| About Good
|
The
grade AG-3. The grade for a coin that is just below
good. On an About Good coin, only the main features of
it are present. Date, mintmark, peripheral lettering, or
other features sometimes are partially worn away.
|
| About Uncirculated
|
Alternate term for Almost Uncirculated.
|
| Abrasions
|
Areas of a coin where another coin or a foreign
object has displaced metal in an abraded fashion.
|
| Accumulation
|
- A grouping of a particular date, type, or series.
Example: an accumulation of Morgan Dollars.
- A random grouping of coins, often as a monetary
hoard. Opposite of a coin collection.
|
| Adjustment marks
|
Scratches which appear mostly on pre-1807 silver
and gold coinage. These scratches are actually file
marks, made at the mint in order to reduce the weight of
a coin so that its metal value wouldn’t exceed its face
value. As a rule, adjustment marks do not reduce the
value of a coin nearly as much as a series of equally
visible scratches, which were not "mint-applied".
|
| AG
|
Acronym for About Good.
|
| Album friction
|
A
less severe instance of album slide marks. Album
friction shows as slight rubbing on the high points.
|
| Album slide marks
|
Lines (often parallel) imparted to the surface of
a coin by the plastic "slide" of an album, mostly found
on proof coins.
|
| Alloy
|
A
combination of two or more metals.
|
| Almost Uncirculated
|
The
grades AU50, 53, 55, and 58. These coins often look
Uncirculated at first glance, but closer inspection will
reveal slight friction or rub.
|
| Altered surfaces
|
Cleaning or other impairment that renders a coin
less desirable to collectors.
|
| Alteration
|
A
coin that has a date, mintmark, or other feature that
has been altered, added, or removed, usually to simulate
a rarer issue.
|
| American Numismatic Association
|
The
world’s largest organization of coin collectors and
dealers. It is a non-profit organization, chartered by
an Act of Congress in 1912. Membership is highly
recommended. If you are not a member, you should be!
Write to them at: 818 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs,
CO 80901.
|
| ANA
|
Acronym for the "American Numismatic
Association."
|
| ANACS certificate
|
A
uniquely numbered opinion of authenticity and/or grade
from the ANA Certification Service.
|
| ANACS – (American Numismatic Association
Certification Service)
|
ANACS originated by offering authentication, and
later provided grading services. The grading service and
acronym were sold by the ANA and now operate under this
name as a third-party grading service.
|
| ANE
|
Acronym for American Numismatic Information
Exchange. NGC and PCGS certified coins
trade sight-unseen through this electronic network
system.
|
| Ancients
|
Term
for coins of the world struck circa 600 B.C. to circa
450 A.D.
|
| Annealing
|
The
heating (and cooling) of a die or planchet to soften the
metal before preparation of the die or striking of the
coin.
|
| Anvil die
|
The
lower, stationary die. The reverse is usually the anvil
die, although on some issues with striking problems, the
obverse was employed as the lower die. Because of the
physics of minting, the fixed lower-die impression is
slightly better struck than the upper-die
impression.
Also see: Hammer die
|
| Arrows
|
Design element usually found in the left
(viewer’s right) claw of the eagle seen on many US
coins.
|
| Arrows and rays
|
Term
referring to 1853 quarters and half dollars. The rays
were removed in 1854 because of striking difficulties
created by the busy design.
|
| Arrows at date
|
Term
referring to the arrows to the left and right of the
date. These were added to the dies to indicate a weight
increase or decrease.
|
| Artificial toning
|
Color added to the surface of a coin by heat
and/or chemicals.
|
| Ask
|
The
lowest current asking price of a particular coin issue
and grade offered for sale. Also see: Bid
|
| Attributes
|
The
elements that make up a coin’s grade. The primary
attributes include marks (hairlines for Proofs), luster,
strike, and eye appeal.
|
| AU
|
Acronym for About (Almost) Uncirculated.
|
| Auction
|
An
offering of coins or other items for sale where the
buyer must bid against other potential buyers with no
set price. This is in contrast with ordering from a
catalog, price list, or advertisement at an advertised
price.
|
| Authentication
|
The
process of determining genuineness.
|
| Bag
|
A
generic term for the cloth sacks used to transport and
store coins. These came into use in the mid-nineteenth
century and replaced wooden kegs. Also refers to the
quantity of coins of a particular denomination found in
a bag (such as 5000 cents or 1000 silver dollars).
|
| Bag marks
|
Abrasions which occur on coins that were shipped
in mint bags. Most often this term applies to silver
dollars, although virtually any coin can have bag marks.
Bag marks in no way mean that a coin is not mint state.
In fact, even a coin graded Mint State-67 or higher
could have some bag marks.
|
| Bag toning
|
Coloring acquired from the bag while a coin was
stored. Cloth coin bags contained sulfur and other
metal-reactive chemicals. When stored in bags for
extended periods, coins in close proximity to the cloth
often acquire beautiful red, yellow, blue and other
vibrant colors. Sometimes the weave of the cloth is
visible in the toning. Some coins have crescent-shaped
toning because another coin was covering part of the
surface, thus preventing toning. Bag toning is seen most
often on Morgan silver dollars.
|
| Barber coinage
|
Common name for the Charles Barber designed
Liberty Head dimes, quarters, and half dollars struck
during the 1890s and early 1900s.
|
| Basal state
|
The
condition of a coin that is identifiable only as to
date, mintmark (if present), and type; one-year-type
coins may not have a date visible.
|
| Basal value
|
The
value base on which Dr. William H. Sheldon's 70-point
grade/price system started. The lowest-grade price was
one dollar ($1) for the 1794 large cent - upon which he
based his system.
|
| Baseball cap coin
|
Slang for a Pan-Pac commemorative gold dollar
coin. The figure on this coin wears a cap similar to a
baseball cap.
|
| Basining
|
The
process of polishing a die to create a mirrored surface
or to remove clash marks or other damage from a die.
|
| Beaded border
|
Small round devices around the edge of a coin,
often seen on early U.S. coins.
|
| BG Gold
|
Term
sometimes applied to California fractional gold coins as
documented in the Breen-Gillio reference work
California Pioneer Fraction Gold.
|
| Bid
|
The
highest price offered to buy a particular coin issue and
grade either on a trading network, pricing newsletter,
or other medium.
Also see: Ask
|
| Bidder
|
- A dealer issuing a quotation on an electronic
trading system.
- A participant in an auction.
|
| Blank
|
A
flat disk of unstruck metal destined to be made into a
coin.
Also see: Planchet
|
| Blended
|
A
term applied to an element of a coin (date, design,
lettering, etc.) that is worn into another element or
the surrounding field.
|
| Bluebook
|
A
blue-cover, wholesale pricing book for United States
coins.
|
| Bluesheet
|
Synonym for the Certified Coin Dealer Newsletter.
|
| BN
|
Short for Brown; refers to copper coins.
|
| Body bag
|
Slang term for a coin returned from a grading
service in a plastic sleeve within a flip. The coin
referred to is deemed a "no-grade" and is not graded or
encapsulated. Coins are no-grades for a number of
reasons, including questionable authenticity, polishing,
cleaning, and/or repair.
|
| Bourse
|
The
Paris stock exchange. This term has come to be
synonymous with coin show.
|
| Bourse floor
|
The
physical area where a coin show takes place.
|
| Braided Hair
|
Style of hair on half cents and large cents from
1840 on. The hair is pulled back into a tight bun drawn
with a braided hair cord.
|
| Branch mint
|
One
of the various subsidiary government facilities that
struck, or still strikes, coins.
|
| Breast feathers
|
The
central feathers of eagle designs, particularly Morgan
dollars. Fully struck coins typically command a premium
and the breast feathers are usually the highest point of
the reverse.
|
| Breen
|
The
late Walter Breen.
|
| Breen Book
|
Slang for Walter Breen’s Complete
Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins. It was
published in 1988.
|
| Breen letter
|
A
written or typed document by Walter Breen rendering his
opinion on a particular numismatic item. Prior to
3rd party certification, this was a common
method collectors and dealers used to authenticate a
unique item.
|
| Breen-Gillio
|
Numbering system base on the book
California Pioneer Fraction Gold by Walter
Breen and Ron Gillio.
|
| Brilliant
|
Untoned. With no tarnish or oxidation, and with
original cartwheel (frosty) or prooflike lustre. Copper
coins are considered brilliant if they have full
original red.
|
| Brilliant Proof
|
A
particular type of proof coin that has a full mirror
surface in the fields.
|
| Brilliant Uncirculated
|
A
generic term for any coin that has not been in
circulation.
|
| Bronze
|
An
alloy of copper and tin; special types also contain
other elements.
|
| Brown
|
The
term applied to a copper coin that no longer has the red
color of copper. It is abbreviated as BN when used as
part of a grade or description.
|
| BU
|
Acronym for Brilliant Uncirculated.
|
| BU rolls
|
Wrapped coins (usually in paper) in specific
quantities for each denomination. Cents are quantity 50,
nickels quantity 40, dimes quantity 50, quarters
quantity 40, half-dollars and dollars 20, etc.
|
| Buckled die
|
A
warped or distorted die. Can be caused by excess
clashing. Often produces coins which are slightly bent.
|
| Buffalo nickel
|
Slang for the Indian Head nickel, struck from
1913 to 1938. The animal depicted is an American Bison.
|
| Bulged die
|
A
die with a small indentation, formed from clashing.
Results in "bulged" coins.
|
| Bullet sale
|
A
trademark of Heritage Numismatic Auctions, referring to
a public auction model with an exceptionally short
lead-time between the consignment deadline and the sale
date.
|
| Bullet toning
|
See
target toning.
|
| Bullion
|
Ingots, coins, or other issues that trade for
their intrinsic metal value. Only precious metals
(silver, gold, platinum, and palladium) are included as
bullion. Copper could also technically be considered as
bullion.
|
| Bullion coin
|
A
legal tender coin that trades at a slight premium to its
value as plain metal.
|
| Burn mark
|
See
counting machine mark.
|
| Burnishing
|
A
process in which the surfaces of a coin or a planchet
are shined through rubbing or polishing. This term has
both a positive and a negative context: In a positive
sense, Proof planchets are burnished before they are
struck. The procedure was done originally by rubbing wet
sand across the surfaces to impart a mirror-like finish.
In a negative sense, the surfaces on repaired or altered
coins may be burnished by mechanical or chemical
methods. For example, a high-speed drill with a wire
brush attachment is used to achieve this effect.
|
| Burnishing lines
|
Lines resulting from burnishing. Typically seen
on open-collar Proofs and almost never observed on
close-collar Proofs.
|
| Burnt
|
Slang term for a coin that has been over-dipped.
On such a coin, the surfaces are dull and lackluster.
|
| Business strike
|
A
coin which was struck for use in general circulation, as
opposed to a proof coin produced strictly for collector
purposes.
Also see: Regular strike, Commercial strike
|
| Bust
|
The
head and shoulders of the emblematic Liberty seen on
many US issues.
