-
abrasion :
-
a mark on a coin where another object has displaced some of its
constituent metal.
-
accolated :
-
conjoined portraits; portraits that overlap and face in the same
direction, as on a coin, medal, or escutcheon. [ety: embrace]
-
adjustment marks :
-
file marks on coins where excess metal was removed from oversized
or overweight blanks (planchets).
-
advice :
-
the smallest coin of the realm (by Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce).
-
AGW :
-
Actual Gold Weight, being the amount of gold in a coin, not
including any other metals.
-
albata :
-
German silver.
-
album friction :
-
rubbing on the high points of a coin that occurs when pages slide
against each other in a coin storage album.
-
album slide marks :
-
scrape lines, usually parallel, created by moving a coin across
the plastic slide of a coin storage album.
-
allowance :
-
a permissible deviation in the fineness and weight of coin, owing
to the difficulty of securing exact conformity to the standard
prescribed by law; coining tolerance.
-
alloy :
-
a coin composed of a mixture of two or more metals.
-
alms :
-
anything given to the poor or needy as charity, such as donated
food or clothing, money or shelter; as derived from pity or
compassion (v: eleemosynary).
-
alteration :
-
a coin that's been changed in some manner to simulate a more
valuable issue.
-
aluminum / aluminium :
-
a lightweight, malleable, and ductile metallic element (Al)
that's non-magnetic, corrosion-resistant, and of a bluish-white
color, which is found only in combination, and is widely used in
alloys. [cf: alumina, corundum; v: titanium]
-
American Eagle Bullion Coin :
-
coins produced in platinum, silver, and gold by the United States
Mint since October 1986; available in proof-quality issues.
-
American Numismatic Association (ANA) :
-
a non-profit educational organization that encourages the study
of money throughout the world.
-
ancients :
-
coins struck during the era: circa 600BC to AD450.
-
anepigraphic / anepigraphous :
-
a coin, artifact, or the like without a legend; lacking an
inscription.
-
annealing :
-
heating blanks (planchets) in a furnace so as to soften the metal
before striking in a coin press, which relieves molecular stress
and helps prevent cracking.
-
anvil die :
-
the lower die in the coin press, which is usually the reverse
coin face.
-
apothecaries' weight :
-
a system of weights (eg: grain, dram, ounce, etc) used chiefly in
compounding and dispensing drugs.
-
artificial toning :
-
coloring added to the surface of a coin by the use of chemicals
or heat.
-
assay :
-
an analysis that determines the composition and purity of metal.
-
attributes :
-
the elements, like luster and strike, that contribute to the
evaluation of a coin's grade rating.
-
attribution :
-
a classification for a coin, based upon its distinguishing
features, such as date, design, or metal.
-
authentication :
-
the determination of an item's genuineness.
-
av :
-
abbreviation for 'avoirdupois weight'.
-
avdp :
-
abbreviation for 'avoirdupois weight'.
-
avoir :
-
abbreviation for 'avoirdupois weight'.
-
avoirdupois weight :
-
the system of weights that's based on the 16 ounce pound, which
is used in the United States and Great Britain for goods other
than gems, precious metals, and drugs; abbreviated 'av', 'avdp',
or 'avoir'.
-
bad paper :
-
informal reference to forged or counterfeit currency; sometimes
called fake or phony, bogus or spurious, "queer note",
"shinplaster" or "wallpaper".
-
bad penny :
-
someone or something that's undesirable, especially when
recurrent.
-
bag :
-
the cloth sacks in which coin are stored and transported.
-
bag mark :
-
a mark on a coin transferred from contact with other coins,
especially when collected in a pocket or pouch.
-
bag toning :
-
discoloration acquired from the storage bag for coins.
-
bank-wrapped rolls :
-
rolls of coins wrapped in paper cylinders at a Federal Reserve
Bank from original Mint bags.
-
base metal :
-
the core metal that's overlaid by another metal; the principal
metal underlying a coating by another metal. Also, the principal
metal of an alloy. Also, any common or ignoble metal, which will
readily oxidize or go into solution, such as copper and tin, zinc
and lead.
-
basining :
-
the process of removing marks from a die, which is then polished
to a mirrored surface.
-
bas-relief :
-
relief sculpture wherein the figures project slightly from the
background; as derived from Italian [basso rilievo] for "low
relief".
-
bell-metal :
-
an alloy of copper, zinc, and tin that's used to manufacture
bells and other cast metal objects.
-
billet :
-
a comparatively narrow, generally square, bar of steel,
especially one rolled or forged from an ingot; a narrow bloom.
-
billon :
-
an alloy used in coinage, consisting of gold or silver with a
larger amount of base metal. Also, an alloy of silver with copper
or the like, that's used for coins of small denomination. Also,
any coin struck from such an alloy.
-
bi-metallic :
-
a coin composed of two different metals, each bonded to the
other.
-
bit :
-
informal reference to an amount equivalent to 12.5 cents, which
is only used in even multiples; as derived from a former small
silver coin of Spain and Spanish America that was worth
one-eighth of a real. [nb: Spanish real is equal to one-eighth of
a peso]
-
blank :
-
the common term for the smooth unmarked piece of metal upon which
a coin design is stamped; a flat disk of metal before it is
struck by the dies and made into a coin; properly known as a
'planchet'.
-
blended :
-
an element of a design that's been worn into another element on a
coin's surface.
-
bloom :
-
a powdery deposit or coating occurring on the surface of minted
coins, which adversely affects their appearance. Also, a clouded
or dull area appearing on a polished or shiny surface; such
dampening is sometimes called "chill". Also, any of certain
minerals occurring as powdery coatings on rocks or other
minerals. Also, to make an ingot into a bloom; a piece of steel,
square or slightly oblong in section, reduced from an ingot to
dimensions suitable for further rolling. Also, a large lump of
iron and slag, of pasty consistency when hot, produced in a
puddling furnace or bloomery, and hammered into wrought iron.
-
bourse :
-
a coin show.
-
bourse floor :
-
the area where a coin show occurs.
-
bracteate / bracteose :
-
a thin coin, struck only on one face, the pattern of which design
shows through on the reverse face.
-
branch mint :
-
a subsidiary mint affiliated with the main mint of a country; in
the United States, any government mint other than the
Philadelphia Mint.
-
brass :
-
any of various non-ferrous metal alloys consisting mainly of
copper and zinc, in colors varying from amber to lemon, metallic
yellow to reddish yellow.
-
brassage :
-
a charge to cover the costs of coining money; as derived from
'brew', stirring melted metals prior to casting.
-
brilliant :
-
designation for a condition exhibiting full luster, which may
contain extremely light toning.
-
brilliant uncirculated :
-
general reference to the excellent condition of any coin that's
not been in circulation; abbreviated 'bu'.
-
Britannia / Britannia metal :
-
an alloy of tin, copper, antimony, often with zinc and bismuth
admixed; as derived from the Roman name for Great Britain.
-
brockage :
-
a mint error wherein a sharp incused image is left on the next
blank (planchet) fed into the chamber of the coin press; a defect
or fault imposed on a coin during its minting, as derived from
'fragment'.
-
bronze :
-
any of various non-ferrous metal alloys consisting mainly of
copper and tin (not exceeding 11%) in a brownish metallic color.
Also, any of various other alloys having a large copper content.
-
brown :
-
characterization of a copper coin that no longer shows the red
color of copper.
-
bu :
-
abbreviation for 'brilliant uncirculated'.
-
buck :
-
a dollar, or money, as derived from 'buckskin' by shortening.
Also, a coin or token used as a marker.
-
buckled die :
-
a warped die that produces coins that're slightly bent.
-
bulged die :
-
a die containing a small indentation that produces coins with a
bulged area.
-
bullion :
-
platinum, gold, or silver in the form of bars or other storage
shapes, including coins and ingots, that trade near their
intrinsic metal value.
-
bullion coin :
-
a precious metal coin that's traded at current bullion prices; a
legal tender coin that trades near its melt value.
-
bullion value :
-
the value of the metal(s) comprising a coin; the current market
value of the precious metal(s) contained in a coin; also known as
'intrinsic value'.
-
burnish / burnishing :
-
polishing or rubbing a metallic surface to make it shiny or
lusterous, which care inhibits tarnishing but also wears away its
sharp detail.
-
burnished strike :
-
coins produced from blanks (planchets) that were polished at the
mint before being struck.
-
burnishing lines :
-
minute polishing lines that mar the pristine surface.
-
burnt :
-
any dull coin that has lost its luster from over-dipping.
-
business strike :
-
a regular coin produced for general circulation, as distinguished
from a proof or uncirculated coin that's specially made for
collectors; also called 'commercial strike', 'circulation
strike', and 'regular strike'.
-
bust :
-
a portrait of a person on a coin, often in profile, and usually
depicting their head and shoulders.
-
c :
-
the mint mark of the United States Mint at Charlotte, North
Carolina (1838-1861) for specie. Also, abbreviation for 'carat'.
-
cabinet friction :
-
the slight wear exhibited on a coin that's been stored in a
wooden cabinet.
-
cameo :
-
coins exhibiting frosted devices and lettering that contrast
highly with the fields.
-
capital :
-
the wealth, whether in money or property, owned or employed in
business by an individual, firm, corporation, or the like, that's
used, or is capable of being used, in the production of more
wealth. Also, an accumulated stock of such wealth. Also, any
source of profit, advantage, power, or the like; an asset. Also,
the ownership interest in a business; assets remaining after the
deduction of liabilities, being the net worth of a business. [v:
capital stock]
-
capped die :
-
a production error where a blank is jammed in the coin press
during successive strikes, eventually forming a "cap" or "crown"
that prevents further impression.
-
carat :
-
a unit of weight [200 milligrams (about 3.33 grains of troy or
avoirdupois weight)] in gemstones; abbreviated 'c' or 'ct', and
derived from the weight of four grains [qirat (Arabic)], as used
by alchemists.
-
carbon spot :
-
a mark of carbon oxidation on the surface of a coin.
-
Carson City Mint :
-
established in 1870 at Carson City, Nevada as a result of the
regional gold and silver strikes, its operations were
discontinued in 1893; this facility used the 'CC' mint mark on
coins struck there; it was also called the "CC-Mint".
