about good
The grade AG-3. The grade of a coin that falls short of Good. Only the main features of the coin are present in this grade. Peripheral lettering, date, stars, etc. sometimes are partially worn away.
See Also -- AG-3

About Uncirculated
The grades AU50, 53, 55, and 58. A coin that on first glance appears Uncirculated but upon closer inspection has slight friction or rub.

abrasions
Area(s) of a coin where a foreign object or another coin has displaced metal in an abraded fashion. Similar to a bag mark but usually on the high points or open fields and not as deep or acute as the former.

accumulation
A miscellaneous grouping of coins, often as a monetary hoard. Opposite of a coin collection. A second use is as a grouping of a particular date, type, or series. (Example: an accumulation–of Bust Halves.)

adjustment marks
Pre-striking file marks seen mainly on gold and silver coins prior to 1840. These removed excess metal from overweight planchets. After 1840 these are seldom seen as the filing was on the rim and was usually obliterated by the striking process.

AG-3
This is for "About Good" (the grade) and "3" (the corresponding numerical designation). Most of the lettering on the coin is readable, but there is moderately heavy wear into the rims. This grade is frequently found on Barber coins where the obverse is fully Good (or better) but the reverse is heavily worn.
See Also -- About Good

 
AGW (Actual Gold Weight)
This refers to the amount of pure gold in a coin, medal or bar. Any alloys are part of the gross weight of a gold coin, but not part of the AGW.

album friction
Similar to album slide marks, though the friction may be only slight rubbing on the high points.

album slide marks
Lines, usually parallel, imparted to the surface of a coin by the plastic “slide” of an album.

alloy
A combination of two or more metals.

Almost Uncirculated
Alternate of About Uncirculated.

alteration
A coin that has a date, mint mark, or other feature that has been changed, added, or removed, usually to simulate a rarer issue.

American Numismatic Association
A non-profit numismatic organization founded in 1888 for the advancement of numismatics.

ANA
Short for “American Numismatic Association.”

ANACS – (American Numismatic Association Certification Service)
Originally, only authentication was offered, grading was added later. The grading service and acronym were sold by the ANA and now operate under this name as a third party grading service.

ANACS certificate
A uniquely numbered opinion of authenticity and/or grade from the ANA Certification Service. The ANA now only authenticates, having sold the name and grading service.

ancients
General term for coins of the world struck circa 600 B.C. to circa 450 A.D.

annealing
The heating of a die or planchet to soften the metal before preparation of the die or striking of the coin.

ANS
Short for "American Numismatic Society."

anvil die
The lower die, usually the reverse – although on some issues with striking problems, the obverse was employed as the lower die. Because of the physics of minting, the fixed lower-die impression is slightly better struck than the upper-die impression.  See Also -- hammer die

arrows
Design element usually found in the left (viewer’s right) claw of the eagle seen on many United States coins. After 1807, there usually were three arrows while prior to that time the bundle consisted of numerous ones.

arrows and rays
Term referring to the quarters and half dollars of 1853. The rays were removed in 1854 because of striking difficulties presented by the busy design.

arrows at date
Term referring to the arrows to the left and right of the date, added to the dies to indicate a weight increase or decrease.

artificial toning
Coloring added to the surface of a coin by chemicals and/or heat. Many different methods have been employed over the years.

ask
The selling quotation of a coin either on a trading network, pricing newsletter, or other medium.  See Also -- bid

assay
To analyze and determine the purity of a metallic alloy.

attributes
The elements that make up a coin’s grade. The main ones are marks (hairlines for Proofs), luster, strike, and eye appeal.

AU-50
This is for "About Uncirculated" (the grade) and "50" (the numerical designation of that grade). Also called "Almost Uncirculated-50." This is the lowest of the four AU grades, with the others being AU53, AU55, and AU58. Between 50% and 100% of the surfaces will exhibit luster disturbances, and perhaps the only luster still in evidence will be in the protected areas. The high points of the coin will have wear that is easily visible to the naked eye.  See Also -- About Uncirculated

AU-53
This is for "About Uncirculated" (the grade) and "53" (the numerical designation of that grade). Also called "Almost Uncirculated-53." There is obvious wear on the high points with light friction covering 50-75% of the fields. There are noticeable luster breaks, with most of the luster still intact in the protected areas.  See Also -- About Uncirculated 

AU-55
This is for "About Uncirculated" (the grade) and "55" (the numerical designation of that grade). Also called "Almost Uncirculated-55." There is slight wear on the high points with minor friction in the fields. Luster can range from almost nonexistent to virtually full, but it will be missing from the high points. The grade of "Choice AU" equates to AU55.  See Also -- About Uncirculated

AU-58
This is for "About Uncirculated" (the grade) and "58" (the numerical designation of that grade). Also called "Almost Uncirculated-58." There is the slightest wear on the high points, even though it may be necessary to tilt the coin towards the light source to see the friction. In many cases the reverse of an AU58 coin will be fully Mint State. Less than 10% of the surface area will show luster breaks. The grade of "Borderline Unc" equates to AU58.
See Also -- About Uncirculated

 
auction
An offering of coins for sale where the buyer must bid against other potential buyers, as opposed to ordering from a catalog, price list, or advertisement at a set price.

authentication
The process of determining the genuineness of a coin or other numismatic item.

bag
A generic term for the cloth sacks in which coin are stored and transported. These came into use in the mid-nineteenth century and replaced wooden kegs for this purpose.

bag mark
A generic term applied to a mark on a coin from another coin; it may, or may not, have been incurred in a bag.

bag toning
Coloring acquired from the bag in which a coin was stored. The cloth bags in which coins were transported contained sulfur and other reactive chemicals. When stored in such bags for extended periods, the coins near and in contact with the cloth often acquired beautiful red, blue, yellow and other vibrant colors. Sometimes the pattern of the cloth is visible in the toning; other times, coins have crescent-shaped toning because another coin was covering part of the surface, preventing toning. Bag toning is seen mainly on Morgan silver dollars, though occasionally on other series.