Also see: Capped Bust, Draped Bust
|
| Bust dollar
|
Slang term for silver dollars struck from 1795
through 1803.
|
| Buyer's Premium
|
A
"Buyer's Premium" is charged in addition to the
successful bid according to the rate defined in our
terms and conditions.
|
| C
|
Mintmark indicating coins struck at the
Charlotte, North Carolina branch Mint.
|
| C-Mint
|
Term
applied to the gold coins struck at the Charlotte, North
Carolina branch Mint. This Mint only struck gold coins
from its opening in late 1837 until it was seized by the
Confederacy. (Coins struck in late 1837 were actually
dated 1838.)
|
| Cabinet friction
|
Slight friction seen on coins (usually the
obverse) that were stored in wooden cabinets used by
early collectors. To compound the problem, a soft cloth
was often used to wipe dust away, causing light
hairlines.
|
| CAM
|
Abbreviation for Cameo.
|
| Cameo
|
A
proof, or prooflike coin with exceptional contrast
between the fields and the devices. On a cameo coin, the
fields are mirrorlike, while the devices give a frosty
appearance.
|
| Canadian
|
Term
for coins and other numismatic items of Canada. (as in,
"Got any Canadian?")
|
| Canadian silver
|
Slang term for the silver coins of Canada.
|
| Cap Bust
|
Alternate term for Capped Bust
|
| Capped Bust
|
A
term describing any of the various representations of
the head of Miss Liberty depicted on certain early
1807-1839 U.S. coins by a bust with a floppy cap. The
design is attributed to John Reich.
|
| Capped die
|
An
error in which a coin gets jammed in the coining press
and remains for successive strikes. Eventually a "cap"
is formed on either the upper or lower die. These are
sometimes spectacular, with the cap often many times
taller than a normal coin.
|
| Carbon spot
|
A
dark discoloration on the surface of a coin. It is
possible that this discoloration is caused by a planchet
imperfection prior to striking, or it may be caused by
improper storage of the coin. Regardless of the cause,
carbon spots are often difficult, if not impossible, to
remove without leaving pits in the coin’s surface. If
they are large enough, they may significantly lower the
grade and value of a coin.
Also, see Copper spot.
|
| Carson City
|
The
United States branch Mint located in Carson City, Nevada
that struck coins from 1870 through 1885 and later from
1889 through 1893.
|
| Cartwheel
|
An
effect caused by the natural lustre on most mint state,
and on some proof coins. When the coin is tilted back
and forth, beams of light seem to circle the central
devices of the coin. Also a slang term for Silver
Dollar.
|
| Cast blanks
|
Planchets that are molded, rather than cut from
strips of metal.
|
| Cast counterfeit
|
A
replica of a genuine coin created by making molds of the
obverse and reverse, then casting base metal in the
molds. A seam is usually visible on the edge unless it
has been ground down.
|
| Castaing machine
|
A
machine invented by French engineer Jean Castaing that
added the edge lettering and devices to early U.S. coins
before they were struck. Castaing machines were used
until the introduction of close collar dies, which
applied the edge device during the striking process.
|
| CC
|
Mintmark used to indicate coins struck at the
Carson City, Nevada branch Mint.
|
| CCDN
|
Acronym for Certified Coin Dealer Newsletter.
Address: PO Box 11099, Torrance, CA
|
| CCE
|
Acronym for Certified Coin Exchange
|
| CDN
|
Acronym for Coin Dealer Newsletter
|
| Census
|
A
compilation of the known specimens of a particular
numismatic item.
|
| Cent
|
A
denomination valued at one-hundredth of a dollar, struck
by the U.S. Mint.
|
| Certified Coin Dealer Newsletter
|
A
weekly newsletter that reports the trading ranges of
nearly all U.S. coins.
|
| Certified Coin Exchange
|
The
bid/ask real-time coin trading and quotation system
owned by the American Teleprocessing Company.
|
| Chain Cent
|
The
popular name for the Flowing Hair Chain cent of 1793,
the first coins struck in the newly occupied Mint
building.
|
| Chapman Proof
|
1921
Morgan dollar Proofs supposedly struck for coin dealer
Henry Chapman, having cameo devices and deeply mirrored
surfaces like most Morgan dollar Proofs.
|
| Charlotte
|
The
United States branch Mint located in Charlotte, North
Carolina that only struck gold coins from 1838 until its
seizure by the Confederacy in 1861. It never reopened as
a mint after the Civil War, although it did serve as an
official assay office from 1867 until 1913.
|
| Chasing
|
A
method used by forgers to create a mintmark on a coin.
Chasing involves heating the surfaces and moving the
metal to form a mintmark.
|
| Choice
|
An
adjective which the A.N.A. applies to coins of MS-65 or
Proof-65 grade. Many dealers apply the term to the
MS/Proof-63 coins, and call MS/Proof-65 coins "Gem".
|
| Choice Unc
|
Abbreviation for Choice Uncirculated.
|
| Choice Uncirculated
|
An
Uncirculated coin in grade MS-63 or MS-64.
|
| Circulated
|
A
term applied to a coin that has wear, ranging from
slight rubbing to heavy wear.
|
| Circulation
|
A
term applied to coins that have been spent in commerce.
|
| Circulation strike
|
A
coin meant for commerce. An alternate term for Business
Strike or Regular Strike.
|
| Clad
|
A
term used to describe any of the modern "sandwich" coins
that have layers of both copper and nickel.
|
| Clad bag
|
Usually applied to a $1,000 bag of 40% silver
half-dollars although it also could apply to any bag of
"sandwich" coins.
|
| Clash marks
|
The
images of the dies seen on coins struck from clashed
dies.
|
| Clashed dies
|
Extraneous design detail often appears on a die
as a result of two dies coming together without a
planchet between them during the minting process. Coins
struck from such dies are said to be struck from clashed
dies, or to have die clashes or clash marks.
|
| Classic Era
|
Term
for the period from 1792 through 1964 when silver and
gold coins of the United States were issued for
circulation. (Gold coins were only minted until 1933.)
|
| Classic Head
|
An
image of Miss Liberty that depicts the style of a Roman
or Greek athlete wearing a ribbon around the hair.
|
| Cleaned
|
When
a coin has been cleaned with baking soda or other mild
abrasives, it may have a slightly washed out appearance.
If the lustre or color of a coin appears even the
slightest bit unnatural as a result of past cleaning,
the coin is usually described as "cleaned" when
catalogued for sale.
|
| Clip
|
Slang term for a coin struck from a clipped
planchet.
|
| Clipped
|
Term
for an irregularly cut planchet. A clip can be straight
or curved, depending upon where it was cut.
|
| Clogged die
|
A
die that has a contaminant lodged in the recessed areas.
Coins struck from a clogged die will have diminished or
even missing detail.
|
| Close collar
|
An
edge device sometimes called a collar die that surrounds
the lower die. The close collar imparts reeding (see
Reeded edge) or a smooth, plain edge.
|
| Closed collar
|
Alternate term for close collar
|
| Cohen variety
|
A
die variety for half cents, denoted as C-1, C-2a, etc.
Also see: Die Variety
|
| Coin
|
Metal formed into a disk of standardized weight
and stamped with a standard design to enable it to
circulate as money authorized by a government body.
|
| Coin collection
|
A
grouping of coins assembled for fun or profit.
|
| Coin collector
|
An
individual who accumulates coins in a methodical manner.
|
| Coin Dealer Newsletter
|
A
weekly newsletter that reports the wholesale trading
ranges of nearly all U.S. coins.
|
| Coin friction
|
Term
applied to the area resulting when coins rub together in
rolls or bags and small amounts of metal are
displaced.
Also, see Roll friction.
|
| Coin show
|
An
exchange composed of coin dealers displaying their items
for sale and trade.
|
| Coin World
|
A
leading weekly numismatic publication established in
1960.
|
| Coinage
|
The
issuance of metallic money of a particular country.
|
| COINage
|
Monthly numismatic magazine.
|
| Coins Magazine
|
Monthly numismatic periodical
|
| Collector Technologies, Inc.
|
Corporate entity that owns and operates
AbaCoin.com. Based in Belmont, MA.
|
| Commem
|
Synonym for "commemorative."
|
| Commemorative
|
Coins issued to honor some person (D. Boone),
place (Mount Rushmore), or event (Special Olympics) and,
in many instances, to raise funds for activities related
to the theme. Sometimes called NCLT (non-circulating
legal tender) commemoratives.
|
| Commercial grade
|
A
synonym for Market Grade.
|
| Commercial strike
|
A
synonym for regular strike or business strike.
|
| Common
|
A
numismatic issue that is readily available. Since this
is a relative term, no firm number can be used as an
exact cut-off point between common and scarce.
|
| Common date
|
A
particular issue within a series that is readily
available. No exact number can be used to determine
which coins are common dates as this is relative to the
mintage of the series.
|
| Complete set
|
A
term for all possible coins within a series, all types
(see Type), or all coins from a particular branch Mint.
For example, a complete gold type set would include
examples of all types from 1795 until 1933.
|
| Condition
|
The
state of preservation of a particular numismatic item.
|
| Condition Census
|
A
listing of the finest known examples of a particular
issue. There is no fixed number of coins in a Condition
Census.
|
| Condition rarity
|
A
term to indicate a common coin that is rare when found
in high grades.
|
| Consensus grading
|
The
process of evaluating the condition of a coin by using
multiple graders.
|
| Conserved
|
Numismatic conservation involves examination,
scientific analysis, and a reliance upon an extensive
base of numismatic knowledge to determine the nature of
a coin’s state of preservation and the extent of any
damage. Conservation also encompasses appropriate
procedures to protect the coin’s original appearance and
to guard against future deterioration to whatever extent
possible.
Professional conservation should not
be confused with "Coin Doctoring", in which an attempt
is made to improve the appearance and grade of a coin
through deceptive means such as artificial toning and
where unaccepted or unorthodox methods are employed.
Also not qualifying as conservation is restoration where
mechanical repairs are made such as filling holes,
smoothing out scratches, and re-engraving of detail.
|
| Contact marks
|
Marks on a coin that are caused by contact with
another coin or a foreign object. These are generally
small, compared to other types of marks such as
gouges.
Also, see Bag mark.
|
| Contemporary counterfeit
|
A
coin, usually base metal, struck from crude dies and
made to pass for legal tender at the time of creation.