-
cartwheel :
-
the visual effect of spinning luster when a shiny coin is rotated
like a turning wheel. Also, slang for any large sized coin,
especially the American silver dollar.
-
cash :
-
money in the form of coins or banknotes, especially that currency
issued by a government. Also, any equivalent of money, as a
check, money order, and the like. Also, any of several
low-denomination coins of China, India, and the East Indies; as
derived from the weight of precious metal. [v: cash in, cash out]
-
cast blanks :
-
smooth unmarked disks of metal (planchets) created in molds.
-
cast counterfeit :
-
replication of a coin created by molding casts of the obverse and
reverse of its surfaces, then casting base metal in those molds.
-
CC :
-
the mint mark of the United States Mint at Carson City, Nevada
(1870-1893) for specie.
-
census :
-
a compilation of the known specimens of all coins that are
particularly collectible.
-
cent :
-
a monetary unit of exchange that's valued at one-hundredth of a
dollar, which denomination has been issued by the United States
since 1792; the one-cent coin is informally referred to as a
'penny'. [nb: 2¢ coins minted from 1864]
-
ch :
-
abbreviation for 'choice' condition.
-
challenge coin :
-
some organizations, including both military units and fraternal
societies, began selling specially produced and serial numbered
coins to unofficially raise funds for unit activities and
recreation; which coins could be called forth (ie: "coining") for
comparison to settle wagers and challenges, or contested to raise
even more money. It is believed that the first genuine 'challenge
coins' were produced by the (then) 77th Special Forces Group
(Airborne) at Fort Bragg around 1957, and their popularity
quickly spread to cover many other units, operations, and special
events.
-
change :
-
coins of low denomination. Also, a balance of money that is
returned when the sum tendered in payment is larger than the
amount due. Also, money given in exchange for an equivalent of
higher denomination. Also, the substitution of one currency for
another of equivalent value, especially foreign exchange
conversion.
-
Charlotte Mint :
-
established in 1838 at Charlotte, North Carolina to accommodate
the regional Gold Rush, operations were discontinued in 1861
due to the Civil War; this facility used the 'C' mint mark on
coins struck there; it was also called the "C-Mint".
-
chasing :
-
the act or art of embossing, incising, indenting, etching, or
engraving on metals; a method used by forgers to alter the
surface details of a coin by heating and manipulation.
-
choice :
-
designation for an especially attractive example of a particular
grade of coin.
-
chop mark :
-
a notch or other mark made in a coin that indicates verification
of its authenticity, especially by a banker or merchant in the
Far East during the 18th or 19th centuries.
-
circulated :
-
a coin that shows wear consistent with use in commerce.
-
circulating medium :
-
any coin or note passing, without endorsement, as a medium of
exchange.
-
circulation :
-
the distribution of coins to the general public for commerce.
-
circulation strike :
-
any coin struck by normal methods on ordinary blanks (planchets);
also called 'business strike', 'commercial strike', and 'regular
strike'.
-
circumscription :
-
a circular inscription on a coin, seal, medal, and the like; that
which surrounds, encloses, or circumscribes an area
(circumscribed state) delimited by a boundary.
-
clad :
-
a coin composed of metallic layers, typically copper and nickel;
also called 'sandwich' or 'sandwiched'.
-
clad coinage :
-
a coin that has its core and outer layer made of different
metals; all of the American circulating dimes, quarters, half
dollars, and dollar coins have been clad since 1965.
-
clashed dies :
-
dies damaged by striking each other without a blank (planchet)
inserted between them, which usually creates a partial obverse
image on the reverse die, and vice versa.
-
clash marks :
-
portions of both obverse and reverse images appearing on both
faces of a coin; coins exhibiting blended obverse and reverse
images on their surfaces as a result of clashed dies.
-
classic era :
-
the period of United States coinage from 1792 until 1964.
-
cleaned :
-
a coin whose original surface has been removed.
-
clink :
-
a small crack in a steel ingot resulting from uneven expansion or
contraction.
-
clip :
-
a coin struck from an uneven or irregular blank (clipped
planchet). Also, to pare the edge of a coin.
-
clipped :
-
an unevenly or irregularly cut blank (planchet).
-
clogged die :
-
a die that has some contaminant lodged in the recessed areas
creating coins with diminished detail.
-
close collar :
-
the edge device, also known as a 'collar die', that surrounds the
lower (anvil) die so as to restrain the expansion of the
metallic blank (planchet) while being struck.
-
coin :
-
a flat piece of metal issued by the government as money. Also,
metal formed into standard shapes with various surface designs
for use as medals or tokens.
-
coinage :
-
the metallic money of a country, its type and amount. Also, the
act or process of making coins; coins collectively.
-
coin friction :
-
a rubbed area on the surface of a coin where small amounts of
metal have been displaced by contact; a mark or spot resulting
from coins being in contact.
-
coining :
-
the challenge of matching unit or operational coins as a gesture
of fellowship or as a means of raising funds, often at a bar or
other social event, using somewhat elaborate or esoteric rules. Also, the
presentation of a unit, operational, or special event coin as a
token of comradeship or recognition; such coins are usually not
serial numbered or otherwise personalized.
-
coin of the realm :
-
see legal tender.
-
coin show :
-
a place where coins are displayed, especially someplace where
dealers sell and trade coins; also called a 'bourse'.
-
coin silver :
-
silver metal having the standard fineness established (usually
90% silver and 10% copper) for purposes of coinage.
-
collar :
-
a surrounding piece of metal that restrains the expansion of the
metallic blank (planchet) while being struck during manufacture.
-
collar die :
-
the edge device, also known as a 'close collar', that surrounds
the lower (anvil) die so as to restrains the expansion of the
metallic blank (planchet) while being struck.
-
commemorative :
-
a special coin or medal issued to honor an outstanding person, a
significant place, or a noteworthy event. [v: commemorative
postage stamp, commemorative monument]
-
commercial strike :
-
any coin struck by normal methods on ordinary blanks (planchets);
also called 'business strike', 'regular strike', and 'circulation
strike'.
-
commodity :
-
an article of trade or commerce, especially a product or quantity
of goods, as distinguished from a service; something of use or of
value, such as unprocessed or partially processed foodstuffs and
precious metals.
-
common :
-
any issue that is readily available.
-
common date :
-
the date of an issued coin that is readily available.
-
complete set :
-
all possible coins within a series.
-
condition :
-
the physical state of a coin, represented by a grade rating or
evaluation; the state of preservation of a particular coin.
-
condition rarity :
-
a common coin that's rarely found in a high grade condition.
-
contact marks :
-
small marks on a coin, generally minor, that're incurred through
contact with another coin or a foreign object.
-
Continental :
-
an Americanism that was first applied to the representative
assembly (Continental Congress) that met in 1774 to establish a
separate union, then to the army raised under its aegis, and then
to the currency issued under its auspices; the disrepute into
which this fiat money fell by being unsecured or without backing
was widely expressed by the comparison: "Not worth a
continental!" ... being equivalent to "Not worth a plugged
nickel!"
-
copper :
-
a malleable and ductile metallic element (Cu) that has a
characteristic reddish brown color, which is used extensively in
conducting electricity, and in plating and alloying (eg: brass,
bronze, etc).
-
copper spot :
-
a mark of discoloration, usually on gold coinage, which indicates
an area of copper concentration that has oxidized.
-
copper-nickel :
-
an alloy composed of copper and nickel.
-
copy :
-
a reproduction of a coin or medal.
-
corrosion :
-
damage resulting from the reaction of elements and substances
upon the metal used in coins.
-
counter :
-
an imitation coin or token. Also, a coin; money.
-
counterfeit :
-
any item of currency made in imitation of the genuine article so
as to deceive the public, such as a forged note or faked coin;
money that's not genuine.
-
countermark :
-
a sign or device stamped on a coin after its minting; also known
as 'counterstamp'. [ety: contremarque]
-
counterstamp :
-
an additional impression placed on the surface of a coin after it
was initially struck at its original mint.
-
counting machine mark :
-
a dense patch of residual lines caused by the rubber wheel of a
counting machine.
-
crooked :
-
a polygonal coin; as derived from askew, awry, bent, curved ...
not straight. Also, dishonest; not straightforward.
-
crosshatch / crosshatching :
-
to mark or shade with a pattern of two or more intersecting
series of parallel lines.
-
cryptocurrency / crypto-currency :
-
an independent digital currency (eg: bitcoin) in which encryption
techniques are used to regulate the generation of units of
currency, which convertability as a medium of exchange is
negotiable, and to varify the transfer of funds beyond
restriction or confuscation, and operating apart from a central
bank or government backing. [v: crypto-security]
-
ct :
-
abbreviation for 'carat'.
-
cud :
-
an area of a coin struck by a die that has a complete break
across part of its surface.
-
cull :
-
a coin of such poor condition that it's not collectible.
-
cupronickel / cupro-nickel :
-
any alloy of copper containing up to forty parts nickel.
-
currency :
-
any kind of money, from coins to paper notes, specie to scrip,
that's used as a medium of exchange. Also, the circulation of
money that's generally or widely accepted; the prevalent form of
exchange.
-
currency principle :
-
a monetary policy that banks should only be permitted to issue
notes against bullion or coin; also called 'currency doctrine'.
-
D :
-
the mint mark of the United States Mint at Dahlonega, Georgia
(1838-1861) for gold coins, and later at Denver, Colorado (since
1906) for specie.
-
Dahlonega Mint :
-
opened in 1838 at Dahlonega, Georgia to accommodate the regional
Gold Rush, operations at this facility were discontinued in 1861
due to the Civil War; gold coins struck at this mint used the 'D'
mint mark.
-
date :
-
the numerals on a coin representing the year in which it was
struck, typically situated in the exergue. Also, an inscription
on a writing, coin, and so forth, that shows the time, or time
and place, of writing, casting, delivery, or the like.
-
dealer :
-
someone who buys, sells, or trades collectible coins.
-
decry :
-
to condemn or depreciate by proclamation, as obsolete or foreign
coins. [v: derogate]
-
deep cameo :
-
coins having deeply frosted devices and lettering so as to
contrast with the fields.
-
deep mirror proof :
-
a coin having deeply reflective mirror-like fields.
-
denomination :
-
the face value assigned by a government to a specific type of
coin; the different values of money, with American coins being
issued as cent, nickel, dime, quarter, half dollar, and dollar.
