Heard some coin lingo that you're unfamiliar with?
Marks and scratches from coins rubbing against each other while they're inside the bags from the Mint they're delivered in.
Disk of metal that the coin will be stamped into, also called a planchet.
Precious metals in the form of ingots, coins, plates, or bars. (gold, silver, and platinum)
A coin that is struck specifically for everyday use in commerce.
A portrait, usually the head neck and shoulders of the person on the coin.
A coin that has a significant contrast between the field and the design. A mirror-like finish. Most often on proof coins.
Describes a coin that has wear, usually a coin that's been used in everyday commerce.
Multiple layers of metal in a coin, usually a copper core, a nickel-copper alloy on the outside.
A flat, round piece of metal, usually with an official design stamped into it, used as money.
Coins that are issued to commemorate a particular person, place, or event. Usually have a distinct design related to the event.
Used to describe the wear on a coin
A fake. A coin that is made by someone to look like an authentic coin.
Money that is used as a medium of exchange. e.g. The U.S one dollar bill is currency.
The face value of a coin, or paper money.
The design element on a coin, such as a bust, portrait, or other images.
Two metal stamps used to press images into coins.
Refers to a duplication of design on a die, due to misalignment.
Someone who cuts and/or designs words and images on metal for the coins.
A coin that has one or more mistakes on it, such as a missing mintmark.
The worth of a denomination. Such as a quarter's face value is .25 cents.
The blank area behind the device or design on a coin.
Used to describe the condition of a coin.
An impression hammered or stamped into a coin so that the design is lower than than the rest of the surface. Opposite of relief.
A block of gold, silver, or any other precious metal. Used to melt down and make into coins.
The words inscribed on the coin.
Also known as melt value, this is the value of the metal in the coin.
This refers to a given date in a set of coins that is much more difficult to obtain than the other dates. Usually what collectors are after.
The curverd words that appear around the edge of a coin.
A round metal disk with a design or an inscription, used to commemorate an event or person.
Also known as intrinsic value, this is the value of the metal in a coin if it were melted down.
The primary producer of a country's coin currency. The U.S. currently has Mints in Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point.
Refers to a coin that has not been circulated, it's in the same condition it was when it was first released from the Mint.
The number of copies produced of a particular coin.
A mark indicating at which Mint the coin was struck. D for Denver, S for San Francisco, P for Philadelphia, and W for West Point.
The inscription "In God We Trust"
The study or collection of currency, which includes coins, paper currency, and medals.
The "face" of the coin.
When a coin is struck onto an existing coin, rather than a blank planchet.
A blank disk of metal, used for stamping designs into to make coins.
Refers to the finish on the coin, usually a mirror finish. These are usually specially struck coins minted just for collectors.
The grooved lines on the edge of a coin, such as the Washington quarter.
A raised design on a coin. Opposite of incuse.
The "tails" side of the coin, opposite of obverse.
The raised part of a coin that encircles the perimeter of a coin. This is on both sides of a coin.
A paper or plastic container containing a stack of coins. Usually acquired at a bank.
The price of one ounce of silver, or one ounce of gold at any given moment.
A unit of measure used for precious metals.
One Troy ounce is about 31 grams.
One (regular) ounce is about 28 grams.
A collection of coins, based on design or type. Such as all dates within the series of state quarters.
A coin that has never been circulated, and shows no wear.
A machine that raises the outer rim on a planchet before the coin will be struck.
A collection of coins released by the mint, containing all coins circulating in that year.
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