Sometimes such counterfeits are collected along with the
genuine coins, particularly in the case of American
Colonial issues.
|
| Continental dollars
|
"Dollars" struck in pewter (scarce), brass
(rare), copper (extremely rare) and silver (extremely
rare) that are dated 1776, but likely struck sometime
later. Certain Benjamin Franklin sketches inspired the
design.
|
| Copper spot
|
A
spot or stain seen on gold coinage, indicating an area
of copper concentration that has oxidized. Copper spots
or stains can range from tiny dots to large blotches.
|
| Copper-nickel
|
The
alloy (copper 88%, nickel 12%) used for small cents from
1856 through mid-1864.
|
| Copper-Nickel Cent
|
Cents issued from 1856 through 1864 in the
copper-nickel alloy. These were called white cents
during the period because of their pale color compared
to the earlier red cents.
|
| Coppers
|
Slang for pre-Federal copper, half cents, and
large cents, minted through 1857.
|
| Copy
|
Any
reproduction, fraudulent or otherwise, of a coin.
|
| Copy dies
|
Dies
made at a later date, usually showing slight differences
from the originals. Also used to denote counterfeit dies
copied directly from a genuine coin.
|
| Coronet Head
|
Alternate name for Braided Hair design by
Christian Gobrecht. This is sometimes also called the
Liberty Head design.
|
| Corrosion
|
Damage which occurs on the surface of some coins,
generally due to improper storage. Corrosion is caused
when a chemical reaction, such as rust, actually eats
into the metal.
|
| Cost
|
The
price paid for a numismatic item.
|
| Counterfeit
|
Literally, a coin that is not genuine. The term
is applied to cast and struck counterfeits as well as
issues with altered dates or added mintmarks.
|
| Counting machine mark
|
A
dense patch of lines caused by the rubber wheel of a
counting machine. Caused when the wheel spacing was
insufficient for the selected coin.
|
| Cud
|
An
area of a coin struck by a die that has a complete break
across part of its surface. A cud may be either
retained, where the faulty piece of the die is still in
place, or full, where the piece of the die has fallen
away.
|
| Cupro-nickel
|
Any
alloy of copper and nickel.
|
| D
|
Mintmark used to identify coins struck at the
Dahlonega, Georgia branch Mint from 1838 through 1861 or
the Denver, Colorado Mint from 1906 forward.
|
| D-Mint
|
Term
used for the coinage of the branch Mints in Dahlonega,
Georgia, or Denver, Colorado.
|
| Dahlonega
|
The
branch Mint located in Dahlonega, Georgia that struck
gold coins from 1838 until 1861 when it was seized by
the Confederacy.
|
| Date
|
The
numerals on a coin representing the year in which it was
struck. Restrikes (see Restrike) are made in years
subsequent to the one that appears on them.
|
| DCAM
|
Abbreviation for Deep Cameo.
|
| Dealer
|
Someone who’s occupation is buying, selling, and
trading numismatic material.
|
| Deep Cameo
|
Term
applied to coins, usually Proofs and prooflike coins
that have deeply frosted devices and lettering that
contrast with the mirror fields.
|
| Deep mirror prooflike
|
Any
coin that has deeply reflective mirror-like fields.
While a general term, it is especially applicable for
Morgan dollars.
|
| Denomination
|
The
value assigned by a government to a specific coin.
|
| Denticles
|
The
tooth-like projections which make up the inner rim on
some coins. They were discontinued on most U.S. coins in
the early twentieth century.
|
| Dentils
|
Alternative term for denticles.
|
| Design
|
The
motif of a coin or other numismatic item. Barber coins
and Washington quarters are examples of designs.
|
| Design type
|
A
specific motif placed upon coinage, which may be used
for several denominations and subtypes.
|
| Designer
|
The
individual responsible for creating a particular motif
used on a numismatic series.
|
| Device
|
Any
specific design element. Often refers to the principal
design element.
|
| Device punch
|
A
steel rod with a raised device on the end used to punch
the element into a working die. This technique was used
before hubbed dies were used as a standard.
|
| Die
|
A
steel rod that is engraved, punched, or hubbed with the
date, lettering, devices, and other emblems used to
strike a coin.
|
| Die alignment
|
Term
to indicate the relative position of the obverse and
reverse dies.
|
| Die break
|
An
area of a coin that is the result of a broken die.
|
| Die cracks
|
Raised lines, which appear on a coin as a result
of that coin having been struck by a cracked die.
|
| Die line
|
Raised lines, which appear on a coin as a result
of polish lines on the die.
Also see: Die
striations, Polished die
|
| Die rust
|
Pitting or roughness appearing on a coin as a
result of that coin having been struck by a rusted die.
|
| Die state
|
A
readily identified point in the life of a coinage die.
Dies go through a lifecycle – clashing, being polished,
cracking, breaking, etc. These are called die states.
Some die varieties have gone through barely
distinguishable die states, while others display
multiple distinctive ones.
|
| Die striations
|
Raised lines on coins that were struck with
polished dies.
|
| Die trial
|
The
test striking of a particular die in a different metal.
|
| Die variety
|
A
coin which has already been attributed by date,
denomination, mintmark, and major variety (such as
Morgan Dollar, 1879-S, Reverse of ’78) can often still
be identified by die variety. Research has been done in
many series assigning numbers to the various
combinations of dies known to have struck coins of each
of the various years and mintmarks.
|
| Die wear
|
The
loss of detail on a coin due to wear on the die used to
strike it (rather than wear on the coin itself).
|
| Dime
|
The
denomination, one tenth of a dollar, issued since 1796
by the United States.
|
| Ding
|
Slang for a small- to medium-sized mark on a
coin.
Also see: Rim ding
|
| Dipped
|
A
coin which has been cleaned in a soap solution, the most
popular of which is called Jewel Luster,
is said to have been dipped. The term "dipped" is not
necessary in, say, a catalog description of a coin,
unless the dipping has caused noticeable dulling of
lustre, or an otherwise unnatural appearance (typically
on copper coins). The practice of dipping coins is not
advisable, except by bonafide experts, and then only on
rare occasions.
|
| Dipping solution
|
Any
of the commercial cleaners or "dips"on the market,
usually acid-based.
|
| Disme
|
The
original spelling of dime. It is thought to have been
have been pronounced to rhyme with ream (the s being
silent). This spelling was used in Mint documents until
the 1830s and was officially changed by the Coinage Act
of 1837.
|
| DMPL
|
Abbreviation for Deep Mirror Prooflike. An
exceptionally deep mirror-like prooflike coin with
little, if any, cartwheel lustre. Also see: DPL
|
| Doctored
|
Typically considered a derogatory term. A
doctored coin has been enhanced by chemical or other
means.
|
| Dollar
|
A
denomination consisting of one hundred cents authorized
by the Mint Act of 1792. This is the anglicized spelling
of the European Thaler and was used because of the
worldwide acceptance of the Thaler and the Spanish
Milled dollar (or piece-of-eight).
|
| Double Eagle
|
Literally two eagles, or twenty dollars. A
twenty-dollar U.S. gold coin issued from 1850 through
1932.
|
| Double(d) die
|
A
die that has been struck more than one time by a hub in
misaligned positions, resulting in doubling of design
elements. If shifting occurs in the alignment between a
hub and a die, the die will have some of its features
doubled. This doubling is then imparted to every coin it
strikes. The coins struck from such dies are called
doubled-die errors. The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln cent is
one such error.
|
| Double-struck
|
A
condition that results when a coin is not ejected from a
die and is struck a second time (hence double-struck).
Triple-struck coins and other multiple strikings also
are known. Proofs are usually intentionally
double-struck in order to sharpen their details; this is
sometimes visible under magnification.
|
| Draped Bust
|
The
design of Miss Liberty with a drape across her bust.
This is attributed to Mint engraver Robert Scot, who
presumably copied the design after a portrait by Gilbert
Stuart.
|
| Drift mark
|
An
area on a coin, often rather long, that appears streaky
or discolored. This is the result of impurities or
foreign matter in the dies.
|
| Dull
|
Term
for a numismatic item that lacks luster. Dulling may be
the result of natural or artificial conditions.
|
| EAC
|
Abbreviation for Early American Coppers
|
| Eagle
|
A
gold coin with a face value of ten dollars. Along with
the dollar, the eagle was the basis of the U.S. currency
system from 1792 through 1971.
|
| Early American Coppers (Club)
|
A
club dedicated to advancing the study of pre-1857 United
States copper coinage including Colonials.
|
| ED
|
Acronym for environmental damage.
|
| Edge
|
The
third side of a coin. It may be reeded, ornamented, or
plain.
|
| Edge device
|
Letters or emblems on the edge of a coin.
Examples would be the stars and lettering on the edge of
Saint-Gaudens double eagles.
|
| EF
|
Acronym for Extremely Fine
|
| Electrotype
|
A
duplicate coin created by the electrolytic method, where
metal is deposited into a mold made from the original.
The obverse and reverse metal shells are then filled
with metal and fused together. The edges are then
sometimes filed smooth to obscure the seam.
|
| Elements
|
The
various devices and emblems seen on coins.
|
| Eliasberg
|
Short for Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., who was the
only collector ever to assemble a complete collection of
United States coins.
|
| Emission sequence
|
The
order in which die states are struck. Also, the die use
sequence for a particular issue.
|
| Engraver
|
The
person responsible for the design and/or punches used to
craft a coin.
|
| Envelope toning
|
Coloration that results from storage in small
manila "coin envelopes". Most paper envelopes contain
reactive chemicals.
|
| Environmental damage
|
Corrosion-effect seen on a coin that has been
exposed to the elements. The damage may range from minor
dulling to severe pitting.
|
| Eroded die
|
Synonym for a worn die.
|
| Error
|
A
numismatic item that unintentionally varies from the
norm. Overdates and overmintmarks are not
considered errors since they were done intentionally.
Other die-cutting "mistakes" are considered errors.
Double dies, planchet clips, and off-metal strikings are
also considered errors.
|
| Essai
|
Term
for trial or pattern strikings. The anglicized version
is essay and literally means a test or trial.
|
| Expert
|
A
specialist in a particular numismatic area. (i.e. A gold
expert, a Morgan Dollar expert, a CC-Mint expert, etc.)
|
| Extra Fine
|
Alternate term for Extremely Fine.
|
| Extremely Fine
|
Term
for the grades EF40 and EF45.
|
| Extremely High Relief
|
The
1907 double eagle issue designed by Augustus
Saint-Gaudens. The coin had so much depth that multiple
punches from a powerful press were required to fully
bring up the detail. Because of this difficulty, the
design was lowered, resulting in the High Relief. This
too was lowered to create the Standing Liberty double
eagle, or Saint.
|
| Eye appeal
|
The
aesthetic effect a coin has on its viewer. Although
quite subjective, like any form of art, that which
constitutes eye appeal is generally agreed upon by most
experienced numismatists.
|
| F
|
Abbreviation for Fine
|
| Fair
|
The
grade FR-2.
|
| Fake
|
A
counterfeit or altered coin.
|
| Fantasy piece
|
A
term applied to coins struck at the whim of Mint
officials. Examples include the various 1865 Motto and
1866 No Motto coins.
|
| Fasces
|
Term
referring to the motif on the reverse of Mercury dimes.
The design consists of a bundle of rods banded (wrapped)
around an ax with a protruding blade. The designation
"full bands" refers to fasces on which there is complete
separation in the central bands across the rods.
|
| Fat head
|
Term
for the Small Size Capped Bust quarters and half eagles.
|
| FB
|
Acronym for Full Bands.
|
| FBL
|
Acronym for Full Bell Lines.
|
| FH
|
Acronym for Full Head.
|
| Fiat currency
|
Coins or paper money that do not have metal value
or are not backed by metal value.
|
| Field
|
The
flat (or slightly curved) portion of a coin where there
is no design.
|
| Fine
|
Term
for the grades F-12 and F-15.
|
| Finest known
|
The
best-known condition example of a particular numismatic
item.
|
| First shot
|
Term
for the opportunity to buy a numismatic item before it
is offered to others.
|
| First strike
|
A
coin struck early in the life of a die. First strikes
can be characterized by striated or mirror-like fields
if the die was polished. First strikes are almost always
fully or well struck, with crisp detail.
|
| Five
|
Term
for a five-dollar gold coin or half eagle.
|
| Five Indian
|
Term
for the Indian Head half eagles struck from 1908 to
1929.
|
| Five Lib
|
Term
for the Liberty Head half eagles struck from 1839 until
1908.
|
| Fixed price list
|
A
listing of items for sale at established prices.
|
| Flat edge
|
Term
referring to the particular specimens of High Reliefs
that do not have a wire edge.