-
denticles :
-
tooth-like devices around the rim that're exhibited on many
coins.
-
dentils :
-
short form of 'denticles'.
-
Denver Mint :
-
established in 1906 at Denver, Colorado to assume production from
the deactivated Carson City Mint, this facility uses the 'D' mint
mark on coins struck there; it's also called the "D-Mint".
-
design :
-
a particular motif arranged and scaled for display on the surface
of a coin.
-
designer :
-
the individual responsible for creating or developing the motif
used on a coin; the artist who creates a coin's design; however
this artist doesn't necessarily engrave that design into a
coinage die.
-
design type :
-
a specific motif that may be used for several denominations or
series.
-
device :
-
any particular element of a design; any specific aspect of a
motif.
-
dibs :
-
money in small amounts.
-
die :
-
an engraved stamp that's used to impress a design (value, images,
and mottoes) upon a blank piece of metal (planchet) in order to
make a coin; an engraved stamp used for impressing a design upon
some softer material, as in coining money. Also, any of various
devices used for cutting or forming material in a stamping or
forging machine (press).
-
die alignment :
-
the relative position of each side to the other; the proper
arrangement of the obverse and reverse dies.
-
die break :
-
an uncommon defect on a coin resulting from a strike by a broken
die.
-
die crack :
-
an irregular raised line on a coin resulting from a hairline
break in the die.
-
die line :
-
the raised lines on a coin resulting from the polish hairlines on
the die.
-
die rust :
-
an accumulation of corrosive oxidation on an improperly stored
die, often rendering it unusable.
-
die state :
-
the condition of a coinage die relative to its functional
lifespan.
-
die striations :
-
raised lines on a coin that was struck with polished (basining)
dies.
-
die trial :
-
the test strike of a coinage die.
-
die variety :
-
a representative coin that can be linked to a given set of dies
with known or established characteristics.
-
die wear :
-
die deterioration caused by extended or excessive use, resulting
in less detail than desired on coins.
-
dime :
-
the cupronickel clad ten-cent coin; a monetary unit of exchange
that's valued at one-tenth of a dollar, which denomination has
been issued by the United States since 1796. [nb: each dime has
118 ridges around
the outside edge]
-
dimple-texture :
-
an orange-peel field surface.
-
ding :
-
any small sized mark on a coin.
-
dip / dipped :
-
a mild acid wash that's intended to remove the toning from a
coin; a coin that has been treated with a mild acid wash so as to
remove all or most of its discoloration.
-
dipping solution :
-
a mild acid-based solution that's used to remove toning
discoloration from coins.
-
disme :
-
a former coin of the United States that was initially issued in
1792, being the original spelling (archaism) of 'dime', as
derived from "tenth part" (decima). [v: decimal, tithe]
-
doctored :
-
any coin that has been enhanced by some means.
-
dollar :
-
a monetary unit of exchange in the form of silver or cupronickel
coinage and paper currency that consists of one hundred cents,
symbolized as $, which denomination has been issued by the United
States since 1792. [nb: the American monetary system of
decimalization was developed by Gouverneur Morris] [nb: there are
293 ways to make change for a dollar] Also, any of the monetary
units of various other nations, as Australia, the Bahamas,
Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Canada, Fiji, Guyana, Hong Kong,
Jamaica, Liberia, New Zealand, Singapore, the Solomon Islands,
Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe, which are equal to one hundred
cents. [v: ringgit, thaler, Levant dollar / Levant thaler, peso,
yuan; cf: crown / five-shilling piece]
-
dore / doré :
-
containing gold; golden or gilded.
-
double(d) die :
-
a coin that exhibits a doubling of design elements as a result of
the die having been struck more than once.
-
double-eagle / double eagle :
-
a gold coin, equal to two eagles or twenty dollars, that was
issued by the United States from 1849 to 1933.
-
double edge lettering - inverted :
-
a coin processed through the edge lettering device twice, such
that one set of lettering is upside down.
-
double edge lettering - overlapped :
-
a coin processed through the edge lettering device twice, so that
both sets of lettering are in the same direction.
-
double-struck :
-
a coin that is inadvertently struck twice when the coining press
fails to eject it from the dies.
-
drachm / dram :
-
a unit of troy or apothecaries' weight equal to 60 grains, 3.89
grams, or one-eighth of an ounce. Also, one-sixteenth of an ounce
in avoirdupois weight, equal to 27.34 grains or 1.77 grams;
abbreviated 'dr' and 'dr avdp'.
-
dribs and drabs :
-
a colloquialism for small sums and irregular amounts; usually
piecemeal, as a trickle, drop by drop, drip by drip, little by
little, bit by bit, or step by step.
-
drift mark :
-
the discoloration of a coin that results from impurities in the
die being transferred.
-
dull :
-
a coin that lacks luster.
-
Dutch gold :
-
a yellow-colored alloy of copper and zinc, which tarnishes easily
unless lacquered; also known as German gold or Dutch metal.
-
dwt :
-
abbreviation for 'pennyweight'.
-
eagle :
-
a former gold coin of the United States, issued until 1933, that
was equal to ten dollars, showing an eagle on its reverse side.
Also, a gold American coin, traded for investment since 1986,
that's been available in various denominations containing
relative amounts of gold, showing an eagle on its reverse side.
Also, a standard, seal, emblem, medallion, or the like bearing
such a figure, which representation is so-called after the bird
of prey.
-
early strike :
-
any one of the first coins struck from a new set of dies.
-
edge :
-
the outer border of a coin, which is considered to be the "third
side" of a coin, and may feature lettering, reeding, or other
ornamentation along this surface; not to be confused with the
'rim'.
-
edge device :
-
a group of letters or emblems on the surrounding outer edge of a
coin.
-
electroless plating :
-
a technique of plating metal by chemical rather than electrical
means, wherein the piece to be plated is immersed in a reducing
agent that, when catalyzed by certain materials, changes metal
ions to metal that forms a deposit on the piece.
-
electroplate :
-
to plate or coat with a metal by electrolysis (ie: the passage of
an electric current through an electrolyte with subsequent
migration of positively and negatively charged ions to the
negative and positive electrodes). Also, items, articles, or ware
that have been electroplated.
-
electrum :
-
a natural pale-yellow alloy of gold and silver. [nb: composition
of the oldest extant coin, issued in Lydia, dating from before
700BC]
-
elements :
-
the particular devices that comprise a design; the various
specific aspects that compose a motif.
-
emboss :
-
to raise a design on a blank (planchet) with dies of similar
pattern, one the negative of the other; to decorate a surface in
relief with raised or protuberant ornament.
-
emit :
-
to formally issue something, such as paper money or coinage.
-
engrail :
-
to make dots or curves, beads or scallops on the curved
cylindrical edge of a coin, medal, medallion, token or the like,
so as to form a decorative pattern. Also, to ornament the edge of
something with curved indentations.
-
engraver :
-
an artist who sculpts the clay model of a coin's design so that
the figures and lettering slightly project from the background
(bas-relief) of its surface.
-
envelope toning :
-
discoloration resulting from storage in envelopes, the paper of
which contains caustic, corrosive, or other reactive chemicals.
-
environmental damage :
-
erosive and corrosive damage caused by exposure to environmental
elements.
-
error :
-
a specimen evincing mistakes in manufacture; a coin that was
improperly produced, which defect was overlooked, allowing it to
be released into circulation; an unintentional variant.
-
Euro :
-
European Currency Unit (ECU) introduced in 1979 to the Common
Market, or European Economic Community. [v: European Union
(1992)]
-
exergue :
-
the space below the device on a coin or medal, sometimes
separated from the field by a line; the lower section of a coin
or medal, usually offset, and often containing the date, mint
mark, or engraver's initials.
-
extremely fine :
-
designation for a condition exhibiting nearly full detail with
only the high points worn on the coin's surface.
-
extremely high relief :
-
sculptured relief that's raised to an extreme projection above
the background; also called "ultra high relief".
-
eye appeal :
-
that aspect of a coin's condition that attracts the viewer's
attention; the overall appealing appearance of a coin.
-
face value :
-
the sum for which a coin can be exchanged or redeemed, as opposed
to its collector or precious metal value; the value of a coin as
stated by its government of issue.
-
fair :
-
designation for a condition exhibiting heavy wear, with devices
only partly visible.
-
fake :
-
a counterfeit or altered coin.
-
false :
-
a spurious imitation of bogus coins or forged paper money that's
usually made with an intent to deceive; that which is not
genuine, not properly or accurately made, which tendency
misrepresents or misleads by its artificiality.
-
fiat money :
-
currency declared to be legal tender by an authoritative decree
or sanction of the government, but not based on gold or silver
reserves, nor convertible into specie or bullion.
-
field :
-
the portion of a coin's surface not used for design or
inscription; the background to the foreground design; the blank
area of a coin, other than that of the exergue.
-
filled gold / gold-filled :
-
a composition consisting of gold-plating welded to and rolled
with a backing of brass or other base metal, at least
one-twentieth (1/20th) of the total weight being that of the
gold; to gild or coat a base metal by electroplating, the
composition consisting of a layer of gold backed with a base
metal; also called 'rolled gold'. [v: -leaf, -foil, -plate,
-fill]
-
fine :
-
designation for a condition exhibiting worn detail that's not
sharp.
-
finest known :
-
the best quality of coin available in the census.
-
flan :
-
a piece of metal shaped ready to form a coin, but not yet stamped
by the die; the metal of which a coin is made, as distinct from
its design; as derived from "flat cake".
-
flat luster :
-
a weak or poor luster resulting from worn dies.
-
flip :
-
a plastic sleeve in which coins are stored.
-
flip rub :
-
discoloration on the highest points of a coin design resulting
from contact with a plastic sleeve ('flip').
-
florentine :
-
a background pattern of small parallel crosshatching lines.
-
flow lines :
-
the lines resulting from the outward movement of metal from the
center of the blank (planchet) as it's struck by the die; also
called 'metal stress lines'.
-
focal area :
-
the area of a coin that immediately attracts the viewer's
attention when initially encountered.
-
forge :
-
a hearth or furnace wherein metal is heated before shaping; the
workshop or smithy of a metalsmith. Also, to form metal by
beating and hammering, as to pound into shape; to fashion by
concentrated effort. Also, to imitate something fraudulently; to
make a forgery of something.