Bank-wrapped rolls
Rolls of coins that were wrapped at a Federal Reserve Bank from original Mint bags. Such rolls are often desirable to collectors because they have not been searched or "picked" by collectors or dealers. Sometimes abbreviated as OBW, for "original bank wrapped."

Barber coinage
Common name for the Charles Barber designed Liberty Head dimes, quarters, and half dollars struck from 1892 until 1916 (1915 for the half dollar).

basal state
The condition of a coin that is identifiable only as to date mint mark (if present), and type; one-year-type coins may not have a date visible.

basal value
The value base from which Dr. William H. Sheldon's 70-point grade/price system started; this lowest-grade price was one dollar for the 1794 large cent upon which he based his system.

baseball cap coin
Slang for a Pan-Pac commemorative gold dollar coin. The figure wears a cap similar to a baseball cap.

basining
The process of polishing a die to impart a mirrored surface or to remove clash marks or other injuries from the die.

beaded border
Small, round devices around the edge of a coin, often seen on early U.S. coins. These were replaced by dentils.

BG Gold
Term sometimes applied to California fractional gold coins as encompassed in the Breen-Gillio reference work titled California Pioneer Fraction Gold, including additional discoveries.

bid
The buying quotation of a coin either on a trading network, pricing newsletter, or other medium.  See Also -- ask

bidder
Either the dealer issuing a quotation on one of the electronic trading systems or a participant in an auction.

bidder number
The number assigned by auction houses to the various participants in their auction. In the past, codes or nom de plumes were also commonplace at sales.

blank
The flat disk of metal before it is struck by the dies and made into a coin.  See Also -- planchet

blended
A term applied to an element of a coin (design, date, lettering, etc.) that is worn into another element or the surrounding field.

bluebook
A blue-cover, wholesale pricing book for United States coins issued on a yearly basis.

bluesheet
Slang for the Certified Coin Dealer Newsletter.

BM
The designation BM refers to "Branch Mint," meaning any US Mint other than Philadelphia. You will usually find this designation used to describe Branch Mint Proof coins, such as the 1879-O BM Proof Morgan dollar, 1893-CC BM Proof Morgan dollar, etc.  See Also -- branch mint

BN
Short for Brown

body bag
Slang term for a coin returned from a grading service in a plastic sleeve within a flip. The coin referred to is a no-grade example and was not graded or encapsulated. Coins are no-grades for a number of reasons, such as questionable authenticity, cleaning, polishing, damage, repair, and so on.

bourse
Term synonymous with coin show

bourse floor
The physical area where a coin show takes place

boy wonder
Slang name for a young coin dealer who bursts upon the numismatic scene and quickly becomes a top flight dealer.

braided hair
Style of hair on half cents and large cents from 1840 onward consisting of hair pull back into a tight bun with a braided hair cord.

branch mint
One of the various subsidiary government facilities that struck, or still strikes, coins.  See Also -- BM

breast feathers
The central feathers seen on numerous eagle designs. Fully struck coins usually command a premium and the breast feathers are usually the highest point of the reverse. (They are the most deeply recessed area of the die, so metal sometimes does not completely fill the breast feather area, usually because of insufficient striking pressure. Incorrectly spaced or lapped dies will also cause “striking” weakness.)

breen
Slang for the late Walter Breen. Often heard in context of Breen letter, Breen said, Breen wrote, and so on. A controversial personal life has dimmed the impact Breen had on numismatics.

Breen Book
Slang for Walter Breen’s magnum opus, Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins, published in 1988.

Breen letter
A document, usually one page, written or typed by Walter Breen giving his opinion on a particular numismatic item. Before certification, this was the usual method employed by collectors and dealers desiring to sell an esoteric item such as a branch-mint Proof, early Proof, and so on.

Breen-Gillio
Numbering system base on the book on California fraction gold coins by Walter Breen and Ron Gillio titled California Pioneer Fraction Gold.

brilliant
A coin with full luster, unimpeded by toning, or impeded only by extremely light toning.

Brilliant Uncirculated
A generic term applied to any coin that has not been in circulation. It often is applied to coins with little "brilliance" left, which properly should be described as simply Uncirculated.

brockage
A brockage is a Mint error, an early capped die impression where a sharp incused image has been left on the next coin fed into the coining chamber. Most brockages are partial; full brockages are rare and the most desirable form of the error.

bronze
An alloy of copper, tin and zinc, with copper the principal metal.

brown
The term applied to a copper coin that no longer has the red color of copper. There are many "shades" of brown color – mahogany, chocolate, etc. (abbreviated as BN when used as part of a grade).

BU
Short for Brilliant Uncirculated.

BU rolls
Wrapped coins (usually in paper) in specific quantities for each denomination. Fifty for cents, forty for nickels, fifty for dimes, forty for quarters, and so on.

buckled die
A die that has "warped" in some way, possibly from excess clashing, and that produces coins which are slightly "bent." This may be more apparent on one side and occasionally apparent only on one side.

Buffalo nickel
Slang for the Indian Head nickel struck from 1913 to 1938. The animal depicted is an American Bison.

bulged die
A die that has clashed so many times that a small indentation is formed in it. Coins struck from this die have a "bulged" area.

bullet toning
See Also -- target toning

bullion
Slang for coins, ingots, private issue, and so on that trade below, at, or slightly above their intrinsic metal value. Only the precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, and palladium) are included as bullion. Copper cents could also technically be classed as bullion.

bullion coin
A legal tender coin that trades at a slight premium to it’s melt value.

burn mark -

See also - counting machine mark

burnished
This word has two distinct meanings in the world of numismatics, so you have to consider the context in order to discern the correct meaning. The word "burnished" can refer to specially prepared planchets (usually 18th century) that were used for specimen coins or other special coins of the era. These planchets were burnished at the Mint prior to the striking of the coin. As a second meaning, "burnished" can refer to any coin that was abrasively cleaned after it left the Mint, and the word is often used as a synonym for "whizzed" (the worst kind of cleaning, where the metal is actually moved around).

