cupro-nickel.

alterations

Illegal practice of tampering with the date, mint mark, or other feature of a coin in an attempt to be deceptive. For example, adding an "S" mintmark to a 1909-VDB Lincoln Cent struck at the Philadelphia Mint.

ancient

A coin produced prior to the generally accepted date of 500 A.D.

artificial toning

Adding color(s) to a coin by various treatments with chemicals, heat and other methods in an attempt to increase its value. While a coin with natural toning may at times provide exceptional eye-appeal and command higher prices than an untoned specimen, a coin known to have been artificially toned (a deceptive practice) will bring much lower than usual prices.

attribute

A specific characteristic of a coin.

authentication

Determination by a numismatic expert as to the status of a coin being original and genuine - not counterfeit.

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B

bag marks

Nicks and scratches resulting from contact with other coins in the same mint bag. Especially common on large, heavy coins such as Morgan Dollars.

bank note

Paper money issued by a bank and payable to bearer.

bas relief

A style in which the design elements are raised within depressions in the field, so that no part of the design is undercut.

billon

A low-grade alloy of silver and other metals, usually copper, which is used in minor coinage.

bi-metallic

A coin with the center and outer ring(s) having different metal alloys.

bit

Spanish pieces of eight were physically cut into eight pieces with each piece as one bit. The quarter dollar is sometimes referred to as two bits, so that an eighth of a dollar would be one bit or 12 and one-half cents.

blank

A piece of metal (usually round) being prepared for coinage before the rims have been raised via the upsetting mill.

blemishes

Minor nicks, marks, flaws or spots of discoloration that mar the surface of a coin.

bourse

A place where dealers, collectors and the general public get together to buy, sell and trade coins with each other.

brass

A yellowish alloy consisting mainly of copper and zinc.

broadstrike (broadstruck)

A coin struck without a firmly seated collar which results in an outwards "spread", but still includes all design details.

brockage

A mirror image of a design from one side of a coin impressed on the opposite side, e.g. a newly struck coin may adhere to the die, causing the next coin struck to have a First Strike Mirror Brockage of the coin stuck to the die; by the second strike the mirror is distorted, and later strikes are termed Struck Through A Capped Die.

bronze

An reddish/brown alloy consisting mainly of copper and tin, with a small amount of zinc.

bullion

A coin or other object composed primarily of a precious metal (such as gold, silver or platinum) with little to no numismatic value over and beyond that of the metal itself.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

An agency of the U.S. Treasury Department responsible for the production of currency.

business strike

A coin struck with the intent of serving in the channels of commerce, i.e. to be circulated.

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C

cameo

A coin, usually a Proof strike, with a frosted or satiny central device surrounded by a irror-like field.

cartwheel

The pattern of light reflected by flow lines of mint state coins, resembling spokes of a wheel; Name given to the British pennies and twopences of 1797 due to their unusually broad rims.

certified coin

A coin authenticated and graded by an unbiased, 3rd-party professional service.

cherrypick

To secure the purchase a rare variety of a coin worth a premium over the seller's asking price for a common variety.

chop mark

A symbol added to money by someone other than the government which issued it to indicate authenticity. Commonly found on U.S. Trade Dollars which circulated in the Orient.

circulated

Denotes money that has served a purpose in the channels of commerce, i.e. it is no longer mint state (uncirculated).

clad

Composed of more than one metallic layer, e.g. dimes, quarters, and halves currently minted by the U.S.

clash mark

Elements of designs from the opposite side of a coin which is the result of coin dies clashing into one another when no planchet is present during the striking process.

cleaning

Any procedure that removes corrosion, unattractive toning, etc. such as dipping or rubbing with abrasive materials.

cleaned coin

A coin which has been dipped, polished, whizzed, wiped, etc. Generally speaking, a certain amount of very light cleaning (such as dipping) done by a professional may be acceptable.

clip

A coin, planchet or blank missing a portion of metal from its periphery, caused by an error during production of the blank, usually at the end of a strip.

clipping

Deliberate shearing or shaving from the edge of gold and silver coins. Was quite common from the Byzantine to the Colonial eras, so much so that many authorities employed edge devices in order to discourage this practice.

coin

A piece of metal (usually round) with a distinctive stamp and of a fixed value and weight issued by an authority and intended to be used as a medium of exchange.

coin show

An event where numismatic items are bought, sold, traded and often exhibited.

collar

A device in a coining press used to restrict the outward flow of metal during striking. Allows the rounding of coins to be much more precise. Also, can be used to put an edge design on the coin.

collection

An organized unit of various numismatic holdings.

colonial

A coin issued by a colony, such as those produced in the eastern American colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries.

commemorative

A coin with a design honoring a person, place or event in history.

condition census

The finest known specimens of a particular coin type or variety.

contact marks

Small surface scratches or nicks which is caused by contact of coins in the same bag.

counterfeit

A fake coin deceptively made with the intent of passing it off as if it were the genuine article.

cud

A raised lump of metal on a coin caused by a piece of the die breaking off.

cull

A coin that is worn to the point of being barely identifiable, and/or damaged.

cupro-nickel (copper-nickel)

Composed of an alloy of copper and nickel, such as the U.S. Flying Eagle cents struck from 1856 thru 1858.

currency

See paper money.