-
forgery :
-
the production of a spurious work that's claimed to be genuine,
as a coin, a painting, or the like.
-
foundry :
-
a place established to produce castings in molten metal; the
process of founding (casting) metal objects.
-
fractional currency :
-
an Americanism for coins or paper money of a smaller denomination
than the basic monetary unit.
-
freak :
-
an imperfect coin that was undetected at the mint and put into
circulation; as derived from any abnormal product or unusual
object, any deviated anomaly or aberration.
-
friction :
-
slight wear to a coin's high points or across the fields.
-
frost :
-
the intense appearance of coins struck with sandblasted dies.
-
frosted devices :
-
the raised elements on coins that have a sandblasted treatment in
their recessed areas.
-
frosty luster :
-
the crystalline appearance of coins that have a sandblasted
treatment in their recessed areas.
-
full strike :
-
a coin that displays all the details intended by the designer.
-
funny money :
-
aside from its primary definition of 'counterfeit currency', this
is slang for Military Payment Certificate (MPC), a form of
color-coded scrip [paper; not "script"] that's also called "play
money" or "shinplaster", which was used as legal tender by
military personnel stationed overseas during the period from
World War II through the Vietnam War, in an effort to control
inflation in foreign countries.
-
galvanism :
-
produced or affected by the chemical action of an electric
current, as when electroplating.
-
gem :
-
slang for a superb coin.
-
German silver :
-
a white alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc that's used instead of
sterling, and as a base for plating; abbreviated 'Gs', and also
known as albata or nickel-silver.
-
gild / gilded / gilt / gilding :
-
thinly plated, coated, layered, covered, edged, or highlighted
with Gold, gold leaf, or a substance golden in color. Also, a
specious
ostentation, bright aspect, or pleasing appearance which conceals
something inferior or worthless. [v: gild the lily]
-
gilt-edge / gilt-edged :
-
of the best rating or highest quality, as when the edge or edges
are gilded (eg: gilt-edged security), or when government backed
or guaranteed (eg: gilt-edged bond).
-
gold :
-
a precious metallic element (Au) that's bright yellow in color,
dense and shiny, highly malleable and ductile, and is not subject
to oxidation or corrosion. Also, a monetary standard based on
this metal (ie: gold standard), which is representative of wealth
and riches. Also, something likened to this metal in brightness,
preciousness, superiority, and so forth. [v: gold medal, gold
cup, gold star, gold certificate, gold bond, gold note, golden
age, golden rule, golden mean, golden section, golden
anniversary, golden fleece, golden calf, golden goose, golden
handshake, golden handcuffs, golden parachute]
-
gold bullion standard :
-
a gold standard in which gold is not coined but may be purchased
at a fixed price for foreign exchange.
-
golden calf :
-
money or material goods as an object of worship or pursuit, as
based upon a golden idol set up by Aaron and worshiped by the
Israelites [Ex. 32], and either of the two similar idols set up
by Jeroboam [I Kings 12:28, 29]. [v: mammon, golden fleece,
golden goose]
-
gold-exchange standard :
-
a monetary system in one country in which currency is maintained
at a par with that of another country that is on the gold
standard.
-
gold-filled / filled gold :
-
a composition consisting of gold-plating welded to and rolled
with a backing of brass or other base metal, at least
one-twentieth (1/20th) of the total weight being that of the
gold; to gild or coat a base metal by electroplating, the
composition consisting of a layer of gold backed with a base
metal; also called 'rolled gold'. [v: -leaf, -foil, -plate,
-fill]
-
gold reserve :
-
the stock of gold held by a central bank or sovereign government
to back its promissory notes or currency, or to settle its
international debts.
-
gold standard :
-
a monetary system with gold of specified weight and fineness
established as the official unit of value for exchange.
-
good :
-
designation for a condition exhibiting little detail but outlines
the major devices.
-
grade :
-
a rating that indicates how much a particular coin has been worn
by circulation. The American Numismatic Association (ANA) scale
grades coins in measurements from "About Good - 3" to "Perfect
Uncirculated - 70". Uncirculated coins may vary to some degree
because of blemishes, toning, or slight imperfections.
-
grading :
-
the process of rating or evaluating the condition of a particular
coin.
-
grain :
-
the smallest unit of weight in avoirdupois, equal to 0.0648 gram
or 0.002285 ounce in the United States and British system. Also,
a unit of weight equal to 50 milligrams or one-quarter carat, as
used for genstones. Also, any of the individual crystalline
particles forming a metal.
-
gram :
-
a metric unit of mass or weight equal to 15.432 grains or 0.001
kilogram; abbreviated 'g' or 'gr'.
-
Gs :
-
abbreviation for German silver.
-
hairline / hairlines :
-
tiny lines or fine scratches on coin surfaces, which are usually
caused by cleaning or polishing.
-
half-cent / half cent :
-
a U.S. bronze coin equal to one-half cent, that was issued at
various periods between 1793 and 1857.
-
half-dime / half dime :
-
a U.S. silver coin equal to five cents, issued 1794 through 1805
and 1829 through 1873.
-
half-dollar / half dollar :
-
informal reference to the fifty-cent silver or cupronickel coin,
a U.S. monetary unit of exchange that's valued at one-half of a
dollar.
-
half-eagle / half eagle :
-
a gold coin of the U.S., discontinued in 1929, equal to five
dollars.
-
half roll :
-
any roll containing half the usual number of coins
-
hammer die :
-
the upper die in the coin press, which is usually the obverse
coin face.
-
hard cash :
-
actual money, as distinguished from checks or credit. [v:
hard-asset; cf: fiat money]
-
hard currency :
-
money that is backed by gold reserves and is readily convertible
into foreign currencies. [v: hard-asset; cf: fiat money]
-
hard times token :
-
any of a series of U.S. copper tokens, issued 1834-41, bearing a
political inscription or advertising message, and serving as
currency during coin shortages.
-
haze :
-
a cloudy film on a coin, whether original or added.
-
head / heads :
-
the obverse of a coin, as bearing a major depiction, primary
figurehead, or other principal representation ... as opposed to
tail / tails. Also, the front of a coin or medallion positioned
face upwards. [v: front / back, top / bottom, obverse / reverse]
-
high end :
-
any coin rated at the upper end of a particular grade.
-
high relief :
-
sculptured relief that's sufficiently raised so as to strongly
project the mass of the image from the background.
-
holder toning :
-
discoloration of a coin acquired as a result of storage in any
type of holder.
-
hub :
-
the steel device from which a die is produced; a design of
hardened steel in relief that's used as a punch in making a coin
die. Also, a die forced into a metal blank, as to stamp a metal
blank with a die; perhaps derived as a variant of 'hob'.
-
impaired proof :
-
a formerly proof-quality coin that is no longer in 'proof'
condition (eg: circulated proof).
-
incomplete strike :
-
a coin that's missing design detail due to a striking process
problem.
-
incuse :
-
the part of a coin's design that's depressed into the surface of
the field; any design motif that's indented below the plane of
the background, from which the relief motifs project; to indent
by hammering or stamping, as an impressed figure or design in a
coin.
-
Indian Head cent :
-
a one-cent coin featuring an Indian head motif that was issued by
the United States from 1859 until 1909.
-
ingot :
-
a mass of metal cast in a convenient form for shaping, remelting,
or refining; as derived from "pour or flow into a mold".
-
inscription :
-
the lettering in the field of a coin, medal, medallion, token, or
the like; words stamped on a coin or medal; also called 'legend'.
-
intrinsic value :
-
the value of the metal(s) comprising a coin; the current market
value of the precious metal(s) contained in a coin; also known as
'bullion value'.
-
investable / investible :
-
an object that's suitable as an investment, such as a rare coin
or precious metal.
-
iridium :
-
a precious metallic element (Ir) resembling platinum, as used in
platinum alloys and for the points of gold pens; derived from
"rainbow" (iris), so named from its iridescence when dissolved in
hydrochloric acid.
-
issue :
-
to mint, print, or publish for sale or distribution; to deliver
for sale or use, as to put into circulation.
-
jingle :
-
slang for a mix of coins, from the clinking or tinkling sounds
made when making contact; coins collectively, regardless of their
denomination.
-
jugate :
-
the overlapping of two or more portraits on the face of a coin,
medal, medallion, token, or escutcheon.
-
k :
-
abbreviation for 'karat'.
-
karat :
-
a unit of measure used for designating the fineness of gold, with
pure gold being 24 karats fine; abbreviated 'k' or 'kt', and
derived as a spelling variant of 'carat'.
-
key coin :
-
the most important coin in a particular series.
-
key date :
-
a scarce coin date that's required to complete a collection; a
date that's typically more difficult for the collector to find
and afford.
-
klippe :
-
a square- or lozenge-shaped coin; as derived from 'cut'.
-
kt :
-
abbreviation for 'karat'.
-
lamination :
-
a piece of metal that has nearly become detached from a coin.
-
legal tender :
-
currency that may be lawfully presented as payment of a debt,
such as paper money, Federal Reserve notes, or coins; coins,
bills or banknotes, and other currency that's been issued by a
government as official money for the payment of debts and the
exchange of commerce.
-
legend :
-
the principal lettering on a coin, medal, medallion, token,
escutcheon, and the like; also known as 'inscription'.
-
lettered edge :
-
a coin edge that displays an inscription, legend or motto; a
design element along the edge of a coin, other than reeded or
plain.
-
Liberty :
-
a symbolic female figure who personifies freedom from despotism,
as used in many coin designs.
-
Liberty Head silver dollar :
-
informal reference to the one-dollar coin featuring the
personification of Liberty that was issued by the United States
from 1878 until 1904, and again in 1921; also called the 'Morgan
dollar'.
-
light line :
-
the band of light appearing on photographs of coins.
-
Lincoln cent :
-
a one-cent coin featuring a bust of Abraham Lincoln, designed by
Victor D. Brenner, that was first struck by the United States in
1909.
-
Lincoln Head penny :
-
informal reference to the Lincoln cent.
-
lint mark :
-
a repeating depression on a coin that was caused by a thread
adhering to a die during striking.
-
loupe :
-
a small magnifying glass used to examine coins.
-
low relief :
-
see bas-relief.
-
luster :
-
the flow lines of a coin reflecting the glossy brilliance of
light.
