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- - Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms (http://goldismoney.info/forums/showthread.php?t=357914)

AGRO | 03-12-2009 10:56 PM
Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Hello GIM'ers, Here is a glossary of Numismatic Terms; I didn't see one on here and thought it may be helpful, to those of us who buy mostly bullion. Please let me know if there are any incorrect terms in here and I will delete them. IN an effort to get this UP,not ALL entries have been proofread and researched as of yet. edit: 4/8 -- I am blending and adding definitions to be the "most" concise. Please feel free to post additions, modifications, additional definitions and I will gladly add them to the initial post! Thanks! When finished I am sure that GIM will have the most concise Glossary of Numismatic and Bullion/ PM terms on the web! Enjoy, AGRO- edit: I will try to add, the 2 letter grades (whatever is missing) & MS (or Mint state) Scale, also, additional terms not in the list. NUMISMATIC GLOSSARY & PM TERMS (NUMISMATICS TO ENGLISH) A About Good: a grading term for a coin that is so badly worn that you can barely recognize the type and date. About Uncirculated: a grading term used to describe a coin that is nearly new. abrasion: light friction, a shallow scrape, or a mark on the surface of a coin. abrasive: a harsh cleaning agent that destroys the surface of a coin. accumulation: a disorganized pile of coins just waiting for a numismatist�s touch to turn it into a coin collection. adjustment mark: scratches made when a file is used to lower the weight of a planchet before striking. album: a holder designed to store and display coins. alloy: a blend of different metals. Almost Uncirculated: another way of saying About Uncirculated. altered coin: a coin that has been changed in any way to make it appear more valuable. American Numismatic Association: the leading organization for collectors of U.S. coins. A.N.A.: abbreviation for the American Numismatic Association. - http://www.money.org/ ANACS: a third-party grading service in Sidney, Ohio.- http://www.anacs.com/ ancient: an old coin struck before Medieval times. annealing: The softening of metals though a heating and cooling process. Anvil die: The bottom die that sits on the anvil. appraisal: an estimate of a coin�s worth. artificial toning: fake colors on a coin that usually hide flaws. Assay:The testing of metals to determine it's purity, ingredients, and quality. Assayer - noun Avoirdupois: a system of weights for commodities except precious metals, stones, and drugs. One avoirdupois ounce equals 28.35 grams or 437.50 grains. attribute: a special characteristic of a coin or the act of identifying a coin. attribution: the variety of a coin according to specialized reference works. AU: abbreviation for About (or Almost) Uncirculated. auction: a method of offering and selling coins to the highest bidder. authentication: determining whether a coin is real or not. B bag: the heavy cloth bag used by the Mint to ship coins. bagmark: 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: Dimes, Quarter Dollars, and Half Dollars designed by Charles Barber and issued from 1892 to 1916. bas relief: raised design elements in a sunken area. 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. beaded border: a decorative, outer ring of tiny raised beads found on some coins. bi-metal: A coin that consists of two metals in concentric circles. bid: the wholesale buy price offered by coin dealers. bidder: anyone who bids in an auction. bidder number: the unique number assigned to you at an auction, used to properly record who bought what. billon: an alloy containing a small amount of silver mixed with a base metal. bit: one-eighth of a Spanish 8 Reales �Piece of Eight. Two bits equal a quarter (hence, the cheer: �two bits, four bits, six bits, a Dollar) Black and white: a term used to describe the sharp contrast between the deep mirrored fields and heavily frosted devices of a proof coin. blank: the disk of metal that is later stamped to make a coin. blemishes: any defects on the surface of a coin. Bluebook: a popular price guide used for buying coins. Guess what color the cover is. Bluesheet: a popular weekly price guide for certified coins. Guess what color the paper is. Body bag: is a slang term for the container in which coins rejected by grading services are returned to the submitters. The body bag itself is usually a standard 2-inch square Mylar fold-over coin flip or a small zipper-type baggie. bourse: a coin show where dealers buy and sell among themselves and with the general public. Braided Hair: a design type found on Half Cents and Large Cents dating from 1839 to 1857. branch mint: any U.S. Mint other than the Philadelphia Mint (the �mother� of all mints). brass: a yellow alloy of copper and zinc. breast feathers: the feathers on the chest of the eagle, usually the highest point on the back of many U.S. coins, especially Morgan Dollars. brilliant: used to describe the flashy luster of a coin. Brilliant Uncirculated: a �brand new� coin that is bright and flashy. broadstrike: an error coin struck outside of its collar, resulting in an expanded planchet. bronze: a reddish alloy of copper and a small amount of tin. Bronze Disease:A condition that causes a bronze coin to deteriorate from acids the metal develops internally. Brown: the color of copper coins that have toned down from their original, bright red color. Brownie: A nickname for a brownie-sized gold ingot. BU: abbreviation for Brilliant Uncirculated. BU rolls: set quantities of coins that are Brilliant Uncirculated. Example: a BU roll of Morgan Dollars has 20 coins, all Uncirculated. Buffalo nickel: the popular 5 Cent piece with an Indian Head on the front and a buffalo on the back, issued from 1913 to 1938. bulged die: a coin with wavy, concave or convex surfaces caused by a defective stamp. bullion: raw metal, usually gold or silver in ingot form. Precious metals in the form of bars that are at least 99.5% pure. bullion coin: a coin that has no collector premium above the value of its metal. May have a symbolic face value. burnishing: altering the surfaces of a coin to make it look better than it actually is. Burnishing is a bit more aggressive than polishing. business strike: a coin struck for use in circulation. Bust dollar: the United States Silver Dollars issued from 1795 to 1804. Busy, or busy fields: - Many markings in the field portion of a coin as opposed to a few. buyer�s fee: the premium charged to a successful bidder at auction, added to the hammer price (final bid) of each lot. In recent years, the buyer�s fee has risen from zero percent to fifteen percent. C C: the mintmark of the U.S. Mint at Charlotte, North Carolina. cabinet friction: faint rub on the highest points of coins, usually caused by sliding around in a tray. 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. A coin that has frosty devices and brilliant fields. cameo contrast: a measure of how frosty the devices are versus how deeply mirrored the fields are. 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. A design type used on American coins from 1807-1839. carbon spot: a small spot of corrosion or oxidation on a coin caused by a spot of moisture. When you talk around coins - Say it, don�t spray it! Carson City: official U.S. Mint in Carson City, Nevada that issued coins from 1870 to 1893. cartwheel: the dazzling, swirling effect reflected when a coin is turned under a light source. The more dazzling the �cartwheel,� the more desirable the coin. Cast:(100 oz. 10/oz Bar): cast counterfeit: a fake coin made by pouring melted metal into a mold. These will usually fail the ring test. Caisting Machine: A machine invented by French Engineer, Jean Castaing comprised of a rack and pinion gear that rolls coin blanks between two opposing dies or "cheeks" to impress lettering or other designs into the edge of a coin blank. This milling step also upsets the edge to pre-form the rim of the coin. This machine was a great advancement in the evolution of coin making technology as it made coins more difficult to counterfeit or clip without detection. Also referred to as an Edge Mill. catalog: the printed listings offered by coin dealers at auction or fixed prices. These are often great sources of information and illustrations. CC: the mintmark of the U.S. Mint at Carson City, Nevada. CCDN: abbreviation for the Certified Coin Dealer Newsletter (also known as the �Blue Sheet�). CCE: abbreviation for the Certified Coin Exchange. CDN: abbreviation for the Coin Dealer Newsletter (also known as the �Grey Sheet�). http://www.greysheet.com/ Celator:An engraver of coin dies. Also, The Celator is a journal about Ancient Coins census: no, I don�t care who lives in your house! This is a listing of coins, usually the best ones known for that date. Specialists often refer to this as the �Condition Census.� Cent: the U.S. coin valued at one-hundredth of a Dollar. Commonly known as the Penny. certified: authenticated and graded by any of the independent, third-party grading services. Certified Coin Dealer Newsletter: a weekly publication that records dealer Bid and Ask prices for certified U.S. coins. Certified Coin Exchange: an electronic system that allows dealers to trade in certified U.S. coins. Link: http://www.certifiedcoinexchange.com/ Chain Cent: issued in 1793, this coin had a chain of 13 links on the reverse that was supposed to represent the original American colonies. However, some people thought the chain represented bondage, so it was quickly replaced with a wreath! Charlotte: official U.S. Mint at Charlotte, North Carolina that issued coins from 1838-1861. Mintmark �C.� cheeks: A term referring to the edging dies used in an edge mill that impress lettering etc. into the edge of a coin blank. cherrypick: buying a coin at a price way below its true value. This is where your knowledge can make you money! choice: nice. Usually used with other grading terms, for example, �Choice Very Fine� or �Choice Uncirculated.� Choice Uncirculated: equal to Mint State 63 on a scale of 1 to 70. chopmark: the small mark punched onto coins (usually Trade Dollars) by Asian merchants who �certified� the coins authenticity and value. circulated: a coin that is worn and no longer Uncirculated. circulation: anywhere a coin is used or where it might become worn. This can include banks, your pocket, your piggy bank, gumball machines, the store�you name it. circulation strike: a coin that was made to be used and spent. The opposite are Proof coins that are made specially for collectors and are not meant to be spent. clad: coins made of layers of metal. Examples include our modern Dimes, Quarters, Half Dollars, and One Dollars that have centers of copper and outer layers of a copper-nickel alloy. Clark, Gruber & Co. : A private assay office that produced gold coins of the Colorado gold rush. Predecessor to the Denver Mint clash marks: the damage caused when dies smash into each other with no coin blank between them. Clash marks can be minor, severe, or anything in-between. Classic Head: design type used on U.S. Half Cents from 1809-1836 and gold coins from 1834 and 1839. 