Also see: Wire edge
|
| Flat luster
|
A
subdued type of gray or dull luster often seen on coins
struck from worn dies.
|
| Flip
|
- A clear, flexible plastic holder used to display
and store coins. Also see: PVC.
- To quickly sell a recently purchased item –
usually for a fast profit.
|
| Flip rub
|
Discoloration, often only slight, on the highest
points of a coin caused by contact with a flip.
|
| Flow lines
|
Lines, sometimes visible, resulting from the
metal flowing outward from the center of a planchet as
it is struck. Cartwheel lustre is the result of light
reflecting from flow lines.
|
| Flowing Hair
|
The
design of Miss Liberty with long, flowing hair that is
attributed to Mint engraver Robert Scot.
|
| Flying Eagle
|
Term
for Flying Eagle Cent.
|
| Flying Eagle Cent
|
The
small cent, struck in 88% copper and 12% nickel, that
replaced the large cent.
|
| Focal area
|
The
area of a coin to which a viewer's eye is drawn.
Liberty’s cheek is the focal point of the Morgan Dollar.
|
| Foreign
|
A
numismatic item not from the United States.
|
| Four-dollar gold piece
|
An
experimental issue, also known as a stella, struck in
1879-1880 as a pattern coin.
|
| FPL
|
Acronym for Fixed Price List.
|
| FR
|
Acronym for Fair.
|
| Franklin
|
Synonym for Franklin half-dollar.
|
| Franklin half-dollar
|
The
half-dollar struck from 1948 until 1963 designed by John
Sinnock. The coin featured Ben Franklin on the obverse
and the Liberty Bell on the reverse.
|
| Friction
|
A
disturbance which appears either on the high-points of a
coin or in the fields, as a result of that coin rubbing
against other objects. A coin is said to have friction
when only the lustre is disturbed, and no actual wear of
the metal is visible to the naked eye.
|
| Frost
|
An
effect seen on the raised parts of a coin whereby the
metal appears crystallized.
|
| Frosted devices
|
Raised elements on coins struck with treated dies
to impart a crystallized appearance.
|
| FS
|
Acronym for Full Steps.
|
| Fugio cents
|
1787
one-cent coins that are considered by some to be the
first regular issue U. S. coin. Since they were
authorized by the Continental Congress, this would seem
to be a logical assumption. However, Congress did not
pass the Mint Act until 1792, so an argument for the
half dismes (half-dimes) of 1792 as the first regular
issue is also valid.
|
| Full Bands
|
Abbreviated as FB, this term is applied to
Mercury (Winged Liberty Head) dimes when the central
band is fully separated.
|
| Full Bell Lines
|
Abbreviated as FBL, this term is applied to
Franklin half-dollars when the lower sets of bell lines
are complete.
|
| Full Head
|
Abbreviated as FH, this term is applied to
Standing Liberty quarters when the helmet of the head
has full detail.
|
| Full Steps
|
Term
applied to a Jefferson five-cent piece when 5½ or 6
steps of Monticello are present.
|
| Full strike
|
A
numismatic item that has full detail. The metal flows
into all areas of the die.
|
| FUN Show
|
The
annual convention sponsored by the Florida United
Numismatists (FUN) held in early January. Considered by
most dealers to be the best coin show of the year!
|
| Galvano
|
The
large metal relief turned in a portrait lathe to become
a steel hub.
|
| Garrett
|
Term
relating to the Garrett family. There were two main
collectors, Thomas H. Garrett and John W. Garrett, who
formed this extensive collection from the late 1800s
through the early 1900s. It was later given to Johns
Hopkins University and sold in five auction sales.
|
| Gem
|
An
adjective that the A.N.A. applies to coins which grade
Mint State or Proof-67. Most dealers, however, apply the
adjective to any coin which they grade MS/Proof-65.
|
| Gem BU
|
Synonym for Gem Brilliant Uncirculated.
|
| Gem Unc
|
Synonym for Gem Uncirculated.
|
| Gem Uncirculated
|
See
Gem.
|
| Gobrecht
|
Synonym for "Gobrecht dollar."
|
| Gobrecht dollar
|
Silver dollars dated 1836, 1838, and 1839 struck
in those years and later restruck. These are named for
their designer, Christian Gobrecht, Chief Engraver from
1840 to 1844.
|
| Gold commem
|
Synonym for gold commemorative.
|
| Gold commemorative
|
Any
of the eleven gold coins struck from 1903 until 1926 to
honor a person, place, or event. Also, any of the modern
United States commemorative gold issues sometimes
referred to as modern gold commems.
|
| Gold dollar
|
Small coins of one-dollar denomination struck
from 1849 until 1889.
|
| Good
|
The
grades G-4 and G-6.
|
| Grade
|
The
numerical or adjectival condition of a coin.
|
| Grader
|
A
person who evaluates the condition of coins.
|
| Grading
|
The
process of numerically quantifying the condition of a
coin.
|
| Greysheet
|
A
synonym for the Coin Dealer Newsletter.
|
| Hair
|
The
area of a coin that represents hair and may be an
important aspect of the grade.
|
| Hairlines
|
Thin, shallow scratches on the surface of a coin,
usually caused by improper cleaning, or mishandling.
Hairlines are found on virtually all proof coins, and
are considered the most important single factor in
grading high quality proof coins. They sometimes appear
on business strikes as well. Hairlines tend to show up
more often on proof-like business strikes.
|
| Half
|
Synonym for half-dollar.
|
| Half cent
|
The
lowest-value coin denomination ever issued by the U. S.,
representing 1/200th of a dollar. Half cents were struck
from 1793 until 1857.
|
| Half disme
|
The
original spelling of half dime. The first United States
regular issue was the 1792 half disme supposedly struck
in John Harper’s basement using the newly acquired Mint
presses.
|
| Half Dollar
|
The
denomination first struck in 1794 that is still issued
today.
|
| Half Eagle
|
Literally, half the value of an Eagle. The Eagle
was defined by the Mint Act of 1792 as equal to ten
silver dollars.
|
| Hammer die
|
The
upper die that is non-stationary. While usually the
obverse, on some issues with striking problems, the
reverse was employed as the hammer die.
Also see:
Anvil die
|
| Haze
|
A
cloudy film seen on business-strike coins and Proofs. It
may occur naturally or be added.
|
| Heraldic Eagle
|
Also
called the large eagle, this emblem of Liberty got its
name because of its resemblance to the eagles of
heraldry.
|
| Heritage Value Index™
|
The
Heritage Value Index™ is based on recent wholesale and
auction transactions for NGC and PCGS certified coins.
Infrequently traded coins may therefore show outdated
prices. Our experts constantly refine and adjust
individual prices based on their trading experience, but
errors are still possible. If you notice any mistakes in
the prices listed, or can suggest adjustments based upon
more recent sales records, please e-mail your comments
to mailto:mailto:JimS@heritageCoin.com
so we can adjust these prices accordingly. These value
ranges should not be considered an offer to buy or sell.
Many factors go into pricing coins including relative
rarity and eye appeal. The listed prices do not apply to
coins graded by services other than NGC and PCGS, and
even some NGC and PCGS coins may sell for substantially
under or over these price ranges. Please use them as an
indication only.
|
| High end
|
A
term applied to any coin at the upper end of a
particular grade.
Also see: Premium quality
|
| High Relief
|
A
coin with deep concave fields, due to its design. High
relief coins required extra pressure to be fully struck,
and were difficult to stack. Therefore, the few coins
struck in high relief by the U.S. Mint (such as the 1921
Peace dollar and the 1907 Roman Numerals double eagle)
were each made for only one year.
|
| Hoard
|
A
group of coins held for either numismatic or monetary
reasons.
|
| Hoard coin
|
A
coin that exists, or existed, in a quantity held by an
individual, organization, etc. Examples include Stone
Mountain half dollars still held by the Daughters of the
Confederacy.
|
| Hoarder
|
An
individual who amasses a great quantity of a numismatic
item.
|
| Hobo nickel
|
An
Indian Head (Buffalo) nickel which has been engraved
with the portrait of a hobo or other character, often by
a hobo. These are popular with some collectors and some
are so distinctive that they have been attributed to
particular "hoboes."
|
| Holder toning
|
Any
toning acquired by a coin as a result of storage in a
holder.
|
| Hub
|
Minting term for the steel device that is used to
produce a die.
|
| Impaired Proof
|
A
Proof coin that grades lower than PR-60.
Also see:
Mishandled Proof
|
| Incomplete strike
|
A
coin that is missing design detail because of a problem
during the striking process. An incomplete strike may be
due to insufficient striking pressure or improperly
spaced dies.
|
| Incuse design
|
The
intaglio design used on Indian Head quarter eagles and
half eagles. The devices on these coins were recessed to
try and deter counterfeiting and improve durability.
|
| Independent Coin Grading Company (ICG)
|
ICG
is a grading service located in Englewood, CO.
|
| Indian cent
|
Synonym for an Indian Head cent.
|
| Indian Head cent
|
Cents struck from 1859 until 1909 designed by
James Longacre.
|
| Indian Head eagle
|
The
Saint-Gaudens designed ten-dollar gold coin struck from
1907 until 1933.
|
| Indian penny
|
Synonym for Indian Head cent.
|
| Intrinsic value
|
The
value of the metal(s) contained in a numismatic item.
The United States issues contained their intrinsic value
in metal until 1933 for gold coins and 1964 for silver
coins. Modern U.S. coins are termed fiat currency
(see Fiat currency).
|
| Iridescencent
|
Probably the most desirable form of toning on a
silver or nickel coin. Iridescent toning covers
virtually all of the coin’s surface, while still
permitting all of the coin’s natural lustre to shine
through with its full intensity.
|
| Jefferson nickel
|
The
five-cent coin struck beginning in 1938 through to this
day. Felix Schlag was the designer.
|
| Knife edge
|
Synonym for wire edge.
|
| Lamination
|
A
form of planchet flaw caused by imperfections in the
metal, whereby a thin strip of the metal separates
itself from the coin.
|
| Large cent
|
A
large copper U.S. coin - issued from 1793 until 1857 -
valued at one-hundredth of a dollar. It was later
replaced by a much smaller cent made from a
copper-nickel alloy.
|
| Large date
|
Term
referring to the size of the digits of the date on a
coin. The use of this term implies that a medium or
small date exists for the coin or series.
|
| Large Eagle
|
Synonym for Heraldic Eagle.
|
| Large letters
|
Term
referring to the size of the lettering of the date on a
coin. The use of this term implies that medium or small
letters exist for the coin or series.
|
| Large Motto
|
Synonym for the 1864 two-cent coin with large
lettering for the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST". Congress
mandated this inscription for all coinage and it has
been used on nearly every coin since that time.