burnishing
A process by which the surfaces of a planchet or a coin are made to shine through rubbing or polishing. This term is used in two contexts – one positive, one negative. In a positive sense, Proof planchets are burnished before they are struck – a procedure done originally by rubbing wet sand across the surfaces to impart a mirror like finish. In a negative sense, the surfaces on repaired and altered coins sometimes are burnished by various methods. In some instances, a high-speed drill with some type of wire brush attachment is used to achieve this effect.

burnishing lines
Lines resulting from burnishing, seen mainly on open-collar Proofs and almost never found on close-collar Proofs. These lines are incuse in the fields and go under lettering and devices.

burnt
Slang for a coin that has been over-dipped to the point were the surfaces are dull and lackluster.

business strike
A regular issue coin, struck on regular planchets by dies given normal preparation. These are the coins struck for commerce that the Mint places into circulation.
See Also -- regular strike commercial strike

bust
The head and shoulders of the emblematic Liberty seen on many United States issues.
See Also -- Capped Bust Draped Bust
Bust dollar
Slang for silver dollars struck from 1795-1803. (Those dated 1804 were first struck in 1834 for inclusion in Proof sets. Those Proofs dated 1801, 1802, and 1803 were also struck at dates later than indicated.)

Top of Page
C
Mintmark used to signify coins struck at the Charlotte, North Carolina branch Mint.

C-Mint
Term applied to the gold coins struck at the Charlotte, North Carolina branch Mint. This Mint only struck gold coins from its opening in late 1837 until its seizure by the Confederacy. (Those coins struck in late 1837 were dated 1838.)

CA
Short for Cameo.

cabinet friction
Slight disturbance seen on coins (usually on the obverse) that were stored in wooden cabinets used by early collectors to house their specimens. Often a soft cloth was used to wipe away dust, causing light hairlines or friction.

CAM
Short for Cameo. Also, PCGS grading suffix used for 1950 and later Proofs that meet cameo standards.

Cameo
The term applied to coins, usually Proofs and prooflike coins, that have frosted devices and lettering that contrast with the fields. When this is deep the coins are said to be “black and white” cameos. Occasionally frosty coins have “cameo” devices though they obviously do not contrast as dramatically with the fields as the cameo devices of Proofs do. Specifically applied by PCGS to those 1950 and later Proofs that meet cameo standards (CAM).

Canadian
Slang for the coins and other numismatic items of the Canada.

Canadian silver
Slang for the silver coins of Canada. (Mainly struck in 80% fineness.)

Cap Bust
Alternate form of Capped Bust

Capped Bust
A term describing any of the various incarnations of the head of Miss Liberty represented on early U.S. coins by a bust with a floppy cap. This design is credited to John Reich.

capped die
The term applied to an error in which a coin gets jammed in the coining press and remains for successive strikes, eventually forming a “cap” either on the upper or lower die. These are sometimes spectacular with the “cap” often many times taller than a normal coin.

carbon spot
A spot seen mainly on copper and gold coins, though also occasionally found on U.S. nickel coins (which are 75 percent copper) and silver coins (which are 10 percent copper). Carbon spots are brown to black spots of oxidation that range from minor to severe – some so large and far advanced that the coin is not graded because of environmental damage.
See Also -- copper spot

Carson City Mint
Located in Nevada, this mint produced gold and silver coins from 1870-1893. It was closed from 1885-1889 due to a lack of funding. In 1893 the mint was permanently closed due to internal corruption. In 1895 it was found that several employees and prominent community officials were stealing bullion from the mint and this dashed all hopes of the mint ever reopening. Coins minted in Carson City are among the most popular branch-mint issues. This mint uses the “CC” mintmark.

cartwheel
The pleasing effect seen on some coins when they are rotated in a good light source. The luster rotates around like the spokes of a wagon wheel. A term applied mainly to frosty Mint State coins, especially silver dollars, to describe their luster. Also, a slang term for a silver dollar.

cast blanks
Planchets made by a mold method, rather than being cut from strips of metal.

cast counterfeit
A replication of a genuine coin usually created by making molds of the obverse and reverse, then casting base metal in the molds. A seam is usually visible on the edge unless it has been ground away.

Castaing machine
A device invented by French engineer Jean Castaing, which added the edge lettering and devices to early U.S. coins before they were struck. This machine was used until close collar dies were introduced which applied the edge device in the striking process.

catalog
A printed listing of coins for sale either by auction or private treaty. As a verb, to write the description of the numismatic items offered.

CC
Mintmark used to signify coins struck at the Carson City, Nevada branch Mint.

CC-mint
Term applied to coins struck at the Carson City, Nevada branch Mint.

CCDN
Short for Certified Coin Dealer Newsletter

CCE
Short for Certified Coin Exchange

CDN
Short for Coin Dealer Newsletter

census
A compilation of the known specimens of a particular numismatic item.

cent
A denomination valued at one-hundredth of a dollar, struck continuously by the U.S. Mint since 1793 except for 1815. (Actually, some cents dated 1816 were struck in December of 1815.)

Certified Coin Dealer Newsletter
The official name for the Bluesheet that lists bid/ask/market prices for third-party certified coins.

Certified Coin Exchange
The bid/ask coin trading and quotation system owned by the American Teleprocessing Company. Certified Assets Exchange, a Collectors Universe company.

CH
An abbreviation for "Choice."
See Also -- choice
Chain Cent
The popular name for the Flowing Hair Chain cent of 1793, the first coins struck in the newly occupied Mint building.

Chapman Proof
Those 1921 Morgan dollar Proofs supposedly struck for coin dealer Henry Chapman. These have cameo devices and deeply mirrored surfaces like most Morgan dollar Proofs. (George Morgan did bill Henry Chapman for 10 Proof Morgan dollars in 1921. Possibly, more coins from these dies were struck for others as there apparently more known than ten.)