-
lustrous :
-
shining or brilliant; coins that retain their original mint
bloom.
-
mammon :
-
riches or material wealth; as derived from a personification of
riches in the form of an evil spirit or heathen deity. [v:
Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:9, 11, 13]
-
mammonism :
-
the greedy pursuit of riches.
-
marks :
-
imperfections acquired after striking the coin.
-
master die :
-
the principal production die of the master hub, from which many
working hubs are created.
-
master hub :
-
the original hub created by the portrait lathe, which is then
used to create master dies.
-
maundy / maundy money :
-
money distributed as alms, especially as part of the ceremonial
observance of Maundy Thursday during Holy Week; as derived from
Jesus' mandate to His disciples after washing their feet and
sharing the Last Supper.
-
medal :
-
a metal object resembling a coin, but with no stated value, and
that's not intended to circulate as money, which has been issued
to recognize an event or place, a person or group. [nb: it's
illegal to deface, disfigure, or deform U.S. currency;
furthermore, the size and weight of commemorative medallions or
commercial tokens must be other than that of U.S. coinage]
-
medallion :
-
a large medal. Also, an ornament resembling a medal; a metallic
token resembling a 'coin' but intended to be used in non-monetary
applications or non-commercial exchanges. [nb: it's illegal to
deface, disfigure, or deform U.S. currency; furthermore, the size
and weight of commemorative medallions or commercial tokens must
be other than that of U.S. coinage]
-
medium of exchange :
-
anything that people agree has a certain value; something
generally accepted as representing a standard of value and able
to be traded for goods and services.
-
melt :
-
informal reference to the intrinsic value of the metal(s)
comprising a particular numismatic item; the reduced or rendered
worth of a coin, regardless of its artistic or historic value.
-
Mercury dime :
-
informal reference to the ten-cent coin featuring the
personification of Winged Liberty that was issued by the United
States from 1916 until 1945.
-
metal :
-
any of a class of elementary substances, all of which are
crystalline when solid, and many of which are characterized by
opacity, ductility, conductivity, and a unique luster when
freshly fractured; usually pure or admixed (alloy).
-
metal stress lines :
-
radial lines that result from the metal flowing outward from the
center of the blank (planchet) during the minting process; also
called 'flow lines'.
-
mill :
-
a factory established for certain kinds of manufacture,
especially one equipped with machinery for grinding, pulverizing,
crushing, or rolling raw materials. Also, any of the various
apparatuses used for shaping materials or performing other
mechanical operations. Also, any of various machines that modify
the shape or size of a workpiece by mechanical rotation; to
grind, cut, work, treat, or shape with a mill / milling machine.
Also, a blank that's been struck by a mill or press, and finished
with either a raised edge (eg: penny, nickel) or transverse ribs
and grooves (eg: dime, quarter). Also, a unit of monetary value
equal to 0.001 of a U.S. dollar, being one-tenth of a cent, as
used at various times and places in the United States as a money
of account, especially in certain tax rates; derived from Latin
for a thousandth part.
-
milling :
-
the process of making a raised edge on a coin or the like; or the
process of making narrow, radial grooves on the raised edge of a
coin or the like. Also, any number of edge grooves so made.
-
milling mark :
-
a mark resulting from the reeded edge of one coin contacting the
surface of another.
-
minor coin :
-
a coin made of base metal.
-
mint :
-
a place where coins, paper currency, special medals, and the like
are manufactured or fabricated under government authority; the
place where various metals are transformed by stamping into the
coins of a country under government authority, wherein each
facility thereof distinctively marks its products. Also, any
commercial coin production facility. Also, unused condition, or
appearing to be newly made and never used. Also, a vast amount,
especially of money. [ety: Roman money coined at the Temple of
Juno]
-
mintage :
-
the quantity of coins produced (coinage) by a mint; the number of
coins of a particular date struck at a given mint. Also, a stamp
or character impressed. Also, the charge for or cost of minting
or coining.
-
mint luster :
-
the dull, frosty, or satiny shine found on uncirculated coins.
-
mint mark / mintmark :
-
a small symbol or letter (ie: P, S, D, W, C, CC, O) on a coin
(often
situated in the exergue) that identifies which of the United
States Mint facilities struck any particular coin.
-
mint set :
-
a complete set of uncirculated coins of each denomination
produced by a particular mint in any given year.
-
mint state :
-
a business strike coin in uncirculated condition.
-
mishandled proof :
-
a proof coin that has had its pristine condition reduced by
polishing, cleaning, circulation, or any other mistreatment.
-
missing edge lettering :
-
a coin that doesn't display any of the intended design on its
surrounding edge.
-
misstrike / mis-struck :
-
a coin having the design stamped off-center; any error coin that
features irregularities from striking.
-
mite :
-
any very small sum of money; as derived from an ancient copper
coin [myte] of very little value. Also, a coin of very little
value. Also, a contribution that is small but is all that a
person can afford. Also, any very small object.
-
monetize :
-
to give the character of money; to legalize as money. Also, to
coin into money, as when converting gold metal into money as a
medium of exchange. Also, to convert a debt, especially the
national debt, into currency, as by issuing government securities
or notes. [v: monetization]
-
money :
-
any circulating medium of exchange, including coins, paper money,
and demand deposits; gold, silver, or other metal in pieces of
convenient form stamped by public authority, and issued as a
medium of exchange and measure of value; a particular form or
denomination of cash or currency. Also, any article or substance
used as a medium of exchange, measure of wealth, or means of
payment; capital funds to be borrowed, loaned, or invested. Also,
pecuniary value, sum, or profit, including property; monies,
wealth, affluence, assets, or riches.
-
moneychanger / money-changer / money changer :
-
a person whose business is the exchange of currency, usually from
different countries, at a fixed or official rate. Also, a
portable device consisting of conjoined vertical tubes used for
temporarily housing coins of different sizes, with a mechanism
for dispensing change, usually having a clip for attachment to a
person's belt.
-
money of account :
-
(forthcoming)
-
moneyer :
-
archaic term for a person employed in the authorized coining of
money; a coiner or minter. Also, obsolete term for a moneylender
or banker.
-
moneylender :
-
a person or organization whose business it is to lend money at
interest. [cf: usury / usurer]
-
money of account :
-
a monetary denomination used in reckoning, especially one not
issued as a coin, such as the U.S. mill.
-
money tree :
-
a fanciful tree that sheds coins or money when shaken; an
artificial tree-like structure that's emplaced at a public
gathering so paper money may be attached to its branches as a
charitable donation to a worthy cause. Also, by analogy, any good
source of funds or revenue. [v: pot of gold, gold mine]
-
Morgan dollar :
-
informal reference to the one-dollar coin featuring the
personification of Liberty that was issued by the United States
from 1878 until 1904, and again in 1921; also called the 'Liberty
Head silver dollar'.
-
mottled toning :
-
uneven discoloration of a coin.
-
motto :
-
a guiding word or phrase inscribed on a coin that expresses a
widespread principle, such as the national maxim 'E Pluribus
Unum' ("out of many, one") inscribed on all U.S. circulating
coins.
-
MPC :
-
Military Payment Certificate, a form of color-coded scrip [paper;
not "script"] that's also called "play money" or "shinplaster",
which was used as legal tender by military personnel stationed
overseas during the period from World War II through the Vietnam
War, in an effort to control inflation in foreign countries.
-
mule / mule error :
-
a matching mistake wherein the obverse die is of one coin design
and the reverse die is of a different coin design; a hybrid coin
having the obverse of one issue and the reverse of the succeeding
issue, or vice versa.
-
Muntz metal :
-
an alloy of copper (55%-61%) with zinc (39%-45%); also called
"alpha-beta brass", and named after its inventor, G.F. Muntz, a
19th century English metallurgist and manufacturer.
-
mutilated :
-
a coin that's been so baddly damaged that it can no longer be
graded for valuation.
-
Mylar™ :
-
the trademarked brand name of a strong thin polyester film that's
used for storing coins because it's protective and non-reactive
with the metals.
-
negligible :
-
so small, unimportant, or insignificant as to be safely
overlooked, disregarded, or ignored, such as small change.
-
new :
-
a coin that's never been in circulation.
-
new-mint / newly minted :
-
to mint or coin an issue afresh.
-
New Orleans Mint :
-
opened in 1838 at New Orleans, Louisiana to accommodate the
regional Gold Rush, operations at this facility were discontinued
in 1861 due to the Civil War, then re-opened in 1879 until
finally closed in 1909; this facility uses the 'O' mint mark on
coins struck there; it was also called the "O-Mint".
-
nickel :
-
informal reference to the five-cent coin struck in a cupronickel
alloy; a monetary unit of exchange that's valued at one-twentieth
of a dollar, which denomination has been issued by the United
States since 1866. Also, a hard, silvery white, ductile and
malleable metallic element (Ni) that's allied to iron and cobalt
but is not readily oxidized; as derived from 'copper demon'
[Swiss: kopparnickel; German kupfernickel] because it yielded
none despite looking like copper.
-
nickel-silver :
-
German silver.
-
noble metal :
-
any of a number of metals that resist oxidation when heated in
air, and solution by inorganic acids, such as gold or platinum.
-
not worth a plugged nickel :
-
a colloquialism for worthless or valueless, bootless or
unavailing, futile or pointless, ineffectual or meretricious;
also represented as "not worth a straw", "of no account", and
"good-for-nothing".
-
numismatics :
-
the study and collecting of objects that are used as money,
including coins, tokens, medals, and paper bills.
-
numismatist :
-
someone who studies or collects the objects that are used as
money.
-
nummary :
-
of or pertaining to coins or money; dealing in coins or money.
-
nummular :
-
pertaining to coins or money. Also, having the shape of a coin,
being flat and circular (round, disk-like) or oval in form; as
derived from "petty cash" or "small change".
-
O :
-
the mint mark of the United States Mint at New Orleans, Louisiana
(1838-1861, 1879-1909) for specie.
-
obsidional coin / siege piece :
-
a piece of gold or silver stamped as provisional legal tender in
a besieged area.
-
obsolete :
-
a coin design or type that is no longer produced.
-
obverse :
-
the front side or surface of a medal, medallion, token, flag, and
the like, that bears the object's principal design and is turned
toward the observer, which is struck by the lower die, and is
opposed to 'reverse'. Also, the front (or "heads") side of a
coin, which usually features the date, mint mark, and main
design.