Also
see: Small Motto
|
| Large size
|
A
term referring to the particular diameter of a coin in a
series. The use of this term implies that there is a
small size with the same motif.
|
| LD
|
Acronym for large date.
|
| Legend
|
Any
phrase that appears on a coin. For example "UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA".
|
| Lettered edge
|
A
coin edge that displays an inscription or other design
elements, rather than being plain or reeded (see Reeded
Edge).
|
| Lettering
|
The
alphabet characters used in creating legends, mottos,
and other inscriptions on a coin.
|
| Lib
|
Term
for Liberty Head. (i.e. a $10 Lib, a $20 Lib).
|
| Liberty
|
A
symbolic figure used in many U.S. coin designs.
|
| Liberty Cap
|
The
head of Miss Liberty, with a cap on a pole by her head.
This design was used on certain U.S. half cents and
large cents.
|
| Liberty Head
|
The
design used on most U.S. gold coins from 1838 until
1908. Morgan dollars and Barber coinage are also
sometimes referred to as Liberty Head coins.
|
| Liberty Seated
|
The
motif featuring Miss Liberty seated on a rock first used
on the Gobrecht dollars of 1836-1839. This design was
used on nearly all regular issue silver coinage from
1837 through 1891.
|
| Lincoln
|
Synonym for a Lincoln Head cent.
|
| Lincoln cent
|
Cent
designed by Victor D. Brenner that was first issued in
1909 and continues through today, although the reverse
design was changed to the Memorial Reverse in 1959.
|
| Lincoln penny
|
Synonym for Lincoln Head cent.
|
| Lint mark
|
A
characteristic that occurs mostly on proof coins as a
result of a piece of lint on the die or planchet during
the striking process. This lint creates an incused
scratch-like mark on the coin. Lint marks are
distinguishable from hairlines by their evenness of
depth and lack of raised ridges on their borders. They
are also identifiable by their interesting thread-like
shapes. Since a lint mark is mint-caused, it has a much
smaller effect on the grade and value of a coin than a
hairline of equal size and prominence.
|
| LL
|
Acronym for large letters.
|
| Long Beach
|
Synonym for the Long Beach Coin and Stamp
Exhibition held in Long Beach, California, America’s
largest commercial coin show. This show is held three
times a year, usually in February, June, and October.
|
| Lot
|
A
unique number assigned by an auction house to an item or
items sold in a particular sale.
|
| Loupe
|
A
magnifying glass used to examine coins.
|
| Luster
|
Synonym for lustre.
|
| Lustre
|
The
brightness of a coin that results from the way in which
it reflects light. Many different types of lustre exist,
and one of the trickiest parts of the grading process is
determining whether the lustre of a coin is artificial
(see whizzed), natural as made, or diminished through
wear, friction, cleaning, or other factors.
|
| Lustrous
|
A
term used to describe a coin that still has its original
mint bloom.
|
| Major variety
|
A
coin that is widely recognized as having a major
difference from other coins of the same date, design,
type, and mint.
Also see: Minor variety
|
| Market grade
|
The
grade at which most reputable dealers and auction houses
would offer an uncertified coin.
|
| Marks
|
Imperfections acquired after a coin is struck.
|
| Master die
|
The
main die produced from the master hub. Also see: Master
die, Working hub, and Working die
|
| Master hub
|
The
original hub created by the portrait lathe. Master dies
are created from this hub.
|
| Matte Proof
|
A
certain type of proof minted in the U.S. mostly from
1908 to 1916. Gold and silver matte proofs have a dull,
granular (i.e. sandblasted) finish without any
mirror-like qualities. Copper and nickel matte proofs
are really more like Roman finish proofs. Also see:
Roman Finish
|
| MD
|
Acronym for medium date.
|
| Medal press
|
A
high-pressure coining press acquired by the U.S. Mint,
in the 1850s. It was used to strike medals, and other
issues.
|
| Medium date
|
Term
referring to the size of the digits of the date on a
coin. The use of this term implies that a large or small
date exists for the coin or series.
|
| Medium letters
|
Term
referring to the size of the lettering on a coin. The
use of this term implies that large or small letters
exist for that coin or series.
|
| Melt
|
Term
for the intrinsic metal value of a coin.
|
| Mercury dime
|
Common name for the Winged Liberty Head dime
issued from 1916 through 1945. (Also "Merc").
|
| Metal stress lines
|
Radial lines, sometimes visible, caused by metal
flowing outward from the center of the planchet during
the minting process.
Also see: Flow lines
|
| Milling mark
|
A
series of two or more small nicks on a coin which result
from contact with the reeded edge of another coin,
usually in a mint bag. Milling marks are generally more
detrimental to the grade than normal bagmarks, because
of their severity of depth and greater visual impact.
Also see: Reeding Mark.
|
| Minor variety
|
A
coin that has a minor difference from other coins of the
same design, type, date, and mint.
Also see: Major
variety
|
| Mint
|
A
facility where coins are crafted.
|
| Mint bloom
|
Original lustre that is still visible on a
coin.
Also see: Lustre
|
| Mint error
|
Also see: Error
|
| Mint set
|
A
group of Uncirculated coins from a particular year,
usually comprising coins from each Mint.
|
| Mint set toning
|
Term
referring to toning acquired by coins after years of
storage in their original cardboard holders.
|
| Mint State
|
Describes a coin that has never been in
circulation. Thus, the coin has no wear. A mint state
coin may still be weakly struck, and therefore lack the
detail of even a lower grade coin. All mint state coins
have some imperfections if you study them hard enough.
The term "Mint State" may also correctly be applied to
coins that were struck as proofs.
|
| Mintage
|
The
number of coins of a particular date struck at a given
mint during a specific year.
|
| Mintmark
|
Letter(s) stamped into a coin to denote the mint
at which it was struck.
|
| Mis-struck
|
Term
applied to "error coins" with striking irregularities.
|
| Mishandled Proof
|
A
proof coin that somehow escaped into circulation or was
otherwise significantly abused.
|
| ML
|
Acronym for medium letters.
|
| Morgan
|
Synonym for Morgan dollar.
|
| Morgan dollar
|
Term
for the Liberty Head silver dollar struck from 1878
through 1904 and once again in 1921. George Morgan was
only an assistant engraver, but his design for the
dollar was selected over William Barber’s.
|
| Mottled toning
|
Splotchy, uneven toning.
|
| Motto
|
An
inscription on a coin. The most popular being IN GOD WE
TRUST, which first appeared on the 1864 two-cent piece
and is now is required on all U.S. coinage.
|
| MS
|
Acronym for Mint State.
|
| Multiple-struck
|
Also see: Double-struck
|
| Mutilated
|
A
coin that has been damaged to the point where it no
longer can be graded.
|
| New
|
Term
for a coin that never has been in circulation.
|
| New Orleans
|
The
branch Mint established in 1838 in New Orleans,
Louisiana. It struck coins for the United States until
its seizure in 1861 by the Confederacy. (Some 1861-O
half-dollars were struck after the seizure.) It reopened
in 1879 and struck coins until 1909 (actually closed in
1910). Now this facility is a museum.
|
| NGC
|
Acronym for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation,
located in Parsippany, NJ. Currently the leading coin
grading service.
|
| NGC Census Report
|
Quarterly publication issued by NGC listing the
number of coins graded and their grade.
|
| Nickel
|
Popular term for a five-cent piece.
|
| No Arrows
|
Term
applied to coins without arrows by their dates during
years when other coins had arrows by the date. (i.e. the
1853 Arrows half dime and the 1853 No Arrows half dime.)
|
| No Motto
|
Coins struck without the motto, "IN GOD WE
TRUST".
|
| No Stars
|
Term
referring to the Gobrecht-designed Liberty Seated coins
without stars.
|
| No "CENTS" nickel
|
Liberty Head nickels struck in 1883 without a
denomination. The lack of a denomination was very
confusing to the public and led to the "racketeer"
nickel scandal.
Also see: Racketeer nickel
|
| No-grade
|
Term
applied to a coin returned from a third-party grading
service that was not encapsulated. This can be due to
questionable authenticity, cleaning, damage, or other
reasons.
|
| Numerical grading
|
The
Sheldon 1-70 scale employed by NGC, PCGS, and other
third-party grading services.
|
| Numismatic Guaranty Corporation
|
The
leading third-party grading service based in Parsippany,
New Jersey.
|
| Numismatic News
|
A
leading weekly coin newspaper established in 1952.
|
| Numismatics
|
The
science of money. Coins, currency, tokens, inscribed
bars, and all related items are numismatic.
|
| Numismatist
|
One
who studies or collects money.
|
| O
|
Mintmark used to signify coins struck at the New
Orleans, Louisiana branch Mint.
|
| O-Mint
|
Term
used for the coinage of the branch Mint in New Orleans,
Louisiana.
|
| Obverse
|
The
front (heads side) of a coin.
|
| Oct
|
Synonym for octagonal – the Pan-Pac octagonal
commemorative fifty-dollar coin.
|
| Off center
|
A
coin struck on a blank that was not properly centered
over the anvil, or lower, die.
|
| Open collar
|
A
device used to position a planchet over the lower die.
It was employed specifically for striking early U.S.
coins whose edges had already been stamped with reeding
or lettering.
|
| Orange-peel surfaces
|
Dimpled fields seen on many Proof gold coins, and
some Mint State gold dollars and $3 gold coins.
|
| Original
|
Referring to any aspect of a coin that retains
its original state. Original toning means natural, not
retoned or cleaned. Original lustre means undisturbed
lustre that hasn’t been enhanced through artificial
methods.
|
| Original roll
|
A
roll of coins, all the same date, denomination, and
mintmark, and usually of the same die variety, which
seem to have been acquired by the same original owner,
probably from the same original mint bag. Generally, all
the coins in an original roll will have similar toning
and lustre.
|
| Original toning
|
Referring to a coin that has never been cleaned
or dipped. Original toning ranges from a very mild
yellow to extremely dark blues, grays, browns, and
finally black.
|
| Over -mintmark
|
A
coin struck with a die on which one mintmark is engraved
over a different mintmark. In rare instances, branch
mints returned dies that already had mintmarks punched
into them; on occasion, these were later sent to
different branch mints and the new mint altered the die
to add its mintmark over the old one. Examples include
the 1944 D/S Lincoln Cent, and the 1949 D/S Jefferson
Nickel.
|
| Over dipped
|
A
coin whose lustre has been dulled from too many baths in
a dipping solution.
|
| Overdate
|
A
coin struck from a die with a date that has one year
punched over a different year.
|
| P-Mint
|
Synonym for the U.S. Mint located in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
|
| Pan-Pac
|
Synonym for Panama-Pacific Exhibition.
|
| Pan-Pac slug
|
Synonym for the round or octagonal 1915-dated
Panama-Pacific fifty-dollar commemorative coins.
|
| Panama-Pacific Exhibition
|
A
1915 exhibition held in San Francisco, California to
celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal.
|
| Paper money
|
Synonym for currency.
|
| Patina
|
Synonym for toning.
|
| Pattern
|
A
test striking of a coin produced to trial a proposed
design, composition, or size. Patterns were often struck
in metals other than the one proposed.
|
| PCGS
|
Abbreviation for Professional Coin Grading
Service, a leading grading service located in Newport
Beach, CA.
|
| PCGS Population Report
|
Monthly publication by PCGS listing the number of
coins graded and their grade.
|
| Peace dollar
|
Synonym for the silver dollar struck from 1921 to
1935. The Peace dollar was designed by Anthony Francisci
to commemorate the peace following World War I. 1921
featured another coin designated High Relief. In 1922,
the relief was lowered resulting in the Regular Relief
type that was issued through 1935.
|
| Pedigree
|
The
listing of a coin’s current owner plus all known
previous owners.
|
| Penny
|
Synonym for a one-cent U.S. coin.
|
| Peripheral toning
|
Coloring – which may be light, medium, or dark -
around the edge of a coin.
|
| Philadelphia
|
The
primary U.S. Mint located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
It was first established in 1792.
|
| Pioneer gold
|
Privately issued gold coins struck prior to 1861.