Charlotte Mint
Located in North Carolina, the branch Mint at Charlotte operated from 1838-1861 and was closed due to the Civil War. The Charlotte mint struck only gold coins (mostly from local, native ore), all of which bear the “C” mintmark.

chasing
A method used by forgers to create a mint mark on a coin. It involves heating the surfaces and moving the metal to form the mint mark.

choice
An adjectival description applied to coin's grade, e.g., choice Uncirculated, choice Very Fine, etc. Used to describe an especially attractive example of a particular grade.

Choice Unc
Short for Choice Uncirculated.

Choice Uncirculated
An Uncirculated coin grading MS-63 or MS-64.

circulated
A term applied to a coin that has wear, ranging from slight rubbing to heavy wear.

circulation
A term applied to coins that have been spent in commerce and have received wear.

circulation strike
An alternate term for Business Strike or Regular Strike. A coin meant for commerce.

clad
A term used to describe any of the modern “sandwich” coins that have layers of copper and nickel. (A pure copper core surrounded by a copper-nickel alloy.) Also used for the 40-percent silver half dollars.

clad bag
Usually applied to a one-thousand dollar bag of 40-percent silver half dollars although it also could apply to any bag of “sandwich” coins.

clash marks
The images of the dies seen on coins struck from clashed dies. The obverse will have images from the reverse and vice versa.

clashed dies
Dies that have been damaged by striking each other without a planchet between them. Typically, this imparts part of the obverse image to the reverse die and vice versa.

Classic Era
The term describing the period from 1792 until 1964 when silver and gold coins of the United States were issued. (Gold coins, of course, were not minted after 1933.)

Classic Head
A depiction of Miss Liberty that recalls the “classic” look of a Roman or Greek athlete wearing a ribbon around the hair. The motif was first used on the John Reich designed large cent struck from 1808 until 1814. The next year, the half cent was changed to this design. This head was also copied by William Kneass for the quarter eagle and half eagle designs first struck in 1834.

cleaned
A term applied to a coin whose original surface has been removed. The effects may be slight or severe, depending on the method used.

clip
Slang for a coin struck from a clipped planchet.

clipped
A term for an irregularly cut planchet. A clip can be straight or curved, depending upon where it was cut from the strip of metal.

clogged die
A die that has grease or some other contaminant lodged in the recessed areas. Coins struck from such a die have diminished detail, sometimes completely missing.

close collar
The edge device, sometimes called a collar die, that surrounds the lower die. Actually open and close collars are both closed collars - as opposed to segmented collars. The close collar imparts reeding or a smooth, plain edge.

Closed collar
Alternate form of close collar

coin
Metal formed into a disk of standardized weight and stamped with a standard design to enable it to circulate as money authorized by a government body.

coin collection
A systematic grouping of coins assembled for fun or profit.

coin collector
An individual who accumulates coins in a systematic manner

Coin Dealer Newsletter
Weekly periodical, commonly called the Greysheet, listing bid and ask prices for many United States coins.

coin friction
Term applied to the area resulting when coins rub together in rolls or bags and small amounts of metal are displaced.
See Also -- roll friction

coin show
A bourse composed of coin dealers displaying their wares for sale and trade.

Coin Universe
– Internet site established in 1994 for the trading of numismatic items

Coin Universe 3000
An index of 3000 prices of the most important United States rare coins in the most collectible grades.

Coin Universe Daily Price Guide
A price guide available on the internet listing approximate selling prices for PCGS graded coins of nearly every United States issue in multiple grades. These prices are compiled from electronic networks, auctions, price lists, coin shows, and so on.

Coin Universe Hall of Fame
A listing of famous numismatists, past and present, available on the internet through the Coin Universe portal.

Coin World
Weekly numismatic periodical established in 1960.

coinage
The issuance of metallic money of a particular country.

COINage
Monthly numismatic magazine.

Coins Magazine
Monthly numismatic periodical

collar
A metal piece that either positions a planchet beneath the dies and/or restrains the expanding metal of a coin during striking. Collars are considered the “third” die and, today, are used to impart the edge markings to a coin. Collars can be merely a hole in a flat piece of metal or a set of segments that pull away from the coin after it is struck.

collection
Short for “coin collection.”

collector
An individual who amasses a systematic group of coins or other numismatic items.

commem
Short for “commemorative.”

commemorative
Coins issued to honor some person, place, or event and, in many instances, to raise funds for activities related to the theme. Sometimes called NCLT (non-circulating legal tender) commemoratives.

commercial grade
A grade that is usually one level higher than the market grade; refers to a coin that is "pushed" a grade, such as an EF/AU coin (corresponding to 45+) sold as AU-50.

commercial strike
A synonym for regular strike or business strike.

common
A numismatic issue that is readily available. Since this is a relative term, no firm number can be used as a cut-off point between common and scarce.

common date
A particular issue within a series that is readily available. No exact number can be used to determine which coins are common dates as this is relative to the mintage of the series. (i.e. A 1799 eagle is a common date within its series just as an 1881-S silver dollar is a common date within the Morgan series. Obviously, the 1799 eagle is rare compared to the 1881-S dollar.)

complete set
A term for all possible coins within a series, all types, or all coins from a particular branch Mint. Examples would include a complete set of a series (The three-dollar series can have but one complete set, that being the Harry Bass Foundation set that includes the unique 1870-S. Yes, it is possible that the cornerstone coin could appear someday and change the unique status; a complete gold type set would include examples of all types from 1795 until 1933; a complete set of Charlotte Mint gold dollars must include the 1849-C Open Wreath example of which there are but four currently verified.)

condition
The state of preservation of a particular numismatic issue.