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.) cleaned: a coin that has dirt or toning removed with a cleaning agent. Cleaning ranges from light to severe, depending on what is used to clean the coin. Cleaning may disqualify a coin from being certified. TIP: leave cleaning to the professionals, as cleaning generally lowers the collector value of a coin. clip: the missing portion of the edge of a coin caused when coin blanks are punched improperly out of metal strips. clipped: a coin that has a portion missing out of the edge because the planchet was cut improperly or someone removed some of the metal. clipping: cutting a small amount of silver or gold from the edge of a coin for personal gain. coin: a round piece of metal to which designs have been applied and a value assigned. coin collection: a carefully organized grouping of coins that have been identified, classified, and valued. coin collector: a person, like you, who loves coins and wants to own as many as possible. Coin Dealer Newsletter: a weekly publication popularly known as the �Greysheet� that lists dealer Bid and Ask prices for U.S. coins. coin doctor: someone who attempts to improve the appearance of a coin by cleaning, repairing, plugging and/or any other deliberate alteration. coin show: a gathering of coin dealers in a public place for the purpose of meeting and trading with collectors and other dealers. Coin World: the weekly numismatic newspaper published by Amos Press of Sidney, Link: Ohio. http://www.coinworld.com/ COINage: the monthly numismatic magazine published by Miller Magazines, Inc. Link: http://www.coinagemag.com/ Coins Magazine: the monthly numismatic magazine published by Krause Publications of Iola, Wisconsin. collar: the edge die of a coin that prevents the coin from spreading out when it is struck. collection: an organized accumulation of coins. collector: anyone who accumulates coins in a systematic, organized manner. colonial: a coin issued by, or used in, any of the American colonies. Includes some foreign coins. commemorative: a coin struck specially to honor a place, event, or person. Commemorative coins are generally sold at a premium and are not meant to circulate. common: a coin that is readily available and inexpensive. common date: a coin that is readily available and inexpensive. condition: the grade of a coin. Condition Census: a listing of the top examples known of a given coin. For instance, the Condition Census for Large Cents includes the best examples known of a particular variety. condition rarity: a coin that is common in low grade but very rare in high grade. For example, some coins are unknown in Uncirculated condition. 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. consignment: the coins that are given to an auction house or dealer to sell. consignor: the person whose coins are sold at auction or by a dealer. contact marks: any marks on a coin that occur from contact with another coin or foreign object. contemporary counterfeit: a fake made close to the date that appears on the coin. Continental Dollars: large coin struck in 1776, usually in Pewter, considered by many to be the first U.S. Silver Dollar. copper spot: the reddish spots of color that occasionally appear on gold coins due to oxidation of the small amount of copper in the alloy. copper-nickel: an alloy used on United States coins that mixes Copper and Nickel in varying amounts. Copper-Nickel Cent: the Flying Eagle and Indian Head Cents struck from 1856 to 1864. copy: a replica of a real coin, usually meant to deceive. copy dies: dies made officially or illegally from either actual coinage dies or coins. Coronet Head: design type of a head of Liberty with a crown-like ornament. Used on U.S. copper coins from 1816-1857 and U.S. gold coins from 1838-1907. corrosion: pitting or green oxidation that appears on the surfaces of coins. Light corrosion is called �porosity,� moderate corrosion is called �granularity,� and heavy corrosion is called �pitting.� counterfeit: a fake coin. cud: a raised area on a coin caused when a chip of metal falls off a die. cull: a coin worn almost completely smooth. Curated: a recently developed term to describe coins that have been cleaned, but where the cleaning has been so light and well done that it is impossible to tell. Curation will not disqualify a coin from being certified. D D: the mintmark of the U.S. Mints at Denver, Colorado and Dahlonega, Georgia. D-Mint: abbreviation for coins struck at the Denver or Dahlonega Mints. Dahlonea: the official U.S. Mint at Dahlonega, Georgia that struck gold coins from 1838 to 1861. damage: any defects or problems that affect a coin after it is struck. date: the year in which a coin is struck. dealer: a person who buys and sells coins, hopefully at a profit. DEBASEMENT: Happens when the issuing authority reduces the purity of the metal in a coin Deep Cameo: Term applied to coins, usually Proofs and prooflike coins that have deeply frosted devices and lettering that contrast with the mirror fields. A coin that shows heavy contrast between the frosted devices and the mirrored fields. Deep Mirror Prooflike: a coin struck for circulation that has extremely reflective surfaces. You can see yourself in these impressive little beauties. denomination: the face value of a coin, as stated on the coin. Examples: denominations include Half Dollars, $2.50 gold, Three Cents, etc. denticles: re small, toothlike design elements all the way around the perimeter of some coins, especially of the 18th and 19th centuries. Denver: the official U.S. Mint at Denver, Colorado that struck coins from 1906 until today. design: the art and lettering that appear on coins. design type: the name given to the design on a particular U.S. coin. designer: the person who creates the design of a coin. He/she may also be the engraver. device: any of the design elements on a coin. die: the steel cylinder with a design on it used to strike one side of a coin. die break: a fracture in a die that can range from a small crack to sinking of a major portion of the die. die crack: fine lines of raised metal that are transferred to a coin when the die cracks under pressure. die rust: dies are made of steel and occasionally rust, causing pits in the die and raised bumps of metal on the coins struck from those dies. die sinker:One who creates coin dies by impressing designs in from previously engraved device punches, letter punches, etc. die state: the status of a die relative to wear, breaks, and condition. Die struck:(100oz / 10oz Bar): die variety: every die is unique, especially early U.S. dies engraved by hand. A die variety is a unique combination of obverse and reverse dies. Some die varieties can be extremely rare. Dime: U.S. coin with a face value of Ten Cents. ding: a small mark on the surface or edge of a coin. dip: to clean a coin in a chemical bath to remove toning. disme: early spelling of �Dime,� pronunciation believed to be �Deem� (from the French). DMPL: abbreviation for Deep Mirror Prooflike (used by PCGS). doctored: a coin that has been cleaned, altered, repaired, or otherwise �improved� to make it more valuable. dollar: an official U.S. denomination equal to 100 Cents or 1/10 of an Eagle. Double Eagle: official name for a $20 gold piece. doubled die: a die or coin on which the details appear doubled. double-struck: a coin that has been struck twice from the dies. doubloon: A Spanish gold coin DPL: abbreviation for Deep Prooflike (used by NGC). Draped Bust: design type used on many U.S. coins from 1795-1807. drop press: Also called a drop hammer, this type of coining press applies the needed pressure to strike a coin by dropping a large weight to the die set. dull: drab, usually referring to the lack of luster. E eagle: the bird that appears on the backs of most U.S. silver and gold coins. Also, the official term for a U.S. $10 gold piece. edge: known as the third side of a coin, this is the surface that encircles a coin. edge device: any marking, lettering or ornamentation on the edge of a coin. edge mill: See "Castaing Machine" EF: abbreviation for Extra Fine or Extremely Fine. electrotype: a well-made, deceptive copy of a coin created by joining two halves together over a lead center. Only one electrotype can be made at a time. Electrotypes will fail the ring test and close examination will reveal a seam along the edge. electrum: a natural alloy of gold and silver, used to make some of the first coins. elements: the various designs, lettering, and markings on a coin. elongate: Refers to elongated cents or other coins produced as souvenirs by rolling coins through a set of roller dies to impress a new image. encapsulated: placed in a sealed plastic holder by any of the independent, third-party grading services. engraver: the person who actually cuts the design of a coin into the die. engrailed edge: A decorative design applied to the edge of a coin such as a Spanish milled dollar. environmental damage: damage to a coin caused by the elements (pollution, moisture, and excess oxidation). error: a coin that results from a mistake in the coining process. Essay: A trial piece, struck in a metal other than that used for coinage estimate: a guess as to what a coin will sell for at auction, usually based on price guides and comparable sales. exergue: a section of a coin, separated by a dividing line. expert: anyone who knows as much as possible about a numismatic subject. Expertise can be gained through study or examination of many coins. Extra Fine: a well-preserved coin with a grade range from 40 to 49 on a grading scale of 1 to 70. Extremely Fine: same as Extra Fine. extruded:(100oz / 10oz Bar): eye appeal: the visual aspects of a coin. Coins with nice eye appeal are worth a premium. F face value: the value that is stated on a coin. For example: the face value of a Dime is Ten Cents; the collector value of the same coins may be substantially higher. Fair: a grading term for a coin that is so worn that it is barely identifiable as to type. fake: a counterfeit coin meant to deceive. fantasy: a coin that has nothing to do with reality. fasces: the ax bound in a bundle of sticks that appears on the back of Mercury Head Dimes struck from 1916 to 1945. field: the flat surfaces of a coin that surround the designs and legends. Fine: a grade range from 11 to 19 on a grading scale of 1 to 70. fineness: the percentage of metal in gold and silver coins. Example: a 1964 Dime has a fineness of 90%. finest known: the coin ranked as the best example known of a denomination, type, date, or variety. first strike: the first coin, or one of the earliest coins, struck from a pair of dies. These are usually Prooflike, well struck and nearly perfect. fishscale: nickname for the silver Three-Cents issued from 1851-1873. fixed price list: a published listing of a dealer�s inventory, priced for sale. flan: planchet, the blank piece of metal on which a coin is struck. flat edge: variety of 1907 $20 �High Relief� gold coins that has a flat border. The edge on this coin is actually lettered! flat luster: reduced brilliance due to dark toning, impaired surfaces, or cleaning. flip: a coin holder (usually 2� x 2�) made of clear, soft plastic, with pockets on both sides. Some contain the dreaded PVC! flow lines: when a coin is struck, the metal flows outward from the center, resulting in microscopic lines that add to the luster of a coin. Flowing Hair: design type on most copper and silver U.S. coins struck from 1793-1795. Flying Eagle: design type of U.S. Small Cents from 1856-1858; also the reverse of the 1836-1839 Gobrecht Dollars. Flying Eagle Cent: the One Cent coin struck from 1856-1858. flyspecks: microscopic carbon spots on the surface of a coin. foreign: non-U.S. four-dollar gold piece: a pattern coin issued in gold in 1879 and 1880, nicknamed �Stella.