-
ocher :
-
any of a class of natural earths, being mixtures of hydrated
oxide of iron with various earthy materials, ranging in color
from pale yellow to orange and red, and used as pigments. Also,
obsolete term for a gold coin serving as money.
-
off-center :
-
a coin struck on a blank (planchet) that was not properly
centered over the anvil; a coin that received a misaligned strike
from the coin press, such that portions of its design are
missing.
-
opposite :
-
the other side of two related or corresponding faces; being
either complementary side of a coin.
-
orange-peel surfaces :
-
the dimple-textured fields displayed on many gold proof coins.
-
ore :
-
a metal-bearing mineral or rock, or a native metal, that can be
mined at a profit; as derived from "unreduced metal". Also, a
mineral or natural product serving as a source of some
nonmetallic substance, such as sulfur.
-
original :
-
a coin struck from dies in the year it's dated, and has never
been dipped or cleaned.
-
original roll :
-
coins of certain denominations in fixed quantities that were
wrapped in paper and stored at the time of their issuance.
-
original toning :
-
natural age-related discoloration; synonymous with 'patina'.
-
ormolu :
-
any of various alloys of copper, tin, and zinc that resemble the
appearance of gold, as used in jewelry and decoration; also known
as mosaic gold, doré, and gilt metal. Also, anything
apparently genuine but actually derivative or inferior.
-
osmium :
-
a hard, heavy, metallic element (Os) having the greatest density
of the known elements, and forming octavalent compounds, used
chiefly as a catalyst, in alloys, and in the manufacture of
electric-light filaments; derived from 'smell', named from the
penetrating odor of one of its oxides.
-
ounce :
-
a unit of weight equal to 437.5 grains, 28.349 grams, or
one-sixteenth of a pound avoirdupois; abbreviated 'oz'. Also, a
unit of weight equal to 480 grains, 31.103 grams, or one-twelfth
of a pound troy or apothecaries' weight.
-
overdate :
-
a different date that's been punched directly over the original
year on the die struck image of a coin; a coin stamped from a die
altered to show a year subsequent to that for which it was cut.
-
over-dipped :
-
a coin that has become dull from too many washes in an acidic
cleaning solution.
-
over-mintmark :
-
a coin with the die struck mint mark that's been altered by
engraving another mint mark over it.
-
overstrike :
-
to stamp a new device, value, or inscription on a coin. Also, a
coin that has been overstruck without complete obliteration of
the original design; a new coin that's been produced from a
previously struck coin,
instead of using a blank (planchet).
-
P :
-
the mint mark of the United States Mint at Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania (since 1980) for specie.
-
palladium :
-
a rare metallic element (Pd) of the platinum group, silver-white,
ductile and malleable, harder and fusing more readily than
platinum, used chiefly as a catalyst and in dental and other
alloys; named after the asteroid Pallas, then (1803) newly
discovered. [v: Palladion, a statue of Athena / Pallas Athena]
-
partial edge lettering :
-
a coin that has at least one complete letter or element missing
on its surrounding edge.
-
passable :
-
capable of being legally circulated, or having a valid currency,
as a coin.
-
patina :
-
a film or coating of color on the surface of exposed metal, as
caused by oxidation, and often highly esteemed as being of
aesthetic value; synonymous with 'original toning'.
-
pattern :
-
a coin, either the redesign of an existing piece or the model for
a new one, submitted for authorization as a regular issue; an
experimental or trial piece, generally of a new design or
different metal.
-
pedigree :
-
a coin's provenance; citing of a coin's history and ownership.
-
pence :
-
a plural of penny, which Briticism is used to refer to a sum of
money, rather than to the coins themselves.
-
penny :
-
informal reference to the one-cent bronze coin; a monetary unit
of
exchange that's valued at one-hundredth of a dollar, which
denomination has been issued by the United States since 1792.
Also, a sum of money, such as a "pretty penny" or "honest penny".
[v: penny stock; cf: bad penny] [nb: 2¢ coins minted from
1864]
-
a penny for your thoughts :
-
a colloquialism inviting a companion to share a confidence; an
invitation to speak one's innermost considerations, as addressed
to a pensive or bemused person; a request for someone in a "brown
study" to reveal their private concerns. This phrase is
humorously represented in John Heywood's Proverbs (1546)
where one's most engrossing thoughts are ironically worth the
least amount of money.
-
pennyweight :
-
a unit of 24 grains or 1/20 of an ounce in troy weight;
abbreviated 'dwt' or 'pwt'.
-
peripheral toning :
-
discoloration around the margin or edge of a coin.
-
peso :
-
a former silver coin of Spain and Spanish America, equal to eight
reals; as derived from 'weigh', the weight of something. [v:
piece of eight, piaster, dollar] [nb: due to British currency
restrictions, Spanish money was used in colonial America before
the United States established its first mint]
-
pewter :
-
originally composed of tin and lead, this dull gray malleable
alloy is composed of tin and antimony.
-
Philadelphia Mint :
-
opened in 1792 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the production
of United States specie, as authorized by the Constitution in
1787; coins struck at this facility were unmarked until 1980,
when it began using the 'P' mint mark; it's also called the
"P-Mint".
-
picayune :
-
in the southern-most early American territories (eg: Louisiana,
Florida, etc), a coin equal to half of a Spanish real; derived by
reference to the striking of small copper coins (picaioun). Also,
any small coin, such as a five-cent piece. Also, anything of
little value, of trifling account, or of small amount. Also, an
insignificant person or thing. Also, petty, carping,
narrow-minded, or prejudiced.
-
piece :
-
a coin, such as a five-cent or ten-cent piece.
-
piedfort / piefort :
-
a coin, medallion, token, or pattern struck on a blank (planchet)
thicker than that used for regular issue; designating 'double
thick'; as literally derived from 'foot' + 'strong'.
-
pile :
-
the lower (reverse) of two facing dies for coining by hand. Also,
a large accumulation of money.
-
pinchbeck :
-
an alloy of copper and zinc that's used in imitation of gold.
Also, any sham, fraud, or imitation.
-
pine tree shilling :
-
a silver coin minted in Massachusetts in the mid- to late-17th
century that's named for the pine tree within a circle motif
that's shown on the obverse side of the coin.
-
plain edge :
-
a flat, smooth surrounding edge on a coin; unmarked and
undecorated.
-
planchet :
-
the blank piece of metal (generally disk-shaped) onto which a
coin design is stamped; a coin blank.
-
planchet defects :
-
various abnormalities found on coin blanks (planchets), including
drift marks, laminations, cracks, clips, and so forth.
-
planchet flaw :
-
an irregular hole in a coin blank (planchet).
-
planchet striations :
-
fine incuse lines that're found on coins, usually as a result of
polishing blanks (planchets) so as to impart mirror-like surfaces
before the design is struck.
-
plate :
-
obsolete term for a silver coin.
-
plated / plating :
-
the application of a thin layer of metal to a core or base in
order to inexpensively create an attractive coin or medallion.
-
platina :
-
a native alloy of platinum with palladium, iridium, osmium, and
other white metals; as derived from "silver-like element".
-
platinum :
-
a heavy, highly malleable and ductile metallic element (Pt)
that's resistant to most chemicals, practically unoxidizable,
fusible only at extremely high temperatures, and colored a
grayish white with a very slight bluish tinge when compared to
silver; a precious or noble metal that's used for making chemical
and scientific apparatus, and in jewelry. [ety: by alteration of
earlier platina]
-
plug / plugged :
-
a core or interior segment taken from a larger matrix; to remove
a core or small plug-shaped piece, as when a hole in a coin has
been filled with a base metal to replace a more valuable metal.
[eg: plugged nickel]
-
polished die :
-
a die that's been polished (basining) to remove clash marks or
other defects.
-
poor :
-
designation for a condition exhibiting readable date and mint
marks on a coin, but little more.
-
porous :
-
a rough or granular surface; a coin with an eroded face(s).
-
pot metal :
-
an admixture of scrap metals used as a base for plating; term
derives from the crucible used to blend the constituent
ingredients.
-
pound :
-
a unit of weight and of mass, varying in different periods and
countries; as literally derived from "by weight". Also, an
avoirdupois unit of weight (lb / #) equal to 7000 grains, divided
into sixteen ounces, as used for ordinary commerce. Also, a troy
unit of weight equal to 5760 grains, divided into twelve ounces,
as used in the U.S. (and formerly in Great Britain) for gold,
silver, and other precious metals. Also, an apothecaries' unit of
weight equal to 5760 grains, divided into twelve ounces. Also,
any of the monetary units of various countries, as Cyprus, Egypt,
Ireland, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, United Kingdom, and of certain
Commonwealth of Nations countries; and a former monetary unit of
Israel, Libya, Nigeria, and Turkey.
-
pr :
-
abbreviation for 'proof'.
-
precious metal :
-
a metal of the gold, silver, or platinum group.
-
premium quality :
-
coins deemed to be the best specimens within a particular grade.
-
presentation strike / presentation striking :
-
a coin that's been specially struck for bestowal to a dignitary
or other honored person.
-
press :
-
any of the various machines used to produce coins.
-
pretty penny :
-
a considerable sum of money.
-
pristine :
-
flawless coins in original condition; a prime specimen.
-
proof :
-
one of a limited number of coins of a new issue that have been
struck from polished dies on a blank having a polished or matte
surface; a specially produced coin that's made from highly
polished (basining) dies and blanks (planchets), which are often
struck more than once in specially adapted coining presses to
accent the design. Proof coins receive the highest quality strike
possible and can be distinguished by their mirror-like background
and frosted foreground, bringing forth the most minute details
with remarkably sharp clarity.
-
proof dies :
-
dies that're specially prepared by sandblasting or acid-picking
for use in striking proof coins.
-
proof-like :
-
any coin that has mirror-like surfaces.
-
proof-only issue :
-
a coin designed for proof production only, without any business
strike coins produced in the same design.
-
proof set :
-
a complete set of proof-quality coins of each denomination
that're made during a particular production year.
-
put-together roll :
-
a roll of selected coins; a roll of coins assembled from
picked-over specimens in imitation of an original roll from the
mint.