Condition Census
A listing of the finest known examples of a particular issue. There is no fixed number of coins in a Condition Census with 5, 6, 10, and other totals used by different surveyors.

condition rarity
A term to indicate a common coin that is rare when found in high grades. Also, the rarity level at a particular grade and higher.

consensus grading
The process of determining the condition of a coin by using multiple graders.

contact marks
Marks on a coin that are incurred through contact with another coin or a foreign object. These are generally small, compared to other types of marks such as gouges.
See Also -- bag mark
contemporary counterfeit
A coin, usually base metal, struck from crudely engraved dies and made to pass for face value at the time of its creation. Sometimes such counterfeits are collected along with the genuine coins, especially in the case of American Colonial issues.

Continental dollars
1776 dated “dollars” struck in pewter (scarce), brass (rare), copper (extremely rare) and silver (extremely rare). Although likely struck sometime later than 1776, these saw extensive circulation. The design was inspired by certain Benjamin Franklin sketches. Some of these were possibly struck as pattern “cents” instead of “dollars.”

copper spot
A spot or stain commonly seen on gold coinage, indicating an area of copper concentration that has oxidized. Copper spots or stains range from tiny dots to large blotches.

copper-nickel
The alloy (88% copper, 12% nickel) used for small cents from 1856 until mid-1864.

Copper-Nickel Cent
The cents issued from 1859 until 1864 in the copper-nickel alloy. These were called white cents by the citizens of the era because of their pale color compared to the red cents of the past.

coppers
Slang for half cents, large cents, and pre-Federal copper issues.

copy
Any reproduction, fraudulent or otherwise, of a coin.

copy dies
Dies made at a later date, usually showing slight differences from the originals. Examples include the reverse of 1804 Class II and III silver dollars and 1831 half cents with the Type of 1840-57 reverse. Also used to denote counterfeit dies copied directly from a genuine coin.

Coronet Head
Alternate name for Braided Hair design by Christian Gobrecht (also called Liberty Head design).

corrosion
Damage that results when reactive chemicals act upon metal. When toning ceases to be a "protective" coating and instead begins to damage a coin, corrosion is the cause. Usually confined to copper, nickel and silver regular issues, although patterns in aluminum, white metal, tin, etc., also are subject to this harmful process.

cost
The price paid for a numismatic item.

counterfeit Co
Literally, a coin that is not genuine. There are cast and struck counterfeits and the term is also applied to issues with added mint marks, altered dates, etc.

counterstamp
A stamp or impression placed on a coin after it has left the Mint of origin. Counterstamps were frequently used as advertising gimmicks on Large Cents and other coins. The counterstamp leaves a permanent impression on the metal and may hurt the value of the coin. It may also help the value, as in the case of an Ephriam Brasher counterstamp.

counting machine mark
A dense patch of lines caused by the rubber wheel of a counting machine where the wheel was set with insufficient spacing for the selected coin. Many coins have been subjected to counting machines – among these are Mercury dimes, Buffalo nickels, Walking Liberty half dollars, Morgan and Peace dollars, and Saint-Gaudens double eagles.

crossover
A word that is used to describe a coin that graded the same at two different grading services. Also written as two words: cross over. "I was sure that the coin wouldn't cross over, so I didn't buy it." or "That coin's definitely a crossover."

CU3000
Short for Coin Universe 3000

cud
An area of a coin struck by a die that has a complete break across part of its surface. A cud may be either a retained cud, where the faulty piece of the die is still in place, or a full cud, where the piece of the die has fallen away. Retained cuds usually have dentil detail if on the edge, while full cuds do not.

cull
A coin that is basically non-collectible due to its extremely bad condition. A coin that will not even qualify for a grade of Poor-1, usually because of extensive environmental damage or other post-striking damage.

cupro-nickel
Any alloy of copper and nickel. Now usually used in reference to the modern “sandwich” issues. The copper-nickel cents, three-cent nickel issues, and nickel issues are also cupro-nickel.

D
Mintmark used on gold coins of the Dahlonega, Georgia, Mint from 1838 to 1861 and on coins of all denominations struck at the Denver, Colorado, Mint from 1906 to the present.

D-Mint
Term used for the gold coinage struck at the branch Mint in Dahlonega, Georgia, from 1838 to 1861, and for the coinage struck at the branch Mint in Denver, Colorado, from 1906 to the present.

Dahlonega Mint
After the discovery of gold in the southern United States a new mint was constructed in Dahlonega, Georgia. The first coinage exited its doors in 1838 and it continued minting until it was closed due to the civil war in 1861. The 1861-D gold dollars were struck after the Mint was seized, the mintage figure for this rare issue is not listed in Mint records and has been estimated at 1,000 to 1,500 examples. The Dahlonega Mint struck only gold coins and used the “D” mintmark.
Top of Page
date
The numerals on a coin representing the year in which it was struck. Restrikes are made in years subsequent to the one that appears on them. Also, slang for a more valuable issue within a series.

DC
Short for Deep Cameo.

DCAM
Short for Deep Cameo.

DDO
An acronym for Doubled Die Obverse.
See Also -- double(d) die
dealer
Someone whose occupation is buying, selling, and trading numismatic material.

Deep Cameo
The term applied to coins, usually Proofs and prooflike coins, that have deeply frosted devices and lettering that contrast with the fields - often called “black and white” cameos. Specifically applied to those 1950 and later Proofs that meet deep cameo standards (DCAM).

deep mirror prooflike
Any coin that has deeply reflective mirror-like fields, the term especially applicable for Morgan dollars. Those Morgan dollars that meet PCGS standards are designated deep mirror prooflike (DMPL).

denomination
The value assigned by a government to a specific coin.

denticles
The tooth-like devices around the rim seen on many coins. Originally these are somewhat irregular, later much more uniform - the result of better preparatory and striking machinery.

dentils
Short for denticles.