� Franklin Half Dollar: the U.S. Half Dollars struck from 1948 to 1963 with the head of Benjamin Franklin on the front. friction:the rub or wear on a coin. frost: on Uncirculated coins, a crystalline luster. On Proof coins, the slightly grainy finish that is given to the devices. frosted devices: raised design elements that still have a white, slightly grainy finish. Opposite: brilliant devices. frosty luster: luster that is crisp, bright, and slightly crystalline in appearance. Fugio cents: copper coins struck in 1787 by private minters under contract with the U.S. government. Many of the design elements are credited to Benjamin Franklin. Full Bands: Mercury Head Dimes that have fully defined bands on the fasces. Only well struck coins will have these features. Full Bell Lines: Franklin Half Dollars that have clearly defined horizontal lines on the bottom of the bell on the reverse. Only well struck coins will have these features. Full Head: Standing Liberty Quarter Dollars that have full details on Liberty�s head. Only well struck coins will have these features. Full Steps: a Jefferson Nickel with complete details on the steps leading up to Monticello, indicating a rare full strike. full strike: a coin that has complete details thanks to a crisp, bold stamp from the dies. G galvano: A large, bronze coin pattern used in the reduction lathe to cut a coining die. Gem: an exceptionally beautiful and well struck coin. Gem Uncirculated: a grade range of 65 to 66 on a scale of 1 to 70. Gobrecht dollar: U.S. Silver Dollars designed by Christian Gobrecht and struck from 1836 to 1839. gold: a soft, precious metal of yellow color. 2- is a chemical element with the symbol Au (Latin: aurum) and atomic number 79. It is a highly sought-after precious metal in jewelry, in sculpture, and for ornamentation since the beginning of recorded history. The metal occurs as nuggets or grains in rocks, in veins and in alluvial deposits. Gold is dense, soft, shiny and the most malleable and ductile pure metal known. Pure gold has a bright yellow color and luster traditionally considered attractive, which it maintains without rusting in air or water. It is one of the coinage metals and formed the basis for the gold standard used before the collapse of the Bretton Woods system in 1971. Gold is the most malleable and ductile of all metals; a single gram can be beaten into a sheet of one square meter, or an ounce into 300 square feet. Gold leaf can be beaten thin enough to become translucent. The transmitted light appears greenish blue, because gold strongly reflects yellow and red. gold commemorative: U.S. coins issued in gold, in a variety of denominations, to commemorate various events or important people in American history. gold dollar: the U.S. $1 gold coins struck from 1849-1889. Good: a grading term for a coin that is very worn but which has most of the devices outlined. grade: the determination of the degree of wear (or lack thereof) on a coin. grader: usually, an expert that determines the grade of a coin for an independent, third-party grading service. grading: the art or skill of determining the condition of a coin. Greysheet: nickname for the Coin Dealer Newsletter. Gild: - To coat with gold, gold leaf, or a gold coloured substance H hairline: a fine, thin surface scratch that is usually caused by wiping a coin with a cloth. Hairlines affect grades and values negatively, depending on how many are present. Half Cent: the U.S. copper coins struck from 1793 to 1857 worth one-half of one Cent.. Half Dime: the U.S. silver coins struck from 1794 to 1873 worth five Cents.. Half Disme: the 1792 Half Dime (believed to be pronounced �Half Deem�, after the French). Half Dollar: the Fifty Cents coins struck from 1794 until today. Half Eagle: the official government term for a Five Dollars gold piece. halogen light: an extremely bright light that is often used to grade coins. hammered Coin: A coin struck with a hand-held die hit with a hammer. hardening & tempering: The two steps involved in heat treating steel dies to make them hard enough and tough enough to stamp coins. haze: a light film on a coin caused by oxidation or PVC. Heraldic Eagle: design type that shows an eagle with outspread wings and a shield on its chest. Used on many U.S. coins from 1795 until today. high points: the tops of the design elements on a coin, where wear is most likely to occur. High Relief: variety of the 1907 $20 gold piece designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens on which the design elements are much higher than usual. hoard: an accumulation of the same type or types of coins. hoard coin: a coin that is known to have originated from a hoard. hoarder: a person who builds a hoard. hobbing:The act of reproducing dies using a high tonnage press. Hobo nickel: a Buffalo Nickel with the Indian�s head re-engraved into amusing images. Link to Hobo Nickel Society : http://www.hobonickels.org/ very interesting! holed: a coin that has a hole drilled through it, usually so that it can be worn as jewelry. hot Struck: A coin or medal struck while the planchet was hot such as in many ancient coins. hub: a die with an incuse design, used to make dies for coining. I impaired Proof: a Proof coin that has been spent, cleaned, or otherwise damaged. incandescent light: a normal light bulb, usually 75 Watts, used to grade coins. incomplete strike: a coin that has parts of the design missing or weak. This can be caused by poor pressure, mis-aligned dies, or foreign matter on the dies. incuse: refers to designs or lettering that are impressed into a coin (instead of being raised). The best examples of this are the $2.5 and $5 Indian gold pieces issued from 1908-1929. Indian Head cent: the U.S. One Cent coins struck from 1859-1909. Indian Head Eagle: the U.S. $10 gold coins struck from 1907-1933. Indian Penny: the U.S. One Cent coins struck from 1859-1909. Ingot:mass of metal cast into a size and shape such as a bar, plate, or sheet convenient to store, transport, and work into a semifinished or finished product; it also refers to a mold in which metal is so cast. Gold, silver, and steel, particularly, are cast into ingots for further processing. inscription: the wording or legends on a coin. intrinsic value: the metal or bullion value of a coin, regardless of the face or collector value. investor: a person who buys or collects coins with the intent to make a profit. iridescence: refers to the brightness or reflectivity of toning on a coin. J JANVIER LATHE: An instrument for the reduction of a design from the original size of the model to the coin size of the die Jefferson nickel: the U.S. Five Cents coins struck from 1938 until today. juice: The percentage added on to the winning bid of an auction sale. K key: the coin in a series that is the hardest to obtain and generally the most valuable. knife edge: the wire rim caused when metal squeezes between the die and the collar under extreme pressure. knuckle joint press: A type of coining press introduced to the U.S. Mint in 1836. This machine is still the standard type of coining press used in mints around the world and can strike coins at a very high speed L lamination:a �peeling� defect in a planchet caused by air or impurities when the planchet strip is rolled out. Large Cent: the U.S. One Cent coins struck from 1793 to 1857. large date: the opposite of a small date. This is a relative term. Laureate: Head crowned with laurel wreath. legend: any of the wording or lettering on a coin. A motto can be a legend. lettered edge: an edge of a coin that has been imprinted with raised or incuse letters lettering: any of the letters or words that appear on a coin or its edge. Liberty: the female embodiment of the American concept of freedom and liberty. Miss Liberty is a favorite subject on U.S. coins and she has appeared in a number of different forms. Liberty Cap: design type of U.S. copper coins struck from 1793-1796. Liberty Head: any of the anonymous female heads that have appeared on U.S. coins. Liberty Nickel: the Five Cents coins struck from 1883 to 1913, with a head of Liberty on the front and a large V on the back. Liberty Seated: design type used on U.S. silver coins struck from 1836 to 1891. Lincoln Cent: the U.S. One Cent piece struck from 1909 until today. loupe: a high-power magnifying glass used to examine coins. luster: the shiny quality of new metal. Luster decreases as wear increases. lustrous: a coin that is bright and shiny. M mail bid sale: a type of auction that accepts bids only by mail, fax, phone, etc. and where no bids are accepted from the floor. major variety: a design change that is obvious but not significant enough to warrant a change in the type. Malleability / Malleable: Capacity to be shaped, as in softer more pliable metal. Master die: The first finished die that is used to impress a positive hub from which the working dies are produced. marks: the defects caused when a coin is hit by foreign objects or other coins. Matte Proof: a Proof coin with dull, slightly grainy surfaces. Applies to Proof coins struck from 1908-1916, Peace Dollars 1921-1922, and some modern Jefferson Nickel Proofs. matrix: A female die from which a device punch (patrix) or letter punch can be produced mechanical doubling: A doubled image error caused by the coining press in the striking of a coin. Not to be confused with Doubled Die varieties. medal: a circular piece of metal that looks like a coin but has no value stamped on it. melt: the bullion or intrinsic value of a coin. Mercury Dime: the U.S. Ten Cent pieces struck from 1916 to 1945. The front of these coins has a head of Liberty wearing a winged cap, supposedly representing freedom of thought, and looking slightly like the Roman god Mercury. milled coinage: Coins produced using machines such as a roller mill, edge mill and mechanical press. milling mark: a contact mark on a coin caused by the reeded edge of another coin. minor variety: a difference between two coins that is insignificant. mint: the official government building where coins are struck. mintage: the quantity made of a coin. mint error: a coin that was improperly struck at the mint. See: Error. mint set: a specially packaged set of Uncirculated coins produced and sold by the U.S. Mint. mint set toning: the sought-after, beautiful toning created by the paper holders of U.S. mint sets from 1947 to 1958. Mint State: �brand new� or Uncirculated coins that range from 60 to 70 on a grading scale of 1 to 70. mintage: the quantity struck by the Mint of a particular coin. mintmark: a small letter (or letters) on a coin that identify the mint where the coin was struck. mis-struck: a coin that was made improperly. See: Error. mishandled Proof: a Proof coin that has been spent, cleaned, or otherwise damaged. Miss Liberty: the