-
PVC damage :
-
a film residue left on a coin after being stored in a plastic
holder (flip) that contains polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
-
PVC flip :
-
a soft plastic coin holder (flip) that contains polyvinyl
chloride (PVC).
-
pwt :
-
abbreviation for 'pennyweight'.
-
pyx / pix :
-
a box or chest at a mint into which specimen coins are deposited
and reserved for trial by weight and assay; also called "pyx
chest".
-
quarter :
-
informal reference to the twenty-five-cent coin ("two-bits"); a
monetary unit of exchange that's valued at one-fourth of a
dollar; as derived from a 'fourth part'.
-
quarter-eagle / quarter eagle :
-
a gold coin of the United States that's valued at one-fourth
($2.50) of an eagle, as issued from 1796 through 1929.
-
questionable toning :
-
color on a coin that may not be original.
-
radiate / radiating :
-
having rays extending from a central point or part, often
symmetrically, as a coin showing a radiate head.
-
rainbow toning :
-
discoloration on a coin that's multi-hued.
-
rare / rarity :
-
coins that are scarce or uncommon in availability; a coin within
a series that's very difficult to locate.
-
rays :
-
the lines in a coin design that represent sunbeams or sunrays.
-
real :
-
a former silver coin of Spain and Spanish America, being the
eighth part of a peso; ostensibly derived from 'regal' or
'royal', but probably a simple affirmation of authenticity. Also,
genuine or authentic; not counterfeit, artificial, or imitation.
Also, money or income, funds or worth, as measured in actual
purchasing power rather than in nominal value. [v: realia]
-
red :
-
characterization of a copper coin that retains 95% or more of its
original color.
-
red-brown :
-
characterization of a copper coin that retains 5% to 95% of its
original color.
-
reed :
-
to make narrow vertical grooves or parallel convex flutes on the
edge of a coin, medal, medallion, token, or the like.
-
reeded edge :
-
a small convex molding of parallel vertical grooves set into the
edge surrounding some coins (eg: dime, quarter, half dollar,
dollar); often used as ornamentation or decoration on medals and
medallions, but instituted on coinage to prevent theft by edge
trimming or shaving.
-
reeding mark :
-
a mark on the surface of a coin from contact with the reeded edge
of another coin.
-
regular issue :
-
coins struck for commerce; a business strike coin produced for
general circulation.
-
regular strike :
-
any coin struck by normal methods on ordinary blanks (planchets);
also called 'business strike', 'commercial strike', and
'circulation strike'.
-
relief :
-
the part of a coin's design that's raised above the surface of
the field; any design motif that's elevated above the plane of
the background, from which the incuse motifs descend. Also, the
relative height of the devices of a design in relation to the
background fields.
-
remedy :
-
a certain allowance or tolerance at the mint for deviation from
the standard weight and fineness of coins.
-
render :
-
to melt down; to extract impurities by melting, especially for
industrial use. Also, to pay as due; to present for payment.
Also, to provide due reward.
-
replica :
-
the reproduction of a particular coin.
-
restrike :
-
a coin that's minted using the original dies but at a later date;
a coin freshly minted from dies of an earlier issue.
-
retoned / re-toned :
-
a coin that's been dipped or cleaned, and then has re-acquired
its tone.
-
reverse :
-
the back (or "tails") side of a coin, which usually features the
secondary design, as opposed to 'obverse'; the back side or rear
of a coin, medal, or the like, that does not bear the principal
design, which is the side struck by the upper die.
-
riddler :
-
a machine that screens-out blanks (planchets) of the wrong size
or shape for production consistency; the automatic winnowing or
sifting of unsuitable blanks for pressing.
-
rim :
-
the raised edge on both sides of a coin that helps protect the
coin's design from wear; also called a 'rolled edge', such a
raised edge is created by the 'upsetting mill'.
-
rim nick :
-
a mark or ding on the raised rim of a coin.
-
ring :
-
an eminating sound; to test the authenticity of a coin or other
metal object by the sound it produces when struck against
something. [v: the ring of pure silver, the ring of solid gold]
-
roll :
-
coins of the same denomination that've been packaged by banks or
mints, dealers or merchants, with the number of coins contained
in each paper-wrapped roll varying by denomination: 50 cents, 40
nickels, 50 dimes, 40 quarters, 20 half dollars, and 25 dollars.
-
rolled edge :
-
a synonym for 'rim'.
-
rolled gold :
-
see filled gold / gold-filled.
-
roller marks :
-
the mostly parallel incuse lines exhibited on some coins after
striking.
-
roll friction :
-
minor marks exhibited on coins that've been stored in rolls.
-
rouleau :
-
a stack or roll of coins that have been put up in cylindrical
form in a paper wrapping.
-
royal :
-
any of various former coins, as the real or ryal, sovereign or
stater, solidus / bezant or sceat / sceatta, representing coinage
issued under sovereign authority.
-
rub :
-
the effect of slight wear to the surface of a coin.
-
S :
-
the mint mark of the United States Mint at San Francisco,
California for specie.
-
sandblasted :
-
decorative stippling introduced by air- or steam-driven sand
against a firm surface, resulting in a 'frosty' or 'frosted'
effect.
-
sandblasting :
-
an irregular grainy or pebbly design left on metal and other hard
surfaces (eg: glass, stone, etc) when a blast of sand laden air
or steam is used to decorate, clean, grind, or cut such
materials.
-
sandwich / sandwiched :
-
slang for a coin composed of metallic layers, with its core and
outer layer made of different metals; also called 'clad' ... all
of the American circulating dimes, quarters, half dollars, and
dollar coins have been sandwiched since 1965.
-
sandwich coin :
-
a coin having a layer of one metal between outside layers of
another metal, as a quarter with a layer of copper between layers
of silver.
-
San Francisco Mint :
-
opened in 1854 at San Francisco, California to accommodate the
1849 Gold Rush, and operating until 1955, then re-opening in
1965; this facility uses the 'S' mint mark on coins struck there;
it's also called the "S-Mint".
-
satin luster :
-
a fine luster, as exhibited by many business strike coins.
-
scissel :
-
scraps of waste metal clippings and strips that're produced
during the manufacture of coins; the clipped remains of a strip
from which coin blanks have been cut. [v: chisel]
-
scratch :
-
a line or mark that detracts from the appearance of a coin, and
is more severe than a hairline.
-
second toning :
-
any discoloration of the surface after a coin has been dipped or
cleaned.
-
seigniorage / seignorage :
-
a charge levied on bullion that has been brought to the mint to
be coined; the difference between the cost of the bullion plus
minting expenses and the monetary value of the pieces coined,
constituting a source of government revenue. Also, that which is
claimed by a sovereign or superior as a prerogative.
-
semi-common :
-
coins that are available somewhere between common and rare.
-
semi-proof :
-
a coin finish that mixes some mirror-like surface with some satin
or frosty luster.
-
series :
-
a collection of coins that includes all of the date and mint
marks of a specific coin design and denomination used over a
particular period.
-
serrate / serrated :
-
a coin, medal, medallion, token, or the like having a notched or
grooved edge; as derived from 'saw'.
-
set :
-
a collection of coins, as in a series, or of types, or from a
particular mint.
-
shield :
-
the shield-shaped emblem used as a symbol on some coins.
-
shilling :
-
any of various coins and moneys of account that were used in
various parts of the United States during the 18th and 19th
centuries. Also, a former monetary unit of various nations,
including Australia, Fiji, Ghana, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand,
Nigeria, and the United Kingdom; a monetary unit of Kenya,
Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
-
shinplaster :
-
an Americanism for money of little value, as that issued on
insufficient security. Also, any piece of paper money of a
denomination lower than one dollar. Also, slang for Military
Payment Certificate (MPC), which is also called "play money"
because it's color-coded.
-
shortchange :
-
to cheat or defraud by giving less than the correct change; to
return or remit less money than is due.
-
shotgun rolls :
-
rolls of coins that contain twice as many coins as are contained
in regular paper-wrapped rolls, and are closed by machine-crimped
folds, in a manner similar to the end of a shotgun shell.
-
shroff / sharoffe :
-
a native expert in the Far East, especially China, employed to
test coins, separating the base from the genuine specimens. Also,
a banker, moneylender, or moneychanger, especially in India, with
this facility.
-
siege piece / obsidional coin :
-
a piece of gold or silver stamped as provisional legal tender in
a besieged area.
-
silver :
-
a white, ductile, metallic element (Ag); a lustrous precious
metal used as a commodity or a currency standard. Also, a
monetary standard based on this metal (ie: silver standard),
which is representative of wealth and riches. [v: silver star,
silver medal, silver certificate, silver age, silver anniversary,
silver spoon, silver-tongued]
-
silver-exchange standard :
-
a monetary system in one country in which currency is maintained
at a par with that of another country that is on the silver
standard.
-
silver standard :
-
a monetary system with silver of specified weight and fineness
established as the official unit of value for exchange.
-
slab / slabbed :
-
a nickname for some of the protective coin encapsulation methods,
especially those holders that're rectangular and permanently
sealed.
-
slug :
-
a coin-like metal disk used as a token of limited exchange [eg:
$50 gold California token (1849)]. Also, a counterfeit coin.
Also, any piece of crude metal, especially a small piece that's
ready for processing. [nb: it's illegal to deface, disfigure, or
deform U.S. currency; furthermore, the size and weight of
commemorative medallions or commercial tokens must be other than
that of U.S. coinage]
-
small change :
-
coins of lesser denomination.
-
speaking type :
-
a device on a medal or coin that has a punning reference to a
person or thing. [cf: canting, rebus]
-
specie :
-
coined money. Also, in the same kind; as specified in the
identical size, shape, form, and so forth. [cf: fungible]
-
splash / splash minting :
-
a method of striking large, high-relief medallions wherein the
metal in the chamber is not bound by a rim nor contained by a
collar, thus allowing it to spread out naturally when struck more
than once, with the excess metal trimmed away on a lathe; first
used in ancient Greece to produce large Ptolemaic bronze coins,
this method of deeply impressed blanks (planchet) still
manufactures thick (4-6mm) oversized medals and medallions.
-
splotchy toning :
-
uneven surface color on a coin.
-
spot :
-
a discolored area on a coin.