The term is generally associated with the private issues
from California and the other post-1848 ore finds in
Nevada, Oregon, and Colorado.
|
| PL
|
Abbreviation for prooflike.
|
| Plain edge
|
A
smooth, flat edge seen mainly on a small-denomination
coinage.
Also see: Lettered edge, Reeded edge
|
| Planchet
|
The
blank metal disk, which becomes a coin when struck under
high pressure between two dies.
Also see: Blank
|
| Planchet defect
|
Any
defect of a coin which was caused by the planchet being
imperfect prior to the coin being struck. Also see:
Planchet flaw
|
| Planchet flaw
|
An
irregular hole in a coin blank, sometimes the result of
a lamination that has broken away.
|
| Planchet striations
|
Fine, incuse lines found on some Proof coins
believed to be caused by polishing of the blanks prior
to striking. Also see: Adjustment marks, Burnishing
lines, Die striations, Roller marks
|
| Plated
|
A
coin with a thin layer of metal applied. For example,
gold-plated copper strikings of certain U.S. pattern
coins.
|
| Platinum
|
A
precious metal sometimes used for coinage. The only
United States issues struck in platinum are the pattern
half dollars of 1814 and modern platinum Eagles.
|
| Plugged
|
Term
used to describe a coin that has had a hole filled,
often so expertly that it can be discerned only under
magnification.
|
| PNG
|
Acronym for Professional Numismatists Guild.
|
| PNG certificate
|
A
document (in duplicate: one for the coin owner and one
kept on-file at PNG) completed by a PNG dealer that
provided a guarantee of authenticity prior to
third-party grading services.
|
| PO
|
Abbreviation for Poor. (Also P).
|
| Polished die
|
A
die that has been basined to remove clash marks or other
die injury. Dies used to strike Proof coins were
polished to impart mirrorlike surfaces.
Also see:
Basining
|
| Polyvinyl chloride
|
A
somewhat active chemical found in some types of plastic
coin flips. Polyvinyl Chloride will cause some coins to
tone or turn green over time.
|
| Poor
|
Synonym for the grade PO-1 (or P1).
|
| Pop Report
|
Synonym for a report issued by NGC or PCGS, which
summarizes the coins certified to date.
|
| PQ
|
Acronym for premium quality.
|
| PR
|
Abbreviation for Proof.
|
| Premium quality
|
A
term which describes the very finest coins that fall
into any given grade, or that have some claims to a
higher grade.
|
| Presentation striking
|
A
coin, often a Proof or an exceptionally sharp business
strike, specially struck and given to a dignitary or
other person.
|
| Press
|
Any
coining machine.
|
| Price guide
|
A
periodical listing prices for numismatic items. The
guide might differentiate between buy and sell
(Bid/Ask), as well as wholesale or retail prices.
|
| Price list
|
Synonym for fixed price list
|
| Pristine
|
Term
describing coins in original, unimpaired condition.
Pristine coins are typically graded MS/PR-67 and higher.
|
| Professional Coin Grading Service
|
A
leading third-party coin grading service located in
Newport Beach, California.
|
| Professional Numismatists Guild
|
An
organization of Numismatic dealers founded in 1955.
|
| Proof
|
The
term Proof denotes a method of manufacture, not a grade.
Proof coins are made with special care, exclusively for
collectors or investors and not struck for general
circulation. Generally, proof coins are struck on
specially selected and polished planchets. They are
struck using polished dies. Usually the coins are made
on a slower moving press, and/or are struck more than
once. Most proof coins are brilliant, with a mirrorlike
surface.
|
| Proof set
|
A
coin set containing Proof issues from a particular year.
A few sets contain anomalies such as the 1804 dollar and
eagle in 1834 presentation Proof sets.
|
| Proof dies
|
Dies
which are prepared and used exclusively to produce proof
coins. Often, the fields of proof dies are highly
polished to impart a mirrorlike finish, and the recessed
areas are left unfinished to create frosted devices.
|
| Proof-only issue
|
A
coin struck only as a Proof, with no business-strike
counterpart.
|
| Prooflike
|
A
coin that has mirror-like surfaces. This term is
particularly applicable to Morgan dollars.
|
| Provenance
|
Synonym for pedigree.
|
| Punch
|
A
steel rod with a device, a date, lettering, and other
symbols on the end which was hammered into a working
die.
|
| Put-together roll
|
An
"original roll" that has had the best coins removed and
substituted with lesser quality coins. Also see:
Original roll
|
| PVC
|
Acronym for polyvinyl chloride.
|
| PVC damage
|
A
film, often green, left on a coin after storage in flips
that contain PVC. During the early stage, this film may
be clear and sticky.
|
| PVC flip
|
Synonym for a coin flip that contains PVC.
|
| Quarter
|
A
U.S. coin of the quarter dollar denomination.
|
| Quarter Eagle
|
Literally, one-fourth of an eagle, equal to a
two-and-one-half dollar gold coin. The quarter eagle was
first struck in 1796, struck sporadically thereafter,
and was discontinued in 1929.
|
| Questionable toning
|
Suspicious color on a coin that may not be
natural.
|
| Racketeer nickel
|
A
gold-plated 1883 No "CENTS" Liberty Head five-cent coin
("V" nickel). Legend has it that a deaf-mute gold-plated
these unfamiliar coins and would use them as legal
tender. Sometimes, he was given change for a five-dollar
gold piece since the V on the reverse could be
interpreted as either five cents or five dollars! They
have also been gold-plated since that time to sell to
collectors.
|
| Rainbow toning
|
Toning which is usually seen on silver dollars
stored in bags. A full spectrum of colors are
represented, beginning with yellow, then green, to red,
to blue, and sometimes even black.
|
| Rare
|
- A relative term indicating that a coin within a
series is very difficult to find.
- A coin with only a few examples known.
- A term sometimes applied to all coins of
numismatic value (as in: Rare Coin Dealer).
|
| Rarity
|
The
total number of extant specimens of a particular
numismatic item. Condition rarity describes the number
of specimens in a particular grade plus any in higher
grades.
|
| Rarity scale
|
A
numerical-rating system used to quantify rarity. One
example is the Universal Rarity Scale.
|
| Raw
|
Refers to any coin that is not encapsulated by a
grading service.
|
| Rays
|
Term
for the lines that represent sun rays on a coin’s
design.
|
| RB
|
Abbreviation for red and brown or Red-Brown.
|
| RD
|
Abbreviation for Red.
|
| Real
|
A
genuine coin.
Also see: Counterfeit alteration
|
| Red
|
Describes a copper coin that still retains 95
percent or more of its original color. (Abbreviated as
RD)
|
| Red-Brown
|
Describes a copper coin that has from 5 to 95
percent of its original mint color remaining
(Abbreviated as RB).
|
| Redbook
|
Synonym for "A Guide Book of U.S.
Coins", the annual price guide that is often
considered the "bible" of printed numismatic retail
price guides. First issued in 1947.
|
| Reeded edge
|
Grooved notches found on the edge of some coins.
|
| Reeding mark(s)
|
A
mark or marks caused when the reeded edge of one coin
scuffs or scratches the surface of another coin. Also
see: Milling mark
|
| Regular issue
|
A
coin struck for commerce. There may be Regular and/or
Proof strikes, as well as die trials of regular issues.
Also see: Business strike and Commercial strike.
|
| Regular strike
|
Synonym for business strike. A coin struck using
conventional coin pressing methods.
|
| Relief
|
The
height of the devices of a particular coin design.
|
| Replica
|
A
copy, or reproduction.
|
| Restrike
|
A
coin struck later than indicated by its date, often with
different dies.
|
| Retoned
|
A
coin that has been dipped or cleaned and then has
regained color – either naturally or artificially.
|
| Reverse
|
The
back or "tails" side, of a coin.
|
| Rim
|
The
raised area around the edges of the obverse and reverse
of a coin.
|
| Rim ding
|
Synonym for a rim nick.
|
| Rim nick
|
A
mark or indentation on the rim of a coin.
|
| Ring test
|
A
test that may determine whether a coin was struck or is
an electrotype or cast copy. The coin is balanced on a
finger and gently tapped with a metal object. Genuine
coins have a high-pitched ring or tone, while
electrotypes and cast copies have little or none. It
should be noted that this test is not always an accurate
method for identifying electrotype or cast copy coins.
|
| Rip
|
A
slang term for a coin which was purchased below the
market wholesale price and is easily resalable for a
good profit.
|
| Roll
|
A
set number of coins stored in a coin wrapper. Rolls were
originally paper wrappers, and today are typically
plastic.
|
| Roll friction
|
Minor displacement of metal, mostly on the high
points, seen on coins stored in rolls.
|
| Rolled edge
|
A
synonym for rolled rim.
|
| Rolled Edge Ten
|
Common name for a particular 1907 variety of the
Indian Head eagle.
|
| Roller marks
|
Parallel incuse lines found on a coin after it is
struck. It is believed that roller marks are caused when
the strips of metal are pulled through draw bars (set at
a precise distance apart to ensure the planchet blanks
will be at the correct thickness).
|
| Roman finish
|
A
scaly finish, similar to that of Satin Proofs. This was
an experimental Proof surface used mostly on U.S. gold
coins of 1909 and 1910.
|
| Round
|
Synonym for a round Pan-Pac commemorative
fifty-dollar coin.
|
| Rubbing
|
The
barest trace of wear on the high points of a coin. Just
a step more severe than "friction" on the scale of
adjectives used to describe degrees of wear. Usually, a
coin with rubbing has virtually full mint lustre
intact.