name for the anonymous lady that appears on many U.S. coins. Morgan dollar: the silver U.S. One Dollar coins struck from 1878-1921. mottled toning: uneven or mixed coloring on a coin. Motto: legends like �IN GOD WE TRUST� or �E PLURIBUS UNUM� that appear on many U.S. coins. MS: abbreviation for Mint State, a grading term, usually tied to a number (for example, MS-63, MS-70, etc.). mule: an unintended pairing of two dies. multiple-struck: a coin that was struck more than once. mutilated: a severely damaged coin. Mylar: Pure Mylar is chemically inert and harmless to coin N new: an everyday term for an Uncirculated or Mint State coin. New Orleans: the official U.S. Mint at New Orleans, Louisiana that struck coins from 1838 to 1909. NGC: abbreviation for the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (a third-party, independent grading service). http://www.ngccoin.com/ http://www.ngccoin.com/poplookup/ Nick: a small contact mark on a coin. Nickel: the hard metal used to make Five Cent pieces. Also, the alloy on modern clad coins. Notgeld: Emergency money. Usually that issued by Germany during World War I Numerical grading: a system used to describe the condition of a coin. The numerical system currently in use for American coins ranges from 1 to 70, with 70 indicating a perfect coin. NGC - Numismatic Guaranty Corporation : an independent, third-party grading and certification service located in Parsippany, New Jersey. Numismatic News: the weekly numismatic newspaper published by Krause Publications. Numismatic: numismatics (nū'mĭzmăt'ĭks, �mĭs�) , collection and study of coins, medals, and related objects as works of art and as sources of information. The coin and the medal preserve old forms of writing, portraits of eminent persons, and reproductions of lost works of art; they also assist in the study of early customs, in ascertaining dates, in clarifying economic status and trade relations, and in tracing changes in political attitudes. In the past many valuable coin collections were assembled by individuals; in the 20th cent., however, public museums have been responsible for building the largest collections. The largest coin market in the world is in London. Numismatics: the study of coins and coin collecting. Numismatist: (n.) One skilled in numismatics; a numismatologist. (n.) One skilled in numismatics; a numismatologist. O Obverse: the front of a coin, usually the side with the date or head. When you flip a coin and call �Heads,� this is the side you want. Off-center: a coin that was not perfectly centered when it was struck. Off-center strikes can range from minor to extreme. Original: a coin that has never been cleaned or impaired in any way. Original roll: a roll of coins that remains as fresh as the day the coins were first placed together. Original toning: natural color on a coin, as opposed to artificial toning. Over-mintmark: a coin with two mintmarks, one on top of the other. Over-dipped: a coin that has received one too many chemical baths in a mis-guided cleaning attempt. In other words, someone blew it! Overdate: a coin with two dates (or parts of dates), one on top of the other. Over-grading: the deliberate or unintentional grading of a coin above its true grade. This practice is sometimes used to sell coins for more than they are worth. Oxidation: tarnish or corrosion on a coin caused by chemical reaction with its surroundings. Some tarnish is okay, any corrosion is bad. P Palladium: (PD) - Pantograph: A type of engraving machine used to cut lettering and designs into coin dies from templates. Patina: refers to the surface crust on an ancient coin or the color on a more modern coin. patrix: A punch a die sinker uses to impress an eagle or Liberty head design into a working die. Pattern: a coin that tests a design to see how it appears in coin form and to determine if it strikes up properly. By definition, a pattern is a design type that was never accepted for regular use. PCGS: abbreviation for the Professional Coin Grading Service, Inc., one of the leading independent, third-party grading services. http://www.pcgs.com/ Prices: http://www.pcgs.com/prices/ PCGS Population Report: a monthly compilation of all coins graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service, Inc., broken down by date and grade. A very useful tool for determining the rarity of various coins and grades. Peace Dollar: the U.S. $1 coins struck from 1921 to 1935. Pedigree: the list of prior owners of a coin. Penny: nickname for the U.S. One Cent. Peripheral toning: color that appears in the peripheries of a coin. Periphery: the outer areas on the front and back of a coin. Philadelphia: the �mother� of all U.S. Mints, located at Philadelphia, [Pennsylvania. Early coins from Philadelphia had no mintmark; more modern issues bear the letter �P.� PIEDFORT: - A type of pattern struck on an extra thick flan Pioneer gold: privately issued gold coins struck by a variety of minters anywhere in America where gold was discovered. pitted: a coin that has tiny pockmarks of missing metal caused by corrosion. plain edge: an edge of a coin that has no marking, reedings, or lettering of any kind. planchet: the blank piece of metal upon which a coin is struck. A blank coin disc that has been rimmed. Sometimes referred to as a "type 2 planchet" planchet defects: flaws on a coin that are believed to have been in the metal before the coin was struck. These are not treated as harshly as circulation marks or defects, if at all. planchet flaw: same as a planchet defect. planchet striations: defects in a blank planchet, caused by impurities in the metal, that are not obliterated when the coin is struck. plated: a coin to which an extra layer of metal was applied chemically or electronically (usually gold or silver). platinum: a precious metal used primarily in bullion coins. plugged: a coin that once had a hole drilled through it, but now the hole has been filled or �plugged� to bring the coin back to its original appearance and full value. plus: used with grading terms to indicate an above-average coin. Example � Very Fine plus. PNG: abbreviation for the Professional Numismatists Guild. polished die: before they are used for the first time, or after they have become worn, dies are often polished to make the surfaces nice and smooth. Polished dies may be highly reflective or may have die polishing marks. polyvinyl chloride: a chemical used to soften the plastic in some coin holders and albums. Also known as PVC, this chemical can damage the surfaces of coins. Poor: a grading term for a coin that is so badly worn that you can barely recognize the type and date. See �About Good.� porous: slightly pitted due to cleaning or chemical action. P.O.R. : Price On Request. Used for higher priced coins PQ: abbreviation for Premium Quality. premium quality: a coin that is above-average for the grade. presentation striking: a coin struck for a special occasion. These may or may not have been struck as Proofs, but they are generally prepared under special circumstances. press: the machinery used to strike coins. Prestige Set: a special set of Proof U.S. coins that includes the normal denominations, plus one or more of the Proof commemorative coins issued that year. price guide: any number of publications that list wholesale and/or resale prices for coins, often in a number of different grades or categories. price list: a published listing of a dealer�s inventory, priced for sale. price realized: the price that a coin sold for at auction. This usually includes the buyer�s fee. pristine: perfect and absolutely original. Private Mint: A mint owned by a private individual or corporation. Professional Coin Grading Service: an independent, third-party grading service located in Newport Beach, CA. Professional Numismatists Guild: an association of professional coin dealers. Proof : a special process for producing coins of exceptional quality and brilliance. Proof coins will exhibit a full strike, mirrored surfaces, and sometimes a cameo effect. A proof coin is made with a specially polished and treated die! By treating the die in a special way, the coins it produces have a different appearance. Modern technology allows the high points on the coin design to be acid treated (on the die). The background (field) design of the coin die is polished, resulting in a mirror-like look on the coin it strikes. This gives the finished coin a frosted look (frosting) on the raise parts of the design, with a mirror like finish on the background. This contrasting finish is often called "cameo". (See picture above.) On some older coins a cameo appearance is quite rare. The attribute "CAM", when added to a coin's description, means cameo appearance. "DCAM" means deep cameo, and indicates the cameo appearance is strong and easy to observe. Proof coins are struck twice, or more! Not only are proofs made using specially treated dies, each coin is struck two or more times by the coin die. By striking it more than once the metal is forced into all the crevices of the die, thereby giving a very fine detail to the image on the coin. This fine detail does not appear on some non-proof coins. Note that all kennedy proofs are not silver. Proofs are also super thick compared to the normal coins. "Proof" is NOT a grade. Proof set: the specially packaged set of Proof coins produced and sold by the U.S. Mint each year. Proof dies: the dies used to strike Proof coins. Modern Proof dies are specially prepared, with frosted devices and deeply mirrored fields. Proof-only issue: coins that were struck only as Proofs. Prooflike: a circulation strike that mimics the deeply reflective appearance of a Proof coin. provenance: a fancy word for pedigree. Be sure to raise your nose in the air whenever you say this word. punch: A hard steel tool used by die sinkers to impress a letter, star, date or design into a working die. pyx: A locked box where random silver and gold coins are dropped for future quality testing. (trial of the pyx) PVC: see polyvinyl chloride, the chemical plasticizer that can damage coins. PVC damage: the damage caused to a coin by polyvinyl chloride. Q Quarter: abbreviated name for a Quarter Dollar or Twenty-Five Cent piece. Quarter Eagle: the official name for a $2.5 gold piece. questionable toning: color on a coin that is suspected of being artificial. R Racketeer nickel: in 1883, the first of the new Liberty Nickels were struck without the word �CENTS.� Con men applied reeding to the edges, gold-plated some of them, then passed them off as $5 gold pieces! rainbow toning: color on a coin that includes many of the hues of a rainbow. rare: not common. rarity: the determination of how common or rare a coin is. rarity scale: a system used to rate the rarity of a coin, usually from 1 to 10, with 1 being common and 10 being unique. raw: a coin that has not been certified. Warning: there could be a reason why! rays: refers to the lines radiating on the backs of the Quarter Dollars and Half Dollars in 1853 to indicate a change in their weights. Red: describes a copper coin that has full, original red color. Red Cent: "The original 1793 U.S. one-cent copper coin was issued until 1857. The cent has also been called 'red cent,' 1839 (from the copper's reddish color), which sometimes has been shortened to 'red' since 1849.Since so many penny copper coins had been called 'coppers,' the first U.S. copper cent was immediately called a 'copper' and 'copper cent.' 