-
standard :
-
something considered by an authority or by general consent as a
basis of judgment or comparison. Also, something that's regarded
as the usual or most common size or form of its kind; the
regular, normal, or average type, requirement, quality, quantity,
level, grade, or the like, which may be further subdivided or
graduated. Also, those habits, guidelines, or principles that are
regarded by custom or authority as approved or acceptable; the
exemplar of a unit of weight or measure. Also, a certain
commodity by which a basic monetary unit is stated (cf: gold
standard, silver standard, bimetallism, monometallism). Also, the
legally established content of full-weight coins; the prescribed
degree of fineness for gold or silver.
-
standard coin :
-
a coin having value in bullion at least equal to its face value.
-
standard dollar :
-
the basic monetary unit of the United States of America, having
value in bullion at least equal to its face value; containing
25.8 grains of gold (0.900 fine) until 31 January 1934,
thereafter containing 21 grains of gold (0.900 fine). [v: silver
certificate, gold certificate, gold note, gold bond]
-
standard money :
-
money made of a metal that has utility and value apart from its
use as a unit of monetary exchange, such as 'standard coin' or
'hard currency'. [nb: by definition, money has four basic
characteristics: a medium of exchange, a unit of account, a store
of value, and a standard of deferred payments] [v: silver
standard, gold standard, gold bullion standard, gold-exchange
standard, gold point, gold reserve, hard-asset; cf: fiat money,
flash money]
-
steel cent :
-
common name for the 1943 U.S. one-cent piece.
-
stella :
-
a four-dollar pattern coin of the United States, issued 1879-80,
that was designed to be used as an international coin, having a
metal content based upon the metric system.
-
sterling / sterling silver :
-
a composition of 925 parts of pure silver with 75 parts of
copper; as derived from the fineness 'star' mark used on some of
these mintages. Also, British currency. Also, anything of superb
excellence or anyone of outstanding worth; that which is
first-rate. [nb: the standard of fineness for coins in the United
Kingdom is 0.91666 for gold and 0.500 for silver]
-
stipple / stippling :
-
to engrave by means of dots or small marks; the decorative use of
small dots or spots.
-
strike / struck :
-
the process of stamping or punching a coin blank (planchet) with
a design; the minting of a coin. The strength of the imprint
(full, average, or weak) affects the grade and value of rare
coins. Also, a quantity of coins struck at one time.
-
strike thru / struck thru :
-
an error caused by the interference of a foreign object
introduced between the dies and the blank (planchet).
-
strip :
-
the flat metal stock from which blanks (planchets) are cut.
-
stumer :
-
slang for something bogus or fraudulent, especially a counterfeit
coin or bill. [v: rubber check]
-
subsidiary coin :
-
a coin, especially one made of silver or sandwich metal, having a
value less than that of the monetary unit represented. [cf: minor
coin, fiat money]
-
super note :
-
informal reference to counterfeit currency that's been forged so
well that it's actually superior to the scrip quality normally
produced by a (Third World) nation; specimens typically
incorporate all anti-counterfeiting precautions, such as security
threads and microprinting, infrared marking and tonal shifting
inks.
-
surface preservation :
-
a determination of the condition of a coin's surfaces.
-
surfaces :
-
the faces of a coin; obverse and reverse.
-
sweat :
-
to remove small bits of metal from gold coins by shaking them
against one another, as in a bag. [cf: clip]
-
sweating :
-
a procedure in which coins are placed in a bag that's then
vigorously shaken so as to knock-off small pieces of metal, which
scraps are then melted and reused; this procedure produces small
nicks in the original coins.
-
tail / tails :
-
the reverse of a coin, as bearing a minor depiction, secondary
figurehead, or other inferior representation ... as opposed to
head / heads. Also, the back of a coin or medallion positioned
face upwards. [v: front / back, top / bottom, obverse / reverse]
-
tarnish :
-
a metallic surface that's dulled or discolored by oxidation; a
luster that's diminished or stained. Also, to sully or blemish
the purity of something, especially character or reputation.
-
T-bill :
-
treasury bill, being a promissory note issued by the federal
government that bears no interest and matures in one year or
less.
-
tchotchke :
-
a cheap trinket or showy knickknack, such as a memento or other
decorative item of little intrinsic value, including a token or
medallion. [ety: tshatshke (Yiddish)]
-
token :
-
a stamped piece of metal that's been issued as a limited medium
of exchange, as for bus fares or bridge tolls; a substitute for a
coin. Also, a decorative piece of metal serving as a memento or
souvenir. [nb: it's illegal to deface, disfigure, or deform U.S.
currency; furthermore, the size and weight of commemorative
medallions or commercial tokens must be other than that of U.S.
coinage]
-
tolerance :
-
a permissible deviation in the fineness and weight of coins,
owing to the difficulty of securing exact conformity with the
standard prescribed by law; the permissible range of variation in
some characteristic of an object, such as hardness, weight,
dimension, or quantity; also called 'allowance'.
-
tombac :
-
a copper-zinc alloy used to imitate gold.
-
toning :
-
a discoloration on the surface of a coin that's caused by storage
(transference) or aging (oxidation), which can occur in many
hues.
-
tooling mark :
-
a line, usually small and fine, which results from a reworking of
the die to remove unwanted elements.
-
trade dollar :
-
a silver coin of the United States, issued from 1873 to 1885,
containing slightly more silver metal than the standard dollar,
as used for trade with the Orient.
-
transfer die :
-
a die created from the sacrifice of an actual coin that's used as
an impression model.
-
tressure :
-
an ornamental border enclosing the type on a coin or medal; as
derived from braid or plait.
-
trime :
-
a former silver three-cent coin of the United States, issued from
1851 to 1873; perhaps derived as a third of a dime [tri(di)me].
-
troy weight :
-
a system of weights in use for measuring precious metals and
gemstones, wherein a troy pound equals twelve troy ounces, and a
troy ounce equals twenty pennyweights or 480 grains.
-
turn an honest penny :
-
to earn one's living by hard work or honest labor.
-
two-bit / two-bits :
-
twenty-five cents, especially the coin ('quarter') minted to
represent this sum, being the fourth part of a dollar. Also,
slang for inferior, unimportant, small-time, or of little value;
as related to something worth, costing, or selling for
twenty-five cents. Also, an archaism for anything embellished,
made fancy or decorative; as from "penny plain, twopence
coloured" for theatrical cardboard cutouts sold during and after
the 18th century, and by extension, anything that can easily be
enriched. Also, slang for a big or long word, being
representative of a term that's polysyllabic and recondite,
complex and abstruse, which word is used instead of a plain or
simple expression (eg: "Never use a two-bit word when a nickel
word will do.").
-
two cents / two-cents :
-
the 2¢ coin minted from 1864 to represent the sum of two
pennies, as used for legal tender and alms. Also, something of
little to no value; anything insignificant, trifling, or paltry.
Also, an opinion, usually unsolicited and unwelcome; as "two
cents worth".
-
type :
-
a specimen or example of a specific coin design in its size or
content; the pattern or model from which something is made. Also,
an image or figure produced by impressing or stamping, as the
principal figure or device on either side of a coin or medal.
Also, a distinctive or characteristic mark or sign.
-
type coin :
-
any coin of a particular design and denomination, usually one of
the more common dates of any specific series.
-
type metal :
-
an alloy that consists chiefly of lead and antimony, sometimes
with small quantities of tin and copper, that's used to make
printing type and similar castings.
-
type set :
-
a collection of coins based upon denomination, including designs,
dates, and mint marks.
-
ultra high relief :
-
sculptured relief that's raised to an extreme projection above
the background; also called "extremely high relief".
-
ultra rarity :
-
a coin that exists as only a few representative examples.
-
unc :
-
abbreviation for 'uncirculated' condition.
-
uncirculated :
-
any coin that has not been used in everyday commerce, which
typically indicates the qualitative grade of an unused coin's
condition; abbreviated 'unc', a coin without wear. Also, a
special coining process with qualitative enhancements (eg:
slightly
higher coining force, early strikes from dies, special cleaning
after stamping, and special packaging) that're used to give a
coin a brilliant finish during its manufacture.
-
uniface :
-
a coin or medal, medallion or token that has a blank reverse.
-
upsetting mill :
-
a machine that raises the rim on both sides of a coin blank
(planchet) at the edge.
-
usurer :
-
a person who lends money at an exorbitant rate of interest, in
excess of the legal limit; someone who demands a large amount of
interest to be paid for the use of borrowed money. [v: usury]
-
utter :
-
to put coins or notes into circulation, especially counterfeit
money or forged checks.
-
uttering :
-
the crime of knowingly tendering a forged instrument or
counterfeit coin to another person, with an intent to defraud.
-
variety :
-
a minor change from the basic design type of a coin of the same
denomination.
-
Very Fine :
-
a grading term that encompasses coins with nearly full detail
down to coins with less than half detail.
-
vis-a-vis / vis-à-vis :
-
having two portraits facing each other, as depicted on a coin or
medal; literally derived from "face to face".
-
W :
-
the mint mark for specie at the United States Mint in West Point,
New York.
-
want list :
-
a list of desired items, such as coins, stamps, or books, that's
circulated among dealers by a hobbyist, museum, or collector
who's seeking to locate and purchase these specimens.
-
watery look :
-
a surface that portrays a wavy appearance, as exhibited by most
close-collar proof coins.
-
weak edge lettering :
-
a coin with a portion of its inscription or design missing from
its surrounding edge.
-
weak strike :
-
a coin that does not display the intended design detail due to
improper striking pressure.
-
West Point Mint :
-
originally opened as a bullion depository in 1937, this facility
at West Point, New York began minting in 1988 using the 'W' mint
mark on coins struck there; it's also called the "W-Mint".
-
whizzing :
-
slang for the practice of mechanically moving a coin to simulate
luster on its metallic surface.
-
Winged Liberty Head dime :
-
informal reference to the ten-cent coin featuring the Winged
Liberty motif that was issued by the United States from 1916
until 1945; also called 'Mercury dime'.
-
wire edge :
-
a knife-like projection that's created on rims when metal flows
between the collar and the dies.
-
working die :
-
a die used to strike coins.
-
working hub :
-
a steel device (hub) used to create the working dies.
-
worn die :
-
a die that's lost its detail from extended usage.
-
year set :
-
a collection of all coins issued by a country for any one year,
which does not necessarily include every mint mark.
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