Also see: Friction
|
| S
VDB
|
Synonym for the 1909-S VDB Lincoln Head penny.
|
| S-Mint
|
Term
applied to coins struck at the San Francisco, California
branch Mint.
|
| Saint
|
Synonym for the Saint-Gaudens inspired double
eagle gold coin.
|
| Saint-Gaudens
|
Family name of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the
preeminent sculptor of the late nineteenth and early
twentieth century. At the request of President Teddy
Roosevelt, he began a redesign of the eagle and double
eagle coins in 1907 although he died mid-production.
|
| San Francisco
|
The
United States branch Mint located in San Francisco,
California that struck coins from 1854 through 1955, and
again from 1965 to today.
|
| Satin finish
|
Also
see: Roman finish
|
| Satin lustre
|
Fine, silky finish seen mostly on copper and
nickel business strike coins. Almost no "cartwheel"
effect is seen on coins with satin lustre.
|
| Scratch
|
A
mark on a coin that is more severe than a hairline.
|
| Screw press
|
The
first type of coining press used at the U.S. Mint. The
screw press had a fixed lower die, and an upper die
attached to a threaded rod. By rotating a series of
weighted arms that were attached to the threaded rod,
the screw mechanism drove the upper die downward to
strike the planchet. The screw press invention is
credited to Donato Bramante.
|
| SD
|
Acronym for small date.
|
| Sea salvage coin
|
A
coin retrieved from the ocean, often recovered from a
ship wreck.
|
| Seated
|
Synonym for Liberty Seated silver coins issued
from 1837 through 1891.
|
| Seated coinage
|
Synonym for Liberty Seated coinage.
|
| Second toning
|
Natural or artificial toning that occurs after a
coin is dipped or cleaned.
|
| Semi-common
|
A
coin that is considered neither common, nor scarce.
|
| Semi-numismatic
|
Refers to a coin that has a significant bullion
value and some numismatic value.
|
| Semi-prooflike
|
A
coin that has almost enough mirror-like reflectiveness
to be called "prooflike".
|
| Series
|
A
particular design or motif used over a period of time.
This can refer to a single denomination, or in some
cases, several denominations.
|
| Set
|
A
collection of coins in a series. This could be a
collection of types, or a collection from a particular
Mint.
|
| Sheldon
|
The
late Dr. William H. Sheldon who wrote the seminal work
on 1793 to 1814 large cents.
|
| Sheldon Book
|
The
large cent book, first published in 1949 as Early
American Cents and reissued in 1958 as
Penny Whimsy by W. Sheldon, W. Breen and
D. Paschal.
|
| Sheldon numbers
|
The
reference numbers (S-1, S-2, etc.) for 1793 to 1814
large cents as documented in the books, Early
American Cents and Penny Whimsy.
|
| Sheldon scale
|
A
system of grading which was originally introduced by the
late Dr. William H. Sheldon, for the purpose of grading
large cents. The system was adapted to all coins in the
early 1970’s. The Sheldon Scale, as applied today,
incorporates numerical grades 1 through 70 to correspond
with various descriptive grades as follows:
Poor –
1
Fair – 2
Almost Good – 3
Good – 4, 6
Very
Good – 8, 10
Fine – 12, 15
Very Fine – 20, 25, 30,
35
Extremely Fine – 40, 45
Almost Uncirculated –
50, 53, 55, 58
Mint State – 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65,
66, 67, 68, 69, 70.
|
| Shield
|
A
design used on certain issues that has horizontal and
vertical lines in a shield shape.
|
| Shield nickel
|
Synonym for the Shield five-cent coin struck from
1866 until 1883.
|
| Shiny spots
|
Areas on Matte, Roman, and Satin Proof coins
where the original dulled surface has been disturbed.
|
| Show
|
Synonym for a bourse or coin show.
|
| Sight seen
|
A
term meaning that the buyer of a particular numismatic
item in a particular grade may view the coin before
buying it.
|
| Sight unseen
|
A
term meaning that the buyer of a particular numismatic
item in a particular grade offers to pay a certain price
without examining the item.
|
| Silver
|
1 –
A precious metal
2 – Referring to coins struck in
silver (generally 90% silver and 10% copper but there
are a few exceptions).
|
| Silver commem
|
Synonym for silver commemorative coins.
|
| Silver commemoratives
|
Coins struck at various times from 1892 through
1954 and post-1982, to celebrate a person, place, or
event.
|
| Silver dollar
|
Silver coin that served as a cornerstone of U.S.
currency from 1792 through 1935. Also see: Dollar, Trade
dollar
|
| Silver nickel
|
Synonym for Wartime nickel.
|
| Silver-clad
|
A
coin whose overall metal makeup is 40% silver and 60%
copper. Kennedy half dollars (struck from 1965 until
1970) are silver-clad halves.
|
| Skirt lines
|
Lines representing the folds of Liberty’s flowing
gown on Walking Liberty half-dollars.
|
| SL
|
Acronym for small letters.
|
| Slab
|
The
plastic holder in which a grading service will
encapsulate a coin which has been graded.
|
| Slabbing
|
The
process of encapsulating a coin in a sonically sealed
holder.
|
| Sleeper
|
A
coin which is undervalued or underpriced.
|
| Slider
|
A
coin which a less scrupulous individual might sell at a
higher grade than it really merits. The term usually
refers to a nearly mint-state coin which is, or could be
offered as a full mint-state.
|
| Slug
|
Term
for the octagonal and round fifty-dollar gold coins
struck during the California gold rush. Legend has it
that the term came about when criminals used the
two-and-one-half ounce coins wrapped in a cloth to bonk
their victims on the head. For an unrelated reason, 1915
Pan-Pac fifty-dollar commemorative issues are also
referred to as slugs.
|
| Small cent
|
Cents of reduced size that replaced the large
cent as of 1857.
|
| Small date
|
Term
referring to the size of the digits of the date on a
coin. The use of this term implies that a large or
medium date exists for that coin or series.
|
| Small Eagle
|
Referring to the coin design with the plain eagle
on a perch, first used on the 1794 half dime and half
dollar.
|
| Small letters
|
Term
referring to the size of the lettering used in the
design on a coin. The use of this term implies that
large or medium letters exist for the coin or series.
|
| Small Motto
|
Abbreviation for the variety of two-cent coin of
1864 with small letters in the motto "IN GOD WE
TRUST".
Also see: Large motto
|
| Small size
|
A
term referring to the diameter of a coin in a series.
The use of this term implies that there is a large
diameter coin with the same motif.
|
| SMS
|
Acronym for Special Mint Set
|
| SP
|
Abbreviation for Specimen Strike.
|
| Spark-erosion die
|
A
die made by an electrolytic deposition method. Because
the surfaces of the die are very rough (a result of the
process), they must be polished to remove surface
imperfections.
|
| Spark-erosion strike
|
A
coin made from spark-erosion dies, often showing signs
of pitting in the relief areas as a result of the die
surface.
|
| Special Mint Set
|
A
set of special coins that were first struck in limited
quantities in 1965 and officially released in 1966-1967.
They were intended to replace Proof sets, which had been
discontinued by the U.S. Mint in an effort to stop coin
hoarding. In 1968, The Mint resumed the issuing of
Proofs.
|
| Specimen
|
Referring to a special set of coins struck at the
Mint from 1792 to 1816 that display many characteristics
of the later Proof coinage.
|
| Specimen Strike
|
Also
see: Specimen
|
| Split grade
|
A
coin whose obverse grade is different from its reverse
grade. Examples: MS-63/65 or Proof 63/60.
|
| Splotchy toning
|
Color that is uneven, in both shade and
composition.
|
| Spot
|
A
discolored area on a coin. A spot or spots can have a
small or large effect on the grade of a coin depending
many factors such as size, severity, and placement.
|
| St. Gaudens
|
Common misspelling of the last name of Augustus
Saint-Gaudens. Also used as a synonym for the Standing
Liberty double eagle (Saint).
|
| Standard silver
|
The
official composition of U.S. silver coinage, determined
by the Mint Act of 1792. Initially set at approximately
89 percent silver and 11 percent copper, it was later
changed to 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper.
|
| Standing Liberty
|
Design motif of Miss Liberty in an upright
front-facing position.
|
| Standing Liberty quarter
|
Synonym for the quarter dollar struck from 1917
until 1930. It was designed by Hermon MacNeil.
|
| Staple scratch
|
A
line on a coin resulting from its improper removal from
a cardboard stapled holder.
|
| Star
|
A
five-pointed or six-pointed design element used on many
U.S. coins.
|
| State quarter
|
Synonym for the 1999 and later Washington
quarters struck with unique reverse designs for each
State. These quarters are to be issued in the order of
admittance to the United States. The order for the
original 13 colonies was determined by the date which
each State ratified the Constitution.
|
| Steam-powered press
|
A
coining press driven by a steam-powered engine.
|
| Steel cent
|
1943
cents - and certain 1944 cents struck on leftover steel
blanks - struck in steel and plated with zinc.
|
| Steelies
|
Synonym for 1943 steel cents.
|
| Stella
|
Abbreviation for the experimental four-dollar
gold coins struck by the U.S. Mint in 1879-1880. The
term comes from the large star on the coins’ reverse.
|
| Stock edge
|
A
counterfeit edge collar used for creating fake coins.
|
| Store cards
|
Merchant tokens, usually composed of copper,
created to help alleviate the shortage of small change
during the nineteenth century. These were widely
accepted in their immediate areas.
|
| Stress lines
|
Synonym for "flow lines."
|
| Striations
|
Term
for the incuse polish lines on a die which result in
raised lines on coins. While these are usually fine,
parallel lines, they may also manifest themselves as
swirling, or even criss-cross lines. Planchet striations
are burnishing lines not struck away by the minting
process that are incuse on the coins.
|
| Strike
|
The
sharpness of detail which the coin had when it was Mint
State. A full strike is a coin that exhibits the full
detail that would appear on the sharpest known examples
of that type.
|
| Strip
|
The
flat metal, rolled and drawn to proper thickness, from
which planchets are cut.
|
| Struck
|
Term
describing a coin produced from dies and a coining
press.
|
| Struck copy
|
A
replica of a particular coin made from dies, possibly
but not necessarily meant to deceive.
|
| Struck counterfeit
|
A
fake coin produced from false dies.
|
| Surface preservation
|
The
condition of a coin’s surface.
|
| Surfaces
|
The
entire obverse and reverse faces of a coin.
|
| Sweating
|
A
procedure in which coins are placed in a bag and shaken
vigorously to knock off small pieces of metal. The bits
of metal are gathered and sold as scrap, leaving the
original coins to be returned to circulation at face
value. A practice mainly employed with gold coins,
leaving their surfaces peppered with tiny nicks.
|
| Tab toning
|
Term
referring to toning often seen on commemorative coins
which were sold in cardboard holders with a round tab.