Denver Mint
The Denver Mint was established in 1906. It had formerly been an Assay Office since 1863. Today, this Mint manufactures coins of all denominations for general circulation, medals, coin dies, stores gold and silver bullion, manufactures uncirculated coin sets and commemorative coins. This mint uses the “D” mintmark.

design
A particular motif on a coin or other numismatic item. The Seated Liberty, Barber, Morgan, etc. are examples of designs.

design type
A specific motif placed upon coinage which may be used for several denominations and subtypes, e.g., the Liberty Seated design type used for silver coins from half dimes through dollars and various subtypes therein.

designer
The individual responsible for a particular motif used for a numismatic series.

device
Any specific design element. Often refers to the principal design element, such as the head of Miss Liberty.

device punch
A steel rod with a raised device on the end used to punch the element into a working die. This technique was used before hubbed dies became the norm.

die
A steel rod that is engraved, punched, or hubbed with devices, lettering, the date, and other emblems.

die alignment
Term to indicate the relative position of the obverse and reverse dies. When the dies are out of alignment, several things can happen: If the dies are out of parallel, weakness may be noted in a quadrant of the coin's obverse and the corresponding part of the reverse; and if the dies are spaced improperly, the resultant coins may have overall weakness; if the dies are spaced too close together, the resultant coin may be well struck but the dies wear more quickly.

die break
An area of a coin that is the result of a broken die. This may be triangular or other geometric shape. Dies are made of steel and they crack from use and then, if not removed from service, eventually break. When the die totally breaks apart, the resultant break will result in a full, or retained, cud depending whether the broken piece falls from the die or not.

die crack
A raised, irregular line on a coin, ranging from very fine to very large, some quite irregular. These result when a hairline break occurs in a die.

die line
These are the raised lines on the coins that result from the polish lines on the die, which are incuse, resulting in the raised lines on the coins.
See Also -- die striations polished die
die rust
Rust that has accumulated on a die that was not stored properly. Often such rust was polished away, so that only the deeply recessed parts of the die still exhibited it. A few examples are known of coins that were struck with extremely rusted dies – the 1876-CC dime, for one.

die stage
There are two definitions for this term. One, many numismatists use it as a synonym for "die state." Two, some numismatists use the term "die stage" to refer to the specific status of a certain die state. For instance, in die state XYZ this coin exhibits a large cud at six o'clock, but in this particular die stage the cud isn't fully formed.

die state
A readily identified point in the life of a coinage die. Often dies clash and are polished, crack, break, etc., resulting in different stages of the die. These are called die states. Some coins have barely distinguishable die states, while others go through multiple distinctive ones.

die striations
Raised lines on coins that were struck with polished dies. As more coins are struck with such dies, the striations become fainter until most disappear.

die trial
A test striking of a particular die in a different metal.

die variety
A coin that can be linked to a given set of dies because of characteristics possessed by those dies and mparted to the coin at the time it was struck. In the early years of U.S. coinage history, when dies were made by hand engraving or punching, each die was slightly different. The coins from these unique dies are die varieties and are collected in every denomination. By the 1840's, when dies were made by hubbing and therefore were more uniform, die varieties resulted mainly from variances in the size, shape, and positioning of the date and mintmark.

die wear
Deterioration in a die caused by excessive use. This may evidence itself on coins produced with that die in a few indistinct letters or numerals or, in extreme cases, a loss of detail throughout the entire coin. Some coins, especially certain nickel issues, have a fuzzy, indistinct appearance even on Uncirculated examples.

dime
The denomination, one tenth of a dollar, issued since 1796 by the United States.

ding
Slang term for a small to medium size mark.
See Also -- rim ding
dipped
A term applied to a coin that has been placed in a commercial "dip" solution, a mild acid wash that removes the toning from most coins. Some dip solutions employ other chemicals, such as bases, to accomplish a similar result. The first few layers of metal are removed with every dip, so coins repeatedly dipped will lose luster, hence the term "overdipped".

dipping solution
Any of the commercial "dips" available on the market, usually acid-based.

disme
The original spelling of dime, the s silent and thought to have been pronounced to rhyme with steam. (This variation was used in Mint documents until the 1830s and was officially changed by the Coinage Act of 1837.)

DMPL
Short for deep mirror prooflike.

DNC
Did Not Cross (you will still be charged the grading fees)

doctored
Term used for a numismatic item that has been enhanced by chemical or other means. Usually, this is used in a derogatory way.

dollar
The denomination, consisting of one hundred cents, authorized by the Mint Act of 1792. This is the anglicized spelling of the European Thaler and was used because of the world-wide acceptance of the Thaler and the Spanish Milled dollar or piece-of-eight.

Double Eagle
Literally two eagles, or twenty dollars. A twenty-dollar U.S. gold coin issued from 1850 through 1932. One gold double eagle dated 1849 is known and is part of the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution. Nearly half a million examples dated 1933 were struck by the U.S. Mint, but virtually all were melted when private gold ownership was outlawed that year. (Currently federal officials claim it is illegal to own any 1933-dated specimens that survive.)

double(d) die
A die that has been struck more than once by a hub in misaligned positions, resulting in doubling of design elements. Before the introduction of hubbing, the individual elements of a coin's design were either engraved or punched into the die, so any doubling was limited to a specific element. With hubbed dies, multiple impressions are needed from the hub to make a single die with adequate detail. When shifting occurs in the alignment between the hub and the die, the die ends up with some of its features doubled – then imparts this doubling to every coin it strikes. The coins struck from such dies are called doubled-die errors – the most famous being the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln cent. PCGS uses doubled die as the designation.

Double(d)-Die
Slang for the rare 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent variety.

double-struck
A condition that results when a coin is not ejected from the dies and is struck a second time. Such a coin is said to be double-struck. Triple-struck coins and other multiple strikings also are known. Proofs are usually double-struck on purpose in order to sharpen their details; this is sometimes visible under magnification.

DPG
Short For Daily Price Guide, specifically the Coin Universe Daily Price Guide

Draped Bust
The design attributed to Mint engraver Robert Scot that features Miss Liberty with a drape across her bust. Scot presumably copied the design after a portrait by Gilbert Stuart.

drift mark
– An area on a coin, often rather long, that has a discolored, streaky look. This is the result of impurities or foreign matter in the dies. One theory is that burnt wood was rolled into the strips from which the planchets were cut, resulting in these black streaks.

dull
Term for a numismatic item that is lack luster. This may be the result of cleaning, oxidation, or other environmental conditions.