'Not worth a copper' is an American term of 1788, followed by 'not worth a cent' (1820s)." From "Listening to America" by Stuart Berg Flexner (Simon and Schuster, New York, 1982). You can see here the origin of the phrase not one "red cent!" Red-Brown: an indication that a copper coin is partially brown yet still contains some of the original mint red color. Redbook: popular name for �The Guidebook of United States Coins.� Guess what color the cover is. reduction lathe: A machine used to trace a galvano or epoxy model and cut a design into a coin die at a desired size reeded edge: an edge with raised vertical or diagonal marks designed to make it obvious if anyone has removed any metal from the edges. This was important when coins were valued for their full weight in precious or semi-precious metal. reeding mark(s): contact marks caused by the edge reeding of another coin. See: Milling mark. Refining: The act of removing impurities in metals. regular issue: a coin that was meant to be used in general circulation. See: Circulation strike. relief: the raised portions of a coin, usually the design elements. REMEDY: The tolerance allowed in the purity and weight of a coin replica: a copy of a coin. re-punched: or RPM: epunched mintmark, or RPM, is a coin that exhibits two or more images of the same mintmark, caused by errors in the punching of the mintmark onto the coin die (or very rarely, onto the hub.) Up until 1990, the U.S. Mint used to manually punch the mintmark into each individual coin die. Occasionally, due to human error, a die would get two or more punches of the same mintmark, sometimes in almost the same location, and sometimes at 90 or 180 degree rotations! Although the mint workers usually caught these defective dies before any coins were produced from them, on very occasions a die would strike coins with multiple impressions of the same mintmark letter. Such specimens are called repunched mintmarks, or RPMs. In general, they are very collectible. restrike: a coin from genuine dies, struck later than the year indicated on the coin, usually to satisfy collectors. retoned: a coin that was stripped of color, then artificially toned to make it look original. reverse: the back of a coin, usually the side without a date or a head. When you flip a coin and call �Tails,� this is the side you want. riddler: A vibrating screen with many holes used to separate mis-struck coins out of the production run. rim: the point where the periphery meets the edge of a coin. rim bruise: a flattened area on the rim of a coin, usually caused when the coin is dropped. rim ding: a contact mark on the rim of a coin. rim nick: same as a rim ding. rimming Machine: A machine that smoothes and upsets the metal on the outer perimeter of a coin blank by rolling it between two grooved tracks under pressure. ring test: a method of determining if a coin is a cast counterfeit by tapping it with a pen or pencil. A genuine coin has a nice ring to it, like a tuning fork. A cast fake will give a dull thud. Rocker press: A type of press that worked by squeezing metal between two curved dies in a rocking movement. roll: a set quantity of coins that banks �roll up� in paper wrappers. Example: a roll of Quarters has forty coins. rolled edge: describes the rounded rim on a rare variety of 1907 Indian Head $10 gold pieces. Roller dies: Engraved rolls installed in a roller mill that impress a continuous strip of coin designs that are then cut out from the strip. roller marks: parallel lines caused when metal strips are flattened between two rollers. Roller marks are most often seen on the high points of Silver Dollars, especially those that were struck softly. rolling mill: Originally powered by horses or waterwheels, these machines are still used to roll strip from which coin blanks are cut. It works by rolling the strip under high pressure between two steel rolls to the desired thickness. rub: friction. S S: the mintmark of the U.S. Mint at San Francsico, California. Saint-Gaudens: last name of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the designer of the impressive $10 and $20 gold coins struck by the United States from 1907 to 1933. The $20 versions are known as �Saints.� saltwater Unc.: an otherwise Uncirculated coin that has been immersed in the ocean for many years, resulting in slightly grainy surfaces. San Francisco: the official U.S. Mint at San Francisco, California that struck coins from 1854 until today. Mintmark �S.� satin finish: a special, matte-like finish on some Proof U.S. gold coins struck from 1907 to 1915 and on 1936 Buffalo Nickels. satin luster:a soft, mellow brilliance on the surface of a coin. scratch: the long mark left when a foreign object is dragged across the surface of a coin. screw press: old-style machinery used to strike coins. Weighted arms are rotated quickly to propel a large screw that slams the dies together. sea salvage coin: a coin recovered from a shipwreck. Seated coinage: a shortened term for coins with the Liberty Seated design type. segmented collar: A collar that is used to strike coins and medals with raised elements such as letters or stars. After striking, the collar separates in three or more pieces to free the struck piece. seller�s fee: the commission charged to the consignors in an auction. Tip: these fees are negotiable depending on the value of the consignment. semi-prooflike: a coin that has mirrored surfaces that aren�t quite strong enough to be called Prooflike. series: the complete listing of all dates and mints struck of a denomination or design type. set: a complete collection of all dates and mints struck of a denomination or design type. Sheldon scale: the grading scale developed by Dr. William Sheldon that ranks coins on a scale of 1 to 70, with 70 representing perfection. shield: a popular design element on U.S. coins that is really a flag in the shape of a shield. Shield nickel: the U.S. Five Cents pieces struck from 1866 to 1883. show: a numismatic convention. See: Bourse. sight seen: an offer for a coin subject to verification and acceptance of the grade. sight unseen: an offer for a coin that requires no verification of the grade. silver: 1 � A precious metal 2 � Referring to coins struck in silver (generally 90% silver and 10% copper but there are a few exceptions). 3 -s a chemical element with the chemical symbol Ag (Latin: argentum, from the Ancient Greek: ????????? - arg?entos, gen. of ??????? - arg?eis, "white, shining" ) and atomic number 47. A soft, white, lustrous transition metal, it has the highest electrical conductivity of any element and the highest thermal conductivity of any metal. The metal naturally occurs in its pure, free form (native silver) and as an alloy with gold (electrum), as well as in various minerals, such as argentite and chlorargyrite. Most silver is produced as a by-product of copper, gold, lead, and zinc refining. silver commemoratives: special silver coins struck to honor people, places, or events. Commemoratives are often used to raise funds and their mintages are usually limited. silver dollar: the $1 coins struck by the U.S. from 1794 to 1935 (plus a few modern commemoratives). silver Eagle: a bullion coin containing one ounce of silver and a face value of $1, first produced by the U.S. Mint in 1986. slab: the plastic cases used by grading and certification services. Also, a coin that has been slabbed. slabbed: the act of sealing a coin in a protective plastic case. Generally, "slabbed" coins are graded by one of the two major grading services. slider: a slightly worn coin that is so nice that many people would call it Uncirculated. Ranks 58 on the grading scale of 1 to 70. slug: nickname for the heavy $50 gold pieces issued privately and officially following the Gold Rush in California. small cent: as opposed to the Large Cent, these are the smaller-sized copper One Cent pieces struck from 1856 until today. small date: the opposite of �large date.� Likewise, date size is relative. Small Eagle: the scrawny eagle design used on U.S. gold and silver coins struck from 1794 to 1798. small letters: some coins and varieties may have Small Letters, Medium Letters, or Large Letters. Small Motto: refers to a scarce 1864 Two Cents variety that has a small �IN GOD WE TRUST� on the obverse. small size: a variety or type struck on a smaller diameter planchet. Compare with: Large Size. Smelting: The extraction of metal from ore in high-temperature furnaces. spark-erosion die: used to strike counterfeit coins, these dies are made by placing a steel cylinder close to an actual coin, then arcing electricity between the two to create a nearly perfect duplicate (in reverse) of the coin. Special Mint Set: official Mint Sets issued by the U.S. government in 1965, 1966, and 1967. The quality of the coins was better than normal Mint Set coins, but not as nice as Proof coins. Specimen: a coin specially prepared for presentation purposes. Specimens may or may not be Proofs. splash Minting: A method of striking large, high-relief medals and coins where the metal is not contained by a collar, thus allowing it to flow out freely. The excess medal is then trimmed off on a lathe. This method was first used in Ancient Greece to produce the large Ptolemaic bronze coins. split grade: describes a coin that is better than one grade but not quite as good as another. Example � VF-EF (Very Fine to Extremely Fine). splotchy toning: color on a coin that is original but mottled and unattractive. spot: (coin) a tiny area of discoloration or corrosion on the surface of a coin. spread: the difference between buy and sell (or Bid and Ask) offers. St. Gaudens: last name of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the designer of the impressive $10 and $20 gold coins struck by the United States from 1907 to 1933. The $20 versions are known as �Saints.� Standing Liberty quarter: the U.S. Quarter Dollars struck from 1916 to 1930. staple scratch: some types of coin holders are stapled shut. Sometimes (rarely, I hope) a coin can be scratched by the staple as the coin is removed from the holder. star: until the early 1900�s, small stars appeared on most American coins. Usually thirteen in number, the stars represented the original American Colonies. State Quarter: any of the new Quarter Dollars issued under the U.S. Mints �50 States Quarters� Program beginning in 1999. steel cent: the 1943 Lincoln Cents struck of zinc-coated steel as an emergency replacement for the usual bronze. Stella: nickname for the $4 gold patterns struck in 1879 and 1880. storecards: any token on which one or both sides contains a merchant�s advertisement. striations: fine lines that appear on dies or planchets. Striations are natural and should not be confused with: Hairlines. strike: the degree to which metal flows into the recesses of the dies when a coin is struck. The strike of a coin is usually referred to as weak, soft, bold, or full. strike-through: A type of error that occurs when a piece of foreign material gets between the die and the coin planchet as the coin is struck. strip: the flattened sheet of metal from which blank planchets are punched. struck: a coin created in a press by stamping a blank piece of metal with a pair of dies. struck copy: a counterfeit made using dies in a press. struck counterfeit: a fake coin that is struck using dies in a press. successful bidder: the winner in an auction. surface preservation: how well the surfaces of a coin have survived intact. surface: the outer layers of metal on all sides of a coin. Sweating Coins: placing gold coins in a small container and shaking them together to remove flecks of gold switch: the substitution of one coin for another, usually in an attempt to deceive or defraud. T telemarketer: a person or company whose primary business is to sell coins over the telephone. teletype: an electronic system that allows coin dealers to communicate and trade with each other. tensor light: a special bulb used to grade coins. Tensor bulbs are usually brighter than incandescent but not as blinding as halogen. Territorial Gold: privately issued gold coins of the mid 1800�s. See: Pioneer Gold. Thaler: any of the silver European coins, usually the size of a U.S. Silver Dollar. The �Th� is pronounced as �t.