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D

damage

A problem such as scratches, nicks, holes, harsh cleaning, pitting, etc. which lowers the value of a numismatic item.

date

The year(s) stamped on a coin, representative of the year it was minted.

dealer

An individual or organization that regularly buys, sells and trades coins.

deep mirror proof-like

An attribute given to coins with highly reflective mirror-like fields, giving it a similar look to that of a proof strike.

delamination

Metal missing (or nearly so) from the surface due to incomplete bonding in the planchet.

denarius

An ancient Roman silver coin weighing about 3 grams, roughly the same size as a U.S. dime but much thicker.

denomination

The face value of a coin.

denticles (dentils)

Tooth-like raised features near the rim of a coin.

design

The arrangement of devices, lettering, etc. on a coin.

designer

The artist(s) responsible for a coin's design.

device

A major design element, e.g. the bust of a person.

die

A piece of steel (usually cylindrical) bearing at one end the design of one side of a coin.

die chip

A small fragment broken off from a die similar to a cud, but much less dramatic.

die clash

Upper and lower dies coming together in a coin press without a planchet between them.

die crack

A narrow fissure in the surface of a die which produces a raised line on the coins it strikes.

die erosion

Normal wear on a die from its use in the minting process.

die state

The condition of a die at a specific time in its life.

die polish

Small raised lines in the field of a coin resulting from polishing of a die to remove chips, clash marks, etc.

dipping

A form of cleaning by immersion in a liquid which is capable of causing molecular changes in the surface (with the intent of providing a more appealing look).

disme

A frequently-used spelling of "dime" in the 17th century.

double denomination

An error in which a coin is restruck by the die pair of another denomination.

double die

A term sometimes intended to mean a doubled die coin and sometimes indicating a machine doubled coin (values differ based on actual type of doubling).

doubled die

A die with doubled device details, letters and/or numerals resulting from an error in manufacture. Also, a coin struck from such a die.

double eagle

A U.S. $20 gold coin, minted from 1849 through 1933.

drachma

An ancient Greek silver coin weighing about 3 grams.

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E

eagle

A U.S. $10 gold coin minted from 1795 through 1933. Also, the current U.S. bullion program pieces.

edge

The perimeter of coin, sometimes referred to as the "3rd" side.

electrum

A naturally occurring alloy of silver and gold. The earliest coins of ancient Asia Minor and many Byzantine issues were struck in this metal.

E Pluribus Unum

The Latin motto found on many U.S. coins - translates to "Out of many, one".

error

Any mistake in the minting process which results in a different appearance than intended on the resulting coin(s).

exergue

The lower section of a coin or medal, usually divided from the field by a line and often containing the date, mintmark or engraver's initial(s).

exonumia

Tokens, medals and other non-monetary coin-like objects.

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F

face value

The ordinary monetary worth of a coin or note at the time of issue.

field

The background on a coin, not used for a design or inscription.

fillet head

The head of Liberty on U.S. coins with her hair tied with a band, generally on the forehead.

fineness

The purity of a precious metal coin, usually expressed as a percentage one thousand parts.

fishscale

A 3 cent silver U.S. coin sometimes referred to as a trime. Also, a 5 cent silver Canadian piece.

flan

Another term for a planchet.

flip

A plastic coin holder, usually with 2 sections - one for the coin - one for a small card containing information about the coin.

flow lines

Microscopic lines in the surface of a coin resulting from the outward flow of metal during the striking process.

fiat money

Money not backed by specie and is legal tender by virtue of decree.

flyspecks

Minute oxidation spots on a coin, often caused by small droplets of spittle from talking over the coin.

Fugio cent

The first coin issued by authority of the United States in 1787. Fugio is Latin for "I fly", in this instance, referring to time.

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G

galvano

An epoxy coated plaster relief model of a coin created in order to produce master hubs, which in turn produce coin dies.

grade

Condition assigned to a coin mainly in an effort to determine its relative value.

Greysheet

The nickname given to the Coin Dealer Newsletter, a price guide for U.S. coins intended primarily for dealer-to-dealer transactions for uncertified coins.