Top of Page
EAC
Short for Early American Coppers

eagle
A gold coin with a face value of ten dollars. Along with the dollar, this was the basis of the U.S. currency system from 1792 until 1971. No U.S. gold coins were struck for circulation after 1933, and all gold coins issued prior to that time were recalled from circulation.

ear
An area of certain coins that is important to the strike. (i.e. The hole in the ear of the Standing Liberty quarter is a necessary component of a Full Head designation.)

Early American Coppers (Club)
A club or society to advance the study of pre-1857 United States copper coinage including Colonials. Many members specialize collecting large cents by Sheldon numbers.

early strike
A coin struck early in the life of a die. Early strikes sometimes are characterized by striated or mirror-like fields if the die was polished. Almost always fully or well struck, with crisp detail.

ED
Short for environmental damage.

edge
The third side of a coin. It may be plain, reeded, or ornamented – with lettering or other elements raised or incuse.

edge device
A group of letters or emblems on the edge of a coin. Examples would be the stars and lettering on the edge of Indian Head eagles and Saint-Gaudens double eagles.

EF-40
This is for "Extremely Fine' (the grade) and "40" (the numerical designation of the grade). Also called XF-40. About 90% of the original detail is still evident and the devices are sharp and clear.
See Also -- Extremely Fine

EF-45
This is for "Extremely Fine" (the grade) and "45" (the numerical designation of the grade). Also called XF-45. About 95% of the original detail is still evident and the devices are sharp and clear.
See Also -- Extremely Fine

electrotype
A duplicate coin created by the electrolytic method, in which metal is deposited into a mold made from the original. The obverse and reverse metal shells are then filled with metal and fused together – after which the edges sometimes are filed to obscure the seam.

elements
For numismatic condition purposes, the various components of grading. In other numismatic contexts, this term refers to the various devices and emblems seen on coins.

Eliasberg
Short for Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. who was the only collector to assemble a complete collection of United States coins. Thus, the Eliasberg pedigree on a particular coin is held in the highest numismatic esteem.

emission sequence
The order in which die states are struck. Also, the die use sequence for a particular issue.

engraver
The person responsible for the design and/or punches used for a particular numismatic item.

envelope toning
A term applied to toning that results from storage mainly in 2 x 2 manila envelopes; most paper envelopes contain reactive chemicals.

environmental damage
Corrosion-effect seen on a coin that has been exposed to the elements. This may be minor, such as toning that is nearly black, to major - a coin found in the ground or water which has severely pitted surfaces. PCGS does not grade coins with environmental damage.

eroded die
Synonym for “worn die.”

error
A numismatic item that unintentionally varies from the norm. Ordinarily, overdates are not errors since they were done intentionally while other die-cutting “mistakes” are considered errors. Double dies, planchet clips, off-metal strikings, etc. also are errors.

essai
Term for trial, pattern, and experimental strikings. The anglicized version is essay and literally means a test or trial.

exergue
A feature at the lower part of a coin, usually set off by a horizontal bar that displays the date or denomination.

expert
A specialist in a particular numismatic area. (i.e. A copper expert, a gold expert, a paper money expert, a D-Mint expert, etc.)

Extra Fine
Alternate form of Extremely Fine.

Extremely Fine
The grades EF40 and 45. This grade has nearly full detail with only the high points worn, the fields rubbed often with luster still clinging in protected areas.

Extremely High Relief
The 1907 double eagle issue by Augustus Saint-Gaudens that had such medallic depth that multiple blows from a powerful press were required to fully bring up the detail. Because of this difficulty, the Mint engraver lowered the design resulting in the High Relief, which again was lowered to create the familiar Standing Liberty double eagle, or Saint, as to which they are commonly referred.

eye appeal
The element of a coin's grade that "grabs" the viewer. The overall look of a coin.

Top of Page
F-12
This is for "Fine" (the grade) and "12" (the numerical designation of the grade). The design detail is partially in evidence. The coin is still heavily worn. If there is any eye appeal in this grade it comes from the smooth surfaces associated with this grade, as any distracting marks have usually been worn off through circulation.
See Also -- Fine

F-15
This is for "Fine" (the grade) and "15" (the numerical designation of the grade). Most of the letters in LIBERTY are visible, about 35-50% of the wing feathers are visible, or whatever applies to the coin in question. In other words, the coin is still in highly collectible shape.
See Also -- Fine
face value
The stated value on a coin, at which it can be spent or exchanged. The face value is usually different from a coin’s numismatic or precious metal value.

Fair
The adjective corresponding to the grade FR-2. In this grade, there is heavy wear with the lettering, devices, and date partially visible.
See Also -- FR-2
fake
Slang for a counterfeit or altered coin.

fantasy piece
A term applied to coins struck at the whim of Mint officials. Examples include the 1868 large cent Type of 1857 and the various 1865 Motto and 1866 No Motto coins.

fasces
Term to designate the Roman symbol of authority used as a motif on the reverse of Mercury (Winged Liberty Head) dimes. It consists of a bundle of rods wrapped around an ax with a protruding blade. The designation "full bands" refers to fasces on which there is complete separation in the central bands across the rods.

Fat head
Slang for the Small Size Capped Bust quarter and half eagles. (Mainly heard as “fat head fives.)

FB
Short for Full Bands.

FBL
Short for Full Bell Lines.

FH
Short for Full Head.

fiat currency
Coins and paper money that do not have metal value or are not backed up by metal value.

field
The portion of a coin where there is no design – generally the flat part (although on some issues, the field is slightly curved).

finalizer
A PCGS grader who, before computers were used for this task, compared his own grade with those of other graders and determined the final grade. The verifier replaced the finalizer after PCGS began inputting the grades by computer.