� Try it out and guess where we got the word �Dollar� from! The Numismatist:official, monthly publication of the American Numismatic Association. Three Cents - Nickel: a small coin made of Nickel with a value of Three Cents, issued between 1865 and 1889. Three Cents - Silver: a teensy, tiny silver coin issued between 1851 and 1873 with a value of Three Cents. Also known as a �Fishscale� or �Trime.� thumbing: applying a foreign substance to the surface of a coin with your thumb, usually to cover a flaw, hairline, or small defect. token: a small coin with no stated value. These are usually made for commemorative or advertising purposes. toning: the color changes that occur on coins as a result of oxidation or contamination. Sometimes toning can be ugly; often it can be quite beautiful. Beware of artificial toning. Trade dollar: a special Silver Dollar made from 1873 to 1885 that was sent to Asia to compete with silver bullion coins of other countries. Many of these have interesting chopmarks. treasure coin: a coin found as part of buried or sunken treasure. trial strike: a test striking of a die, usually to see how the final coin would look or to see how the mint machinery would work. trime: nickname for the Three Cents silver pieces struck from 1851-1873 Troy ounce: unit of weight for precious metals. One troy ounce equals 31.1035 grams or 480 grains. One troy ounce equals 1.09711 avoirdupois ounce. Truncation: Lower edge of neck or bust of a portrait on a coin Trussel Die: The upper die. In hammered coinage, this is held by hand. Turban Head: design type used on U.S. gold coins from 1795 to 1807. Twenty: nickname for a U.S. $20 gold piece. Twenty Lib: nickname for the U.S. $20 gold pieces with a head of Liberty on the front, struck from 1849 to 1907. Two and a Half: nickname for U.S. $2.50 gold pieces. Two Cents piece: the copper U.S. Two Cent pieces struck from 1864 to 1873. type: any particular design or denomination. type coin: the most common example of the type, and the most affordable. U Ultra High Relief: an extremely rare variety of the 1907 $20 St. Gaudens gold piece that has extremely high relief and wire rims. ultra rarity: a coin of which there is only a few known. under-bidder: the person with the second-highest bid in an auction. Also known as the Loser. under-grading: the grading of a coin below its true grade. This practice is sometimes used to purchase coins below what they are really worth. Under-type: The original coin design before it was struck over with a different set of dies. Union: The official name of the $50 silver coin. unique: one-of-a-kind. upsetting: The raising of metal that occurs around the perimeter of a coin blank when run through a rimming machine. V VAM: the designation given to Morgan and Peace Dollar varieties listed by Leroy Van Allen and George Mallis. V-Nickel: nickname for the Liberty Head Nickels struck from 1883 to 1913. variety: changes in design elements or placement. See: Minor Variety and Major Variety. VDB: the initials of Victor David Brenner, designer of the Lincoln Cent. These appear on some of the 1909 Cents, often increasing their value dramatically. Very Fine: a grade range of 20 to 39 on a grading scale of 1 to 70. Very Good: a grade range of 7 to 11 on a grading scale of 1 to 70. vertigre: The green patina that develops on copper based metals. Example the Statue of Liberty has an outer shell of copper vest pocket dealer: a person who deals in coins on a casual basis and who normally does not operate a coin shop or take tables at coin shows. VF: abbreviation for Very Fine. VG: abbreviation for Very Good. W waffled coin: A coin that has not met quality standards that has been destroyed through a waffling machine. Walking Liberty Half Dollar: the U.S. Half Dollars struck from 1916 to 1945. want list: a list of the coins you need to complete your collection. Wartime nickel: the U.S. Five Cents pieces struck from 1942 to 1945 in which silver and manganese was substituted for Nickel. Washington Quarter Dollar: the U.S. Quarter Dollars struck from 1932 until today. weak strike: a coin that did not receive a full impression from the dies. wear: friction on the surface of a coin. webbing: The left-over strip or sheet of metal after cutting coin blanks from it. well struck: a coin that has complete details thanks to a crisp, bold stamp from the dies. West Point: the official U.S. Mint at West Point, New York that struck coins from 1984 until today. whizzing: the application of a high-speed rotating brush to the surface of a coin with the intent to create an artificial luster. wire edge: a variety of the 1907 $20 High Relief gold coin that has a partial or full wire rim. The other variety is the Flat Edge. wire rim: the knife edge caused when metal squeezes between the die and the collar under extreme pressure. with arrows: silver coins of 1853-1855 and 1873-1874 that have arrowheads on either side of the date to indicate changes in their weight. with arrows and rays: silver Quarter Dollars and Half Dollars of 1853 that have arrowheads on either side of the date and radiating rays on the reverse to indicate changes in their weight. With Motto: refers to the U.S. silver and gold coins struck between 1866 and 1907 that had the motto �IN GOD WE TRUST� added to the design on the back. with rays: silver Quarter Dollars and Half Dollars of 1853 that have arrowheads on either side of the date and sun rays on the reverse to indicate changes in their weight. World Coins: any coin issued by countries other than the United States. working die: The production die that strikes finished pieces. worn die: a die that has been used for so long that the details have begun to wear down, resulting in a coin with less than adequate details. Wreath cent: the type of 1793 Cents with a wreath on the reverse that replaced the 1793 Chain Cent. X XF: abbreviation for Extra Fine or Extremely Fine. Y year set: a collection of all denominations produced in a given year. #s & misc. 7070 - a term used to describe a US type set, housed in a Dansco album of the same number. ---------------- COIN GRADING SCALE: (Based on PCGS) Coin Grading is don on a number scale from one to seventy. Accompanied by a letter grade for further distinguishing the grade. One is the worst condition with almost nothing left of the original detail. Seventy would be the highest quality. A coin with no wear and the full detail struck on the coin. Below are the Letter grades with some examples of possible number / letter grade combinations & their meanings PO: Poor - 1 PO-1: A coin with all the detail worn away as long as it has a date that can be identified and enough detail to figure out what type it is would grade the worst. FR: Fair - 2 FR-2: A coin that meets the description of PO-1 but has some details showing. AG: About Good - 3 AG-3: A coin that has its rim and readable letters, although pretty worn down G: Good - 4-6 Common gradients are 4 and 6. G-6: A coin that has slightly warn rim, details although worn flat, and peripheral letters almost full will grade out as G-4. If the coin has full peripheral letters the coin will grade as G-6 VG: Very Good - 7-10; common gradients are 8 and 10. VG-8: A coin that has its design worn but still has minor details remaining qualifies VG-10: Slightly more detail than VG -8 F: Fine - 11-19; common numerical gradients are 12 and 15. F-12: When the letters are still sharp in detail and there is still detail in the coin but in the low areas on the coin. F-15: if there is a little more detail in the low lying areas of the coin PCGS will give this grade VF: Very Fine - 20-39; common numerical gradients are 20, 30, 35. VF-20: When all the letters are sharp and all there and there is some definition of detail in the coin and not just the low areas VF-25: Again, If there is slightly more detail the coin VF-30: If there is almost full detail in the flat areas VF-35: when the coin has full detail but the high points are worn flat. EF: Extremely Fine - (XF or EF) 40-49; common numerical gradients are 40 and 45. EF-40: when most of the detail on the coin is full and most of the high points are only partially flat. EF-45: is the same except only a few of the high point are flat. AU: About Uncirculated - 50-59; common numerical gradients are 50, 53, 55, and 58. AU-50: defined as a coin that has only minor flatness on the high points of the coin and friction over most of the coins surface. AU-53: is the same but with friction only on half of the coin and a little less flatness. AU-55: is friction on less than half of the coins surface and very slight flatness. AU-58: is only slight friction in the high points of the coin. There must also be full detail on the coin to be graded as any state of AU. MS: Mint State - 60-70 MS-60: a coin that has no wear what so ever, with many heavy marks or hairline scratches and it might not be fully struck with hall the detail. MS-61: is the same but with a few less scratches. MS-62: is slightly less marks on the coin then MS-61. MS-63: is a moderate number of marks on a moderate size. MS-64: is few marks or a couple of severe ones, with an average strike. MS-70: is the highest grade a coin can get, only a few every year ever get this grade. In order to get this grade the coin must have gotten the full strike of the coin and must be in the same condition that it was struck in. it must have no wear or contact marks anywhere on the coin. References & Contributing GIM'ers Thanks: History Student - For all the support, asking for the sticky and contributing! AgAuGal for the sticky! Scratchmo - For multiple definitions & contributions! Jekyll77: - Multiple useful definitions http://lynncoins.com/proofcoin_article.htm & thanks buyingsilvers I thought I referenced the site in which most of these terms are from & seem to have forgotten it. I will add when found, amongst others used. http://www.cmi-gold-silver.com/preci...-of-terms.html http://www.numismedia.com/glossary.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold http://coins.about.com/od/coinsgloss...nched_Mint.htm http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_b...sages/188.html