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H

hairlines

Light scratches in the surface of a coin, usually caused by light polishing.

half cent

A U.S. copper coin minted from 1793 through 1857 (1/200th of a dollar).

half dime

A U.S. silver coin minted from 1794 through 1873 (same value as five cents).

half eagle

A U.S. $5 gold coin minted from 1795 through 1929.

high points

The areas of highest relief in a coin design. Usually the first to show evidence of wear or abrasion. May be incomplete due to a "soft" strike.

hobo nickel

A coin (usually a U.S. Buffalo nickel) re-engraved to produce a different image.

holed

Having a hole drilled through it, usually for jewelry use.

holder

A device designed for storage and/or display of numismatic items.

hub

A steel bar used to make coin dies.

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I

impaired proof

A proof coin with wear or damage resulting from circulation or mishandling.

incuse

Design elements are impressed into the surface (opposite of relief).

inscription

The legend or lettering on a coin.

intrinsic

Net metallic value sans numismatic/face value.

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J

jugate

Conjoined busts facing the same direction slightly offset from each other in such a way as to allow the bottom bust to be partially seen while the top bust is shown in its entirety.

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K

key date

The rarest (or one of the most rare) and therefore most expensive members of a coin series, e.g. the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent or 1916-D Mercury dime.

KM number

Chet Krause/Clifford Mishler number assigned to a coin in popular reference books.

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L

lamination

A defect caused by metal detaching from the rest of a coin. Somewhat common with clad coinage.

large cent

A U.S. copper coin minted from 1793 through 1857, similar in size to a current U.S. quarter (worth 1/100th of a dollar). Also, a similar Canadian coin issued between 1858-1920.

legend

The principle inscription on a coin other than the denomination or nation which issued it.

lettered edge

The inscription found on the edge of a coin.

loonie

Popular name for the Canadian loon dollar coin first issued in 1987.

loupe

A type of magnifying glass used by numismatists to more closely examine a coin.

luster

The glossy brilliance of a coin seen from the reflection of light off the flow lines.

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M

machine doubling

Doubling of details resulting from loose dies during the striking process (much more common and much less valuable than die doubling).

matte proof

A proof coin with a grainy surface appearance produced by dies treated to obtain a minutely etched surface.

medal

A coin-like object struck to honor one or more persons or events, but without any denomination (which may then classify it as a commemorative coin).

melt

The value of precious metal in a coin (see intrinsic).

milled edge

A raised rim around the outer surface of a coin.

mint

A manufacturing facility for producing coins.

mintage

The number of coins produced by a mint for a specific time period.

mint bloom

The original surface of a newly minted coin (see luster).

mint mark

A letter or symbol used to denote the mint which produced the coin.

mint set

A specially packaged group of uncirculated coins from one or more mints of the same nation containing at least one coin for most or all of the denominations issued during a particular year.

mint state

A level of preservation signifying the same basic condition as when originally delivered from the mint (uncirculated).

misplaced date

One or more digits of a date punched away from the intended location.

motto

A world or phrase found on a coin, e.g. "E Pluribus Unum".

mule

A coin struck from two dies not intended to be used together.

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N

natural toning

Coloration resulting from chemical change on the surface during normal environmental exposure over a prolonged period.

nick

A small mark on a coin usually caused by contact with a another coin.

numismatics

The art and science relating to the study of coins, tokens, medals, paper money and similar objects.

numismatist

A student and/or collector who is knowledgeable in numismatics.

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O

obol

A small ancient Greek silver coin (worth 1/6 of a drachma).

obverse

The front or "heads" side of a coin, usually the side with the date and main design.

off center

An error caused by incorrectly centering the planchet during the striking process, which results in part of the design missing from the coin.

original

Refers to a coin that has not been "doctored", i.e. cleaned or tampered with post the original minting process.

overdate

A coin struck from a die with one or more digits of the date repunched over a different digit, e.g. the 1942/1 Mercury dime.

overgrade

The practice of assigning a higher grade to a coin than it truly deserves.

over mintmark

A mintmark punched on top of another mintmark, such as a 'D' over an 'S'.

overstrike

An impression made with different dies on a previously struck coin.

oxidation

The formation of oxides or tarnish on the surface of a coin from exposure to humidity, air pollutants, or other environmental elements.

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P

paper money

Paper notes with standardized characteristics issued as money.

paranumismatica

Another term for exonumia.

patina

A surface film found on coins (usually brown or green) caused by oxidation over a long period of time.

pattern

A coin struck as a trial or test piece for a new design - many times without all final legends, dates, design details, etc. - may be struck on different alloys than the final issue.

piece of eight

An early Spanish coin with a face value of eight reales.

pitted

Having a rough surface due to loss of metal by corrosion.

planchet

A piece of metal - previously termed a blank - now with raised rims from an upsetting machine - but not yet struck by the coin dies.

plugged

A holed coin that has been filled.

porous

Having a granular surface as the result of oxidation.

prestige set

A set of coins produced by the U.S. Mint containing one or more proof commemorative coins released in the same year, as well as a proof cent, nickel, dime, quarter and half.

problem coin

Any coin that has been cleaned, damaged or has other undesirable traits.

proof

Coins struck mainly for collectors as special presentation pieces using specially polished or otherwise prepared dies.

proof-like

An business strike coin having mirror-like fields giving it an appearance similar to that of a proof strike.

proof set

A specially packaged set of proof coins.