Fine
The adjective corresponding to the grades F-12 and 15. In these grades, most of a coin's detail is worn away. Some detail is present in the recessed areas, but it is not sharp.

finest known
The best-known condition example of a particular numismatic item.

first shot
Slang for the opportunity to get the first opportunity to buy items from a particular numismatic deal or from a particular dealer.

Five
Short for a five-dollar gold coin or half eagle.

Five Indian
Slang for the Indian Head half eagles struck from 1908 to 1929.

Five Lib
Slang for the Liberty Head half eagles struck from 1839 until 1908.

fixed price list
A dealer listing of items for sale at set prices.

flat edge
Term referring to the particular specimens of High Reliefs that do not have a wire edge.
See Also -- wire edge

flat luster
A subdued type of luster seen on coins struck from worn dies. Often these coins have a gray or otherwise dull color that makes the fields seem even more lackluster.

flip
This has two meanings. First, it is the term for the plastic sleeve in which coins are stored. Also, it can mean to quickly sell a recently purchased coin, usually for a short profit. (The plastic flips used to submit coins to PCGS are not recommended for long term storage unless they do not contain PVC. Care should be used with the PVC-free flips as they are very brittle and can damage the delicate coin surfaces).

flip rub
Discoloration, often only slight, on the highest points of a coin resulting from contact with a flip. On occasion, highly desirable coins sold in auctions have acquired minor rub from being repeatedly examined by eager bidders. The shifting of the coin, although it may be slight, can cause this rub.

flop
To sell a new purchase for a short profit.

flow lines
The lines, sometimes visible, resulting from the metal flowing outward from the center of a planchet as it is struck. The “cartwheel” luster is the result of light reflecting from these radial lines.

Flowing Hair
The design attributed to Mint engraver Robert Scot that features Miss Liberty with long, flowing hair.

Flying Eagle
Short for Flying Eagle Cent.

Flying Eagle Cent
The small cent, struck in 88% copper and 12% nickel, that replaced the large cent. This featured James Longacre’s reduction of the Gobrecht eagle used on the reverse of the silver dollars of 1836-1839.

focal area
The area of a coin to which a viewer's eye is drawn. An example is the cheek of a Morgan dollar.

foreign
Any numismatic item not from the United States

four-dollar gold piece
An experimental issue, also known as a stella, struck in 1879-1880 as a pattern. Often collected along with regular-issue gold coins, this was meant to be an international coin approximating the Swiss and French twenty-franc coins, the Italian twenty lira, etc.

FPL
Short for Fixed Price List.

FR-2
This is for "Fair" (the grade) and "2" (the numerical designation that means Fair). A coin that is worn out. There will be some detail intact, the date will be discernible (if not fully readable) and there is almost always heavy wear into the rims and fields.
See Also -- Fair
Franklin
Short for Franklin half dollar.

Franklin half dollar
The John Sinnock designed half dollar struck from 1948 until 1963. This featured Ben Franklin on the obverse and the Liberty Bell on the reverse.

friction
Slight wear on a coin's high points or in the fields.

frost
A crystallized-metal effect seen in the recessed areas of a die, thus the raised parts of a coin struck with that die. This is imparted to dies by various techniques, such as sandblasting them or pickling them in acid, then polishing the fields, leaving the recessed areas with frost.

frosted devices
Raised elements on coins struck with treated dies that have frost in their recessed areas. Such coins have crystalline surfaces that resemble frost on a lawn.

frosty luster
The crystalline appearance of coins struck with dies that have frost in their recessed areas. Such coins show vibrant luster on their devices and/or surfaces; the amount of crystallization may vary. Also, this term is applied to coins whose entire surface his this look.

FS
Short for Full Steps.

Fugio cents
These 1787-dated one-cent coins are considered by some to be the first regular issue United States coin. Authorized by the Continental Congress, this would seem to be a logical conclusion. However, the Mint Act was not passed by Congress until 1792, so the case for the half dismes of 1792 as the first regular issue is also valid. (Adam Eckfeldt, Chief Coiner from 1814 to 1839 worked for the fledgling Mint in 1792 and was present for the striking of the 1792 half dismes. He is quoted in the 1840s that he considered the half dismes patterns and that George Washington gave them out as presents. He was a very old man by then, so perhaps his memory was failing him, but debate continues as to which coin deserves the distinction as the first regular issue. If the half disme and the Fugio cent are not the first coins, then that title would go to the Chain cent, which was the first coin struck in the newly occupied Mint building. Although the building was likely occupied in late 1792, as records indicate, it appears that all the machinery was not fully operational as Chain cents were not struck until March, 1793.)

Full Bands
Term applied to Mercury (Winged Liberty Head) dimes when the central band is fully separated (FB). There can be no disturbance of the separation. Also applicable to Roosevelt dimes that display full separation in both the upper and lower pair of crossbands on the torch.

Full Bell Lines
Term applied to Franklin half dollars when the lower sets of bell lines are complete (FBL). Very slight disturbance of several lines is acceptable.

Full Head
Term applied to Standing Liberty quarters when the helmet of the head has full detail (FH). Both Type 1 and 2 coins are so designated but the criteria is different for both.

Full Steps
Term applied to a Jefferson five-cent example when at least 5 steps of Monticello are present.

Full strike
A numismatic item that displays the full detail intended by the designer. Weak striking pressure, worn dies or improper planchets can sometimes prevent all the details from appearing, even on uncirculated specimens.

FUN Show
The first coin show each year. This annual convention is sponsored by the Florida United Numismatists and is held in early January.

Top of Page
G-4
This is for "Good" (the grade) and "4" (the numerical designation of the grade). The major details of the coin will be worn flat. Minor wear into the rims is allowable, but the peripheral lettering will be nearly full.
See Also -- Good

G-6
This is for "Good" (the grade) and "6" (the numerical designation of the grade). A higher grade (i.e., less worn) than a G-4 coin. The rims will be complete and the peripheral lettering will be full.
See Also -- Good

galvano
The large metal relief used in the portrait lathe from which a positive reduction in steel, called a hub, is made.