Ragnarok | 03-13-2009 10:16 AM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Very interesting and also very helpful - thanks for posting this! :applause_ I move that it be stickied. R.

AGRO | 03-13-2009 10:50 AM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms No Problem, I am still in the process of bolding, It doesn't have the grade explanations, but perhaps that could be added in later!

Junk Woody | 03-13-2009 11:29 AM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Thanks AGRO !!

AGRO | 03-13-2009 12:29 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Quote:
Originally Posted by Junk Woody (Post 1623409) Thanks AGRO !!
Glad it is helpful, I found the MS grades and some additional definitions to add, as of now it is a "work in progress"!

OutlawJoseyWalesJr | 03-13-2009 07:07 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Thanks for posting this. This will help me since I collect gold and silver coins and bars.

HistoryStudent | 03-13-2009 07:42 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Collector - Investor is a GOOD term to memorize cause they hate INVESTO:signs14:RS by themselves.

AGRO | 04-02-2009 11:11 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms 4/2 Still working on this... Completed bolding. May add some PM terms into the list that are useful. Mixing some definitions to make more concise.

HistoryStudent | 04-03-2009 12:48 AM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Quote:
Originally Posted by AGRO (Post 1660205) 4/2 Still working on this... Completed bolding. May add some PM terms into the list that are useful. Mixing some definitions to make more concise.
GREAT JOB Well Done fantastical Thanks!:36_3_12:

AGRO | 04-03-2009 03:50 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Quote:
Originally Posted by HistoryStudent (Post 1660332) GREAT JOB Well Done fantastical Thanks!:36_3_12:
Thanks! Just added some new terms.

Scratchmo | 04-04-2009 12:54 AM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms I've got a few more just off the top of my head. I'll work on this, and when I get a bigger list, I'll provide definitions for all these. Most of these have to do with the production of coins and dies. You can probably figure most of them out, but some of these are kind of obscure or misunderstood by the average numismatist. die sinker celator hobbing vertigre bronze disease assay -assaying - assayer smelting refining matrix patrix punch reduction lathe pantograph castaing machine edge mill rolling mill knuckle joint press anvil die trussel die working die master die dentils pyx galvano ingot under-type waffled coin riddler re-punched

AGRO | 04-05-2009 10:32 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms [quote-scratchmo] die sinker celator hobbing vertigre bronze disease assay -assaying - assayer smelting refining matrix patrix punch reduction lathe pantograph castaing machine edge mill rolling mill knuckle joint press anvil die trussel die working die master die dentils pyx galvano ingot under-type waffled coin riddler re-punched[/quote] Tough YET, Great terms, I am in the process of looking them up, Let me know what you find either thru thread or PM, thanks for your interest! AGRO-

HistoryStudent | 04-05-2009 10:52 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms On the numismatic bullion front for silver bars, perhaps: DIE STRUCK - 100 oz. - 10 oz. CAST - 100 oz. EXTRUDED - 100 oz. It's up to you but I would have LOVED to know about these ten years ago.:5_1_120:

AGRO | 04-06-2009 12:43 AM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Quote:
Originally Posted by HistoryStudent (Post 1664396) On the numismatic bullion front for silver bars, perhaps: DIE STRUCK - 100 oz. - 10 oz. CAST - 100 oz. EXTRUDED - 100 oz. It's up to you but I would have LOVED to know about these ten years ago.:5_1_120:
WILL definitely add them - May need a critique of definition or any thoughts/ added knowledge.. Heck we could probably just write our own!!! Maybe the thread needs some photos? Don't want to make it too hard to go through... whaddy'a think?

HistoryStudent | 04-06-2009 09:56 AM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Quote:
Originally Posted by AGRO (Post 1664566) WILL definitely add them - May need a critique of definition or any thoughts/ added knowledge.. Heck we could probably just write our own!!! Maybe the thread needs some photos? Don't want to make it too hard to go through... whaddy'a think?
Photos would be great. Die Struck - were the early bars in the 70s and 80s. The old bars from San Francisco Mint were Die Struck in 1981. Early JM Bars too 100 Oz. These look like huge block coins with Raised letters in the fields and side bars. Some were in cute small cardboard boxes. Then came the Extruded ones like the 100 ounce Englehard bars in the plastic wrap with the american Falg on them. They almost look like the Die Cast - but they have kind of a not straight sides - they angle slightly. Their letters are stamped in I think. Finally came the Cast Bars from JM which look poured and then set themselves. Like concrete mildly finished on top with a small valley on top. Their letters are all stamped in. Old ones had serial numbers stamped in too. There are better professional descriptions - but I like to make things simple. :signs14::36_3_12::yes:

SLV>GLD | 04-06-2009 10:34 AM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Got to see my 1st waffled coins at a show recently. Wish I had taken a picture but it is safe to say you wouldn't mistake it for anything else.

agmom | 04-06-2009 10:41 AM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Thanks for this! I've collected antique silver for many years, but I've only recently gotten into coins, so this is very helpful. (I'm sticking to bullion coins, though, until I feel more knowledgeable.) I do have one minor quibble, however.... Quote:
Originally Posted by AGRO (Post 1622582) [silver: a semi-precious metal with a white luster used to strike many U.S. coins from 1794 to 1964 (plus a few modern commemoratives and bullion coins.
"Semi"-precious?!?!?!? I think we'll have to agree to disagree!!!:biggrin:

AGRO | 04-06-2009 12:55 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms You're welcome!! It is still a work in progress - I missed that!! Will fix now. done-- that's ridiculous!! Thanks!

Scratchmo | 04-06-2009 03:58 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Agro, Just want to let you know I'm still working on it. My list has grown substantially and still growing, so it may take me a while to write all the definitions. I've also spotted a few inaccuracies in the current list I'll try to help clarify. BTW.. I love your definition of under-bidder. Also, what's glaringly missing are all the world denominations - modern AND obsolete ancient like, Yen, Dinar, Mark, Drachma, Peso, Reale, Tetradrachm.... and so on. Maybe someone could volunteer to research these.

AGRO | 04-06-2009 04:43 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Quote:
Originally Posted by Scratchmo (Post 1665376) Agro, Just want to let you know I'm still working on it. My list has grown substantially and still growing, so it may take me a while to write all the definitions. I've also spotted a few inaccuracies in the current list I'll try to help clarify. BTW..
Please do point out, It is far from perfect! I have spent more time looking lately than editing. Quote:
I love your definition of under-bidder.
:111: Yeah, that's a good one! Quote:
Also, what's glaringly missing are all the world denominations - modern AND obsolete ancient like, Yen, Dinar, Mark, Drachma, Peso, Reale, Tetradrachm.... and so on. Maybe someone could volunteer to research these.
These would be nice to add. I also still intend on adding the letter grades either, separately or mixed in.

HistoryStudent | 04-06-2009 05:12 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms This should be a STICKY it's really good - not the thread THE LISTING! :yes::yes::yes::yes:

AGRO | 04-06-2009 06:47 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Maybe we can get it stuck! I was thinking of taking the recent terms you guys submitted and putting them in without the definitions, then adding later. Any thoughts?

AGRO | 04-06-2009 08:56 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Thanks for the sticky!!! Back to work....

Scratchmo | 04-06-2009 09:33 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Quote:
Originally Posted by AGRO (Post 1665638) Maybe we can get it stuck! I was thinking of taking the recent terms you guys submitted and putting them in without the definitions, then adding later. Any thoughts?
Sounds good to me. I'll try to get most of my definitions in the next day or two, but this is something that can always be edited and added to over time. I'm still coming up with some more terms myself. Most glossaries I've seen in the past have always seemed VERY incomplete, so after a few months or even years, this compilation could become THE definitive glossary and of great value to the numismatic community. The more input we get from other members the better. My area of expertise is more from the production side of things, so if we can get some input from other areas, and add it to what you've already done, it could be very comprehensive over time. For example, it would be nice to get some error specialists involved to explain all of the terminology associated with the more exotic types of errors. You already have most of the major error types, and I know quite a few others, but there's so many, it's really mind boggling. I'll ask around and see if we can get some help in that area. I'm having fun working on this. It's kind of like putting together a jig-saw puzzle.

HistoryStudent | 04-07-2009 10:07 AM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms A Sticky - CONGRATULATIONS :36_3_16::36_3_16::36_3_16::36_3_16::clap2::clap2: :beer::beer::congrats:

AGRO | 04-07-2009 04:27 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Quote:
Originally Posted by HistoryStudent (Post 1666533) A Sticky - CONGRATULATIONS :36_3_16::36_3_16::36_3_16::36_3_16::clap2::clap2: :beer::beer::congrats:
Thanks for your help HS! and thanks again to the mods for the Sticky! I have added the latest terms, still have to go back with definitions. As well as a few new ones, like "body bag"!

