GLOSSARY

Exploring the Legacy of American Silver and Gold Eagles

By Coin Collecting • 26 Apr, 2024
Exploring the Legacy of American Silver and Gold Eagles

Unveiling the Artistry of Joseph Menna: Chief Engraver's Impact on Coin Design

By Coin Collecting • 29 Mar, 2024
Unveiling the Artistry of Joseph Menna: The Chief Engraver's Impact on Coin Design

John Mercanti: A Numismatic Maestro's Journey at the Helm

By Coin Collecting • 29 Mar, 2024
John Mercanti: A Numismatic Maestro's Journey at the Helm

Elizabeth Jones: Pioneering Numismatic Artistry at the US Mint

By Coin Collecting • 27 Mar, 2024
Explore the groundbreaking career of Elizabeth Jones, the first female Chief Engraver at the United States Mint, renowned for her iconic coin designs and trailblazing contributions to numismatic artistry.

Gold Coin Biting in Cowboy Card Games: Unraveling the Wild West's Quirky Tradition

By Coin Collecting • 20 Mar, 2024
Gold Coin Biting in Cowboy Card Games: Unraveling the Wild West's Quirky Tradition

The Artistic Journey of Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro

By Coin Collecting • 14 Mar, 2024
The Artistic Journey of Chief Engraver Frank Gasparro

The Artistic Legacy of Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts

By Coin Collecting • 06 Mar, 2024
Explore the profound artistic legacy of Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts in this captivating article. Delve into Roberts' early life, influences, and significant contributions to numismatics, unveiling the remarkable impact he left on the art world. Uncover the intricate details of his work and the lasting imprint he made as a visionary engraver. From his compelling portraits to his influential role in shaping numismatic history, this exploration encapsulates the essence of Chief Engraver Gilroy Roberts' enduring influence. Join us on a journey through his life and artistry, discovering the nuanced layers that define his artistic legacy. Engaging and