PVC

Polyvinylchloride. Often used to soften plastics, including some coin holders. Over time, coins in PVC holders will develop a green, sticky film, effectively ruining the coin.

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Q

quarter eagle

A U.S. $2.50 gold coin minted from 1796 through 1929.

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R

rarity

Generally relates to the infrequency or relative unavailability of a coin, as a direct function of important factors such as the original mintage and overall survival rate.

rarity scale

A convention for designating the relative rarity of a coin.

real

A former basic monetary unit of Spain and Spanish colonies.

Red Book

The nickname for A Guide Book to United States Coins, a retail price guide for U.S. coins published annually since 1947.

reeded edge

The edge of a coin with grooved lines that run vertically around its perimeter.

relief

The part of a coin design that is raised above its surface (opposite of incuse).

repunched date

A date with one or more of the digits punched more than once in different locations and/or orientations.

repunched mintmark

A mintmark punched more than once in different locations and/or orientations. (RPM)

restrike

A coin struck with authentic dies later than the original date of issue.

reverse

The back or "tails" side of a coin.

rib

The vein lines on the surface of a leaf.

rim

The outer edge of a coin, often raised to avoid premature wear.

Roman Finish Proof

Term given to designate certain U.S. proof coins made at the Philadelphia mint in 1909-1910.

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S

scratch

A deep line or groove in a coin caused by contact with a sharp or rough object (much more dramatic than a hairline).

series

One coin of each year issued from each mint of a specific design and denomination, e.g., Shield Nickels 1866-1883.

sight seen

Available for examination prior to a final purchase decision.

sight unseen

Unavailable for examination prior to a final purchase decision.

silver certificate

Paper money that was once redeemable for its face value in silver.

silver clad

A clad coin with one layer containing silver, e.g. U.S. half dollars 1965-1970.

silver eagle

A coin produced by the U.S. mint beginning in 1986 containing one ounce of silver and a face value of one dollar (not intended for circulation).

slab

The sealed hard plastic holder used by 3rd-party professional grading services to house coins they have determined to be authentic - has a label denoting the specific grading service, grade assigned to the coin and other information.

slider

A coin which is just this side of uncirculated with only very slight traces of wear - (AU58).

specie

Precious metal used to back money, usually gold and silver.

split grade

Assigning individual grades to the obverse and reverse sides of a coin.

spot

A small area of corrosion or foreign substance.

spot price

The market price for immediate delivery of a commodity, such as gold, silver or platinum.

spread

Difference between buy and sell prices on the same coin(s) from the same party. Also, the degree of separation between impressions on a doubled die.

stella

A U.S. $4 gold coin pattern minted 1879-1880.

striations

Thin raised lines on the surface of a coin, caused by excessive polishing of the die.

strike

The process of impressing a design into a planchet by force of the dies to create a coin.

strike doubling

Another term for machine doubling.

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T

tetradrachm

An ancient Greek silver coin weighing about 13 to 17 grams, similar in size to a U.S. quarter but much thicker.

thumbing

The rubbing of skin oil onto a coin in an attempt to hide contact marks.

token

A coin-like object redeemable for a particular product or service, such as bus rides, beer or video games.

toning

Color acquired from chemical change on the surface.

trade dollar

A U.S. dollar coin minted from 1873 through 1885 specifically for commerce in the Orient; The United Kingdom also issued similar coins.

trime

A small U.S. 3 cent silver coin minted from 1851-1873.

truncation

The sharply cut off bottom edge of a bust.

tube

A plastic container designed for storing a roll or similar quantities of coins of the same size.

type coin

Any coin of a particular design and denomination, usually referred to one of the more common dates of any specific series.

type set

A collection of coins of various designs.

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U

uncirculated

A state of preservation used to describe coins that never circulated in the channels of commerce, i.e. a coin without any wear from circulation.

unique

A coin of which only one specimen is known to exist, e.g. the U.S. 1870-S $3 gold piece.

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V

VAM

A variety of U.S. silver dollar described in the book Morgan and Peace Dollars by Van Allen and Mallis.

variety

A minor change from the basic design of a specific coin type.

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W

want list

A tabulation of collectibles sought by a collector, often including limits on condition and/or price.

wear

Metal lost during handling and contact with other objects.

whizzing

Alteration by mechanical polishing to produce a shiny surface.

world coins

A collection of coins issued by various nations.

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X

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Y

year set

A collection of coins with one of each denomination for a specific year and country. A popular birthday gift.

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Z

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