Scratchmo | 04-08-2009 05:48 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Ok, Here is a list of the stuff I came up with and their descriptions. Please let me know if you can spot an inaccuracies or confusing definitions. Sorry, I didn't put them in alphabetical order. -------------------- Die Sinker- One who creates coin dies by impressing designs in from previously engraved device punches, letter punches, etc. Celator - An engraver of coin dies. Also, The Celator is a journal about Ancient Coins Hobbing - The act of reproducing dies using a high tonnage press. Verdigre - The green patina that develops on copper based metals. Bronze Disease - A condition that causes a bronze coin to deteriorate from acids the metal develops internally. Assay- The testing of metals to determine it's purity, ingredients, and quality. Assayer - noun Smelting - The extraction of metal from ore in high-temperature furnaces. Refining - The act of removing impurities in metals. Matrix - A female die from which a device punch (patrix) or letter punch can be produced Patrix - A punch a die sinker uses to impress an eagle or Liberty head design into a working die. Punch - A hard steel tool used by die sinkers to impress a letter, star, date or design into a working die. Reduction Lathe - A machine used to trace a galvano or epoxy model and cut a design into a coin die at a desired size Pantograph - A type of engraving machine used to cut lettering and designs into coin dies from templates. Castaing Machine - A machine invented by French Engineer, Jean Castaing comprised of a rack and pinion gear that rolls coin blanks between two opposing dies or "cheeks" to impress lettering or other designs into the edge of a coin blank. This milling step also upsets the edge to pre-form the rim of the coin. This machine was a great advancement in the evolution of coin making technology as it made coins more difficult to counterfeit or clip without detection. Also referred to as an Edge Mill. Edge Mill - See "Castaing Machine" Rolling Mill - Originally powered by horses or waterwheels, these machines are still used to roll strip from which coin blanks are cut. It works by rolling the strip under high pressure between two steel rolls to the desired thickness. Knuckle Joint Press - A type of coining press introduced to the U.S. Mint in 1836. This machine is still the standard type of coining press used in mints around the world and can strike coins at a very high speed Anvil Die - The bottom die that sits on the anvil. Trussel Die - The upper die. In hammered coinage, this is held by hand. Working Die - The production die that strikes finished pieces. Master Die - The first finished die that is used to impress a positive hub from which the working dies are produced. Dentils - The correct term for the tooth-like patterns found on the outer perimeter of many coins. Pyx - A locked box where random silver and gold coins are dropped for future quality testing. (trial of the pyx) Galvano - A large, bronze coin pattern used in the reduction lathe to cut a coining die. Ingot - Generally, a cast, brick shaped chunk of metal, Union - The official name of the $50 silver coin. Under-type - The original coin design before it was struck over with a different set of dies. Hammered Coin - A coin struck with a hand-held die hit with a hammer. Hot Struck - A coin or medal struck while the planchet was hot such as in many ancient coins. Splash Minting - A method of striking large, high-relief medals and coins where the metal is not contained by a collar, thus allowing it to flow out freely. The excess medal is then trimmed off on a lathe. This method was first used in Ancient Greece to produce the large Ptolemaic bronze coins. Private Mint - A mint owned by a private individual or corporation. Drop Press - Also called a drop hammer, this type of coining press applies the needed pressure to strike a coin by dropping a large weight to the die set. Planchet - A blank coin disc that has been rimmed. Sometimes referred to as a "type 2 planchet" Upsetting - The raising of metal that occurs around the perimeter of a coin blank when run through a rimming machine. Rimming Machine - A machine that smoothes and upsets the metal on the outer perimeter of a coin blank by rolling it between two grooved tracks under pressure. Waffled coin - A coin that has not met quality standards that has been destroyed through a waffling machine. Hardening & Tempering - The two steps involved in heat treating steel dies to make them hard enough and tough enough to stamp coins. Riddler - A vibrating screen with many holes used to separate mis-struck coins out of the production run. Re-punched - Usually refers to a date, mint mark, or letter that was punched a bit off placement from the original punch impression. Webbing - The left-over strip or sheet of metal after cutting coin blanks from it. Rocker press - A type of press that worked by squeezing metal between two curved dies in a rocking movement. Roller dies - Engraved rolls installed in a roller mill that impress a continuous strip of coin designs that are then cut out from the strip. Annealing - The softening of metals though a heating and cooling process. Bi-metal - A coin that consists of two metals in concentric circles. Tri-metal - A coin that consist of three metals in concentric circles. Cheeks - A term referring to the edging dies used in an edge mill that impress lettering etc. into the edge of a coin blank. Segmented Collar - A collar that is used to strike coins and medals with raised elements such as letters or stars. After striking, the collar separates in three or more pieces to free the struck piece. Elongate - Refers to elongated cents or other coins produced as souvenirs by rolling coins through a set of roller dies to impress a new image. Mechanical Doubling - A doubled image error caused by the coining press in the striking of a coin. Not to be confused with Doubled Die varieties. Clark, Gruber & Co. - A private assay office that produced gold coins of the Colorado gold rush. Predecessor to the Denver Mint Brownie - A nickname for a brownie-sized gold ingot. Doubloon - A Spanish gold coin Milled Coinage - Coins produced using machines such as a roller mill, edge mill and mechanical press. Engrailed Edge - A decorative design applied to the edge of a coin such as a Spanish milled dollar. Strike-through - A type of error that occurs when a piece of foreign material gets between the die and the coin planchet as the coin is struck. Juice - The percentage added on to the winning bid of an auction sale.

AGRO | 04-08-2009 06:48 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Great Job!!! There were a bunch of tough ones in there! Thanks! I will add them ASAP. Thanks for your time and effort! After these are in we can move on to the next thing!

HistoryStudent | 04-08-2009 07:12 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Quote:
Originally Posted by AGRO (Post 1667178) Thanks for your help HS! and thanks again to the mods for the Sticky! I have added the latest terms, still have to go back with definitions. As well as a few new ones, like "body bag"!
You deserve it. :congrats::congrats: That was quite an accomplishment that really helps everyone. It's always BACK TO BASICS in everything. Anyway great job. :getdown::getdown: Best wishes, HS

RatHoler | 04-08-2009 07:28 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Thanks AGRO :applause_

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AGRO | 04-09-2009 05:07 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Your Welcome! I have added an initial coin letter / number grading scale. There may be some variation / discrepancies between the definitions in the list and the scale at end. Will fix later... adding rest of new definitions

AGRO | 04-15-2009 03:53 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Quote:
Originally Posted by Scratchmo (Post 1669006) Ok, Here is a list of the stuff I came up with and their descriptions. Please let me know if you can spot an inaccuracies or confusing definitions. Sorry, I didn't put them in alphabetical
-------------------- Finished adding these, finally! Thanks! Looking for a better definition of "friction" I have read friction and coin wear are similar but not entirely the same...

AGRO | 04-23-2009 07:01 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms anyone have any - thoughts? adds? suggestions? I am still looking up certain definitions but figured I would ask... THX, AGRO- PS. History Student - I still need to finish your 3..

AGRO | 05-12-2009 01:08 AM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms I will be adding links and try to add some small photos to make the Glossary "interactive" if you will. Any Suggestions always welcome. P.S. GRADING SCALE ADDED

AGRO | 05-14-2009 06:40 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Added More links to Grading Service & Coin news letters. Also a nice bit on RED CENTS!

AGRO | 07-28-2009 10:44 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms I have some things I have been meaning to add to this thread. Any requests?? Thanks, AGRO-

AGRO | 07-28-2009 11:19 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms I hope some of you at least take advantage of this thread and find it useful. There is a letter coin grading scale at the bottom of the initial post as well with short definitions. Would love any feedback, positive, negative, corrections, adds. Anyway, Thanks again, AGRO- HS :MIA: Where ya' been?

AGRO | 08-11-2009 10:31 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Gordon here is the thread

Gordon Gekko | 08-11-2009 11:08 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Quote:
Originally Posted by AGRO (Post 1864032) Gordon here is the thread
Thank you sir. This thread is a BIG help. :beer:

Jekyll7 | 09-26-2009 08:13 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms 7070 - a term used to describe a US type set, housed in a Dansco album of the same number. Black and white - a term used to describe the sharp contrast between the deep mirrored fields and heavily frosted devices of a proof coin. Busy, or busy fields - Many markings in the field portion of a coin as opposed to a few. DEBASEMENT - Happens when the issuing authority reduces the purity of the metal in a coin ESSAY -A trial piece, struck in a metal other than that used for coinage GILD - To coat with gold, gold leaf, or a gold coloured substance JANVIER LATHE - An instrument for the reduction of a design from the original size of the model to the coin size of the die LAUREATE - Head crowned with laurel wreath. MALLEABILITY- Capacity to be shaped, as in softer more pliable metal MYLAR - Pure Mylar is chemically inert and harmless to coin NOTGELD - Emergency money. Usually that issued by Germany during World War I PIEDFORT - A type of pattern struck on an extra thick flan P.O.R. - Price On Request. Used for higher priced coins REMEDY - The tolerance allowed in the purity and weight of a coin SWEATING COINS - placing gold coins in a small container and shaking them together to remove flecks of gold TRUNCATION - Lower edge of neck or bust of a portrait on a coin

AGRO | 09-26-2009 08:35 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms Great! Will be added! Also I have a bunch of other terms I could use some similar definitions on! THX!

AGRO | 11-21-2009 09:12 PM
Re: Numismatic Glossary Thread - Numi terms GREAT THANKS!!! They have been added. I know it needs a bit of work, however the Numi/ bullion dictionary and Grading scale, is coming along nicely. You are added to list of contributors. AGRO- Here is the first post: Numi & Bullion Dictionary with Grading scale

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