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Glossary of Terms

This list contains terms that are most frequently used or that have a special meaning to coin collectors other than their ordinary definitions.

  • ABRASIONS = Light rubbing or scuffing from friction. Not the same as hairlines or bag marks.
  • ALLOY = A combination of two or more metals.
  • BAG MARK = A surface mark, usually in the form of a nick, acquired by a coin when it came in contact with others in a mint bag. Bag marks are most common on large and heavy silver and gold coins.
  • BLEMISHES = Minor nicks, marks, flaws or spots of discoloration that mar the surface of a coin.
  • BRONZE = An alloy of copper, zinc and tin.
  • BULLION= Uncoined gold or silver in the form of bars, ingots or plate.
  • BUSINESS STRIKE= A coin intended for circulation in the channels of commerce, as opposed to a proof coin specifically struck for collectors.
  • CERTIFIED COIN= A coin that has been graded, authenticated and encapsulated in plastic by an independent grading service.
  • CLASH MARKS= Impressions of the reverse design on the obverse of a coin or the obverse design on the reverse of a coin due to die damage caused when the striking dies impacted each other with great force and without an intervening planchet.
  • CLEANING= Refers to the removed dirt or otherwise altering the appearance of a coin through the use of abrasive materials that mar or scratch the surface in a dectable fashion.
  • COMMEMORATIVE = A coin issued to mark a special event or to honor an outstanding person.
  • CRACK-OUT = A coin that has been removed from an encapsulated grading service holder.
  • DIE = A piece of metal engraved with a design and used for stamping coins.
  • DIE CRACK = A fine, raised line on a coin, caused by a broken die.
  • DIE DEFECT = An imperfection on a coin, caused by a damaged die.
  • DIE VARIETY = Any minor alteration in the basic design of a coin.
  • DIPPED, DIPPING = Refers to chemical cleaning of a coin to remove oxidation or foreign matter.
  • ERROR = A mismade coin not intended for circulation.
  • FIELD = The background portion of a coin's surface not used for a design or inscription.
  • FILLER = A coin in worn condition but rare enough to be included in a collection.
  • INTRINSIC VALUE = Bullion or "melt" value of the actual precious metal in a numismatic item.
  • JUNK SILVER = Common-date silver coins taken from circulation; worth only bullion value.
  • HAIRLINES = A series of minute lines or scratches, usually in the field of a coin, caused by cleaning or polishing.
  • HIGH POINTS = Areas of highest relief in a coin design. The first small parts to show evidence of wear or abrasion and also the last area to strike up fully.
  • INCUSE = The design of a coin which has been impressed below the coin's surface. When the design is raised above the coin's surface it is said to be in Relief.
  • IMPAIRED PROOF = A proof which has been damaged either by careless handling or circulation.
  • LUSTER = The brilliant or "frosty" surface quality of an uncirculated (mint state) coin.
  • MINT ERROR = Any mismade of defective coin produced by a mint.
  • MINTMARK = A small letter on a coin indicating the mint ar which it was struck.
  • NICK = A small mark on a coin caused by another coin bumping against it or by contact with a rough or sharp object.
  • PATINA = The green or brown surface film found on ancient copper or broze coins, caused by oxidation over a long period of time.
  • PLANCHET = The blank piece of metal on which a coin design is stamped.
  • REEDED EDGE = The edge of a coin with grooved lines that run vertically around its perimeter. The edge found on all current United States coins other than cents and nickels.
  • RAW = A coin that has not been encapsulated by an independent grading service.
  • OBVERSE = The front or face side of a coin, generally the side with the date and the principal design.
  • OVERDATE = The date made by superimposing one or more different numbers on a previously dated die.
  • OVERSTRIKE = An impression made with different dies on a previously struck coin.
  • OXIDATION = The formation of oxides or tarnish on the surface of a coin from exposure to air, dampness, industrial fumes or other elements.
  • RELIEF = Any part of a coin's design that is raised above the coin's field is said to be in relief. The opposite of relief in Incuse.
  • RESTRIKE = A coin struck from a genuine die at a date later than the original issue.
  • REVERSE = The side of the coin carrying the design of lesser importance. Opposite of the obverse side.
  • RIM = The raised portion of a coin that protects the design from wear.
  • SCRATCH = A deep line or groove in a coin caused by contact with a sharp or rough object.
  • SPOT PRICE The daily quoted market value of precious metals in bullion form.
  • TOKEN = A privately issued piece, typically with an exchange value for goods or services, but not an official government coin.
  • TONING =
  • VARIETY = A coin's design that sets it apart from the normal issue of that type.
  • WEAR STRIKE = A coin with certain of its details (in the areas of high relief) not fully formed because of the hardness of alloy, insufficient striking pressure or improper die spacing.
  • WEAR = The abrasion of metal from a coin's surface caused by normal handling and circulation.
  • WHIZZING = The artificial treatment of a coin by wire brushing, acid dipping or other wise removing metal from the coin's surface to give it the artificial appearance of being a higher grade. Whizzing is an alteration and not a grade or condition.