Such coins have a circle in the center and are said to
have "tab toning".
|
| Tail feathers
|
Refers to the tail feathers on the Eagle on the
reverse of certain U.S. coins. Particularly, the Morgan
Silver Dollar.
|
| Target toning
|
Toning effect that resembles an archery target -
with deeper colors on the periphery often fading to
white or cream color at the center.
|
| Technical grading
|
A
system of grading which only takes into account that
which has happened to a coin after the minting process
(i.e. the state of preservation). Technical graders
often ignore factors such as strike and eye-appeal.
|
| Teddy’s Coin
|
Synonym for J-1776, the unique gold striking of
the 1907 Indian Head double eagle.
|
| Ten
|
Slang for an eagle or ten-dollar gold coin.
|
| Ten Indian
|
Synonym for an Indian Head eagle.
|
| Ten Lib
|
Synonym for a Liberty Head eagle.
|
| Territorial Gold
|
Coins and bars privately struck during the
various gold rushes.
|
| TF
|
Abbreviation for Tail Feathers.
|
| Thaler
|
The
Germanic spelling of the silver-dollar size coins from
Europe. The English word "dollar" is derived from this
word.
|
| Three
|
Synonym for the Indian Head three-dollar gold
coin.
|
| Three Cent Nickel
|
Three-cent coins composed of 75% copper and 25%
nickel struck from 1865 -1889. The Liberty Head design
by James Longacre was copied from the earlier Liberty
Head motif by Christian Gobrecht.
|
| Three Cent Silver
|
Three-cent coin with a star motif that was struck
in silver alloy.
|
| Thumbed
|
Term
for a coin that has been doctored in a specific way to
hide marks, hairlines, or other disturbances. The thumb
is rubbed lightly over the disturbances, and the oils in
the skin help to disguise any problems.
|
| Tissue toning
|
Color, often vibrant, acquired by coins stored in
original Mint paper. The toning is caused by sulfur in
the paper reacting with the coin.
|
| Token
|
A
substitute for a coin.
|
| Toned
|
An
adjective which describes a coin with toning.
|
| Toning
|
The
coloring which has formed on the surface of a coin as a
result of the metal’s interaction with outside elements.
Also see: Patina
|
| Tooling mark
|
A
line, usually small and fine, found on both genuine and
counterfeit coins. They are caused by touch-ups to dies.
|
| Trade dollar
|
A
U.S. silver coin issued from 1873 until 1885 that is
slightly heavier than the regular silver dollar. Named
because it was intended to facilitate trade in the Far
East, the Trade dollar was made with a marginally higher
silver content in an attempt to gain acceptance in
commerce throughout the world.
|
| Transfer die
|
A
die created by sacrificing a coin for a model.
|
| Transitional
|
Synonym for transitional issue.
|
| Transitional issue
|
A
coin struck after an "official" series ends, or before
an "official" series starts. It can also refer to a coin
struck with either the obverse or the reverse of a
discontinued or upcoming series.
|
| Treasure coin
|
A
coin known to have come from a shipwreck or from a
buried or hidden source.
|
| Trial strike or striking
|
Also
see: Die trial
|
| Trime
|
Synonym for a three-cent piece.
|
| Turban Head
|
Synonym for Draped Bust.
|
| Twenty
|
Synonym for a double eagle or twenty-dollar gold
coin.
|
| Twenty Lib
|
Synonym for a Liberty Head double eagle or
twenty-dollar gold coin.
|
| Two and a Half
|
Synonym for a quarter eagle or two-and-one-half
dollar gold coin.
|
| Two-cent piece
|
Synonym for the Shield two-cent coin struck from
1864 - 1873.
|
| Type
|
A
date or group of dates encompassing all of a particular
standard design. Example: Morgan silver dollars. A type
collection is a collection of coins formed by one
example (usually one of the most common dates) of each
type of coin.
|
| Type coin
|
A
representative coin, usually a common date, from a
particular issue of a specific design, size, or metal.
|
| Type One
|
Term
for any coin from the first Type within a Series.
|
| Type One Buffalo
|
A
1913-dated Indian Head nickel with the reverse bison on
a raised mound.
|
| Type One Gold Dollar
|
The
Liberty Head design gold dollar struck from 1849 until
mid-1854 in Philadelphia and for the full year in
Dahlonega and San Francisco.
|
| Type One Nickel
|
The
Jefferson Head five-cent coin struck from 1938 until
mid-1942 and from 1946 until today. Also may refer to
the Type One Buffalo nickel.
|
| Type One Quarter
|
The
Standing Liberty quarter struck from 1916 to mid-1917.
|
| Type One Twenty
|
Liberty Head double eagles struck from 1850 until
mid-1866. These coins did not have a motto on the
reverse and had "TWENTY D." as the denomination.
|
| Type Three
|
Term
for any coin from the third Type within a Series.
|
| Type Three Gold Dollar
|
The
Small Indian Head design struck from 1856 until the
series ended in 1889. Since the San Francisco Mint did
not receive the Type Three dies in time to strike the
new design in 1856, the coins from that Mint are Type
Two style.
|
| Type Three Twenty
|
Liberty Head double eagles struck from 1877 until
the series ended in 1907. Type Three coins have the
motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" on the reverse and read "TWENTY
DOLLARS" for the denomination.
|
| Type Two
|
Term
for any coin from the second Type within a Series.
|
| Type Two Buffalo
|
An
Indian Head nickel struck from mid-1913 until the series
ended in 1938. The reverse bison is shown on level
ground.
|
| Type Two Gold Dollar
|
The
Large Indian Head design gold dollar struck from
mid-1854 until 1855 in Philadelphia, Charlotte,
Dahlonega, and New Orleans. Since San Francisco did not
receive new dies before the end of 1856, they struck
Type Two coins during that year.
|
| Type Two Nickel
|
The
Jefferson Head five-cent coin struck from mid-1942 until
1945. The Type Two nickel is composed of silver,
manganese, and copper, and has a large mintmark above
Monticello on the reverse. These are the first U.S.
coins to have a "P" mintmark indicating their being
struck by the Philadelphia Mint. Also see: War nickel,
Wartime nickel
|
| Type Two Quarter
|
The
Standing Liberty quarter struck from mid-1917 until the
series ended in 1930. This design features a Miss
Liberty with a covered breast, three stars under the
reverse eagle, and a more intricate head design.
|
| Type Two Twenty
|
Liberty Head double eagles struck from mid-1866 -
1876. These coins have the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" on
the reverse and "TWENTY DOL." as the denomination.
|
| Ultra High Relief
|
Alternate name for the Extremely High Relief.
|
| Ultra rare
|
A
coin or other numismatic item that is represented by
only a few examples.
|
| Uncirculated
|
A
coin or numismatic item that has never been in
circulation, a coin without wear. Also see: Brilliant
Uncirculated, Mint State, and New
|
| Used
|
Term
used to describe a coin that has light to heavy wear or
circulation.
|
| V-nickel
|
Synonym for the Liberty Head five-cent coins
struck from 1883 - 1912. (The 1913 was struck
clandestinely and is not reported in Mint documents.)
|
| VAM number
|
Unique number (such as VAM-105) assigned to each
set of Morgan and Peace dollar dies documented in
The Complete Catalog and Encyclopedia of United
States Morgan and Peace Silver Dollars.
Abbreviated VAM because of the authors Leroy Van
Allen and A. George Mallis.
|
| Van Allen-Mallis
|
Authors of The Complete Catalog and
Encyclopedia of United States Morgan and Peace Silver
Dollars first published in 1971, and reprinted
in 1998.
|
| Variety
|
A
coin of the same date and basic design as another but
with slight differences such as variations in date,
mintmark size and placement.
|
| VDB
|
Synonym for the 1909 VDB Lincoln Head cent.
Controversy arose over having a non-Mint engraver’s
initials on a coin, so Victor D. Brenner’s initials were
removed. In 1918, the VDB was returned to the Lincoln
Head cent in a less conspicuous spot on the slanted area
at the bottom of Lincoln’s shoulder.
|
| Very Fine
|
Term
for the grades VF-20, 25, 30, and 35.
|
| Very Good
|
Term
for the grades VG-8 and VG-10.
|
| Vest pocket dealer
|
A
part-time coin merchant.
|
| VF
|
Acronym for Very Fine.
|
| VG
|
Acronym for Very Good.
|
| Walker
|
Synonym for a Walking Liberty half-dollar.
|
| Walking Liberty
|
Synonym for a Walking Liberty half-dollar.
|
| Walking Liberty half dollar
|
U.S.
half dollars struck from 1916 - 1947.
|
| War nickel
|
Synonym for Wartime nickel.
|
| Wartime nickel
|
Five-cent coins struck during World War II with
the composition 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9%
manganese. Historic legend has it that the metallic
change was driven by a need for nickel to be used in the
war effort. However, recent research indicates that the
boost to morale by having an intrinsic-value small
denomination coin may have played an important part in
the issuance of the Wartime nickel.
|
| Washington quarter
|
Synonym for the Washington quarter dollar.
|
| Washington quarter dollar
|
Quarter dollar first struck in 1932, as a
circulating commemorative coin to celebrate the
two-hundredth anniversary of George Washington’s birth.
It was designed by Laura Gardner Frazier and was a
continuing series from 1934 through 1998 (with a special
Bicentennial reverse in 1976). For 1999, the obverse was
redesigned and the State quarter series begins. Each of
the 50 State quarters will have a different reverse
design with 5 new issues per year.
|
| Watery look
|
Term
for the wavy finish seen on the surfaces of most
close-collar Proof coins.
|
| Weak strike
|
Refers to a coin that does not show its intended
detail because of low striking pressure or improperly
aligned dies.
|
| Wear
|
Visible erosion of metal, usually beginning from
the highest points of a coins. Eventually, lettering,
details, or entire devices are obliterated. Wear should
not be confused with a weak strike. It is possible for a
worn coin to have more detail than a weakly struck mint
state coin.
|
| Wheel mark
|
Synonym for "counting machine mark."
|
| Whizzed
|
An
artificial process whereby the surface of a coin is
buffed to give it the appearance of having natural
cartwheel lustre.
|
| Wire edge
|
An
effect whereby a thin, wire-like section of the rim of a
coin is raised above the rest of the rim along the
outside. This effect is typically caused by very high
striking pressure, and tends to occur mostly on proof
and high relief strikings.
Also see: Knife edge, Wire
rim
|
| Wire Edge eagle
|
The
1907 Indian Head eagle coin of which only 500 were
struck. Technically a pattern, this design featured a
fine wire rim and surfaces that were both satiny and
striated. An unknowledgeable numismatist will look at
one of these specimens and consider it hairlined or
harshly cleaned.
|
| Wire Edge Ten
|
Synonym for the 1907-dated Wire Edge Indian Head
eagle.
|
| Wire rim
|
Synonym for wire edge.
|
| With arrows
|
Alternate term for arrows at date.
|
| With arrows and rays
|
Synonym for arrows and rays.
|
| With motto
|
Alternate term for motto.
|
| With rays
|
Alternate term for rays.
|
| Working die
|
A
die created from a working hub that is used to strike
coins.
|
| Working hub
|
A
hub created from a master die that is used to create the
working dies.
|
| World Coins
|
Coins from countries other than the United
States.
|
| Worn die
|
A
die that has lost detail due to extended use. Dies were
often used until they wore out, or were excessively
cracked or broken. Coins struck from worn dies often
appear to be weakly struck, however, they are not caused
by low striking pressure.
|
| Wreath cent
|
Synonym for the second large cent type of 1793.
|
| XF
|
Abbreviation for Extremely Fine.
|
| Zerbe Proof
|
Morgan dollars specially struck in 1921 for
numismatist Farran Zerbe.
Also see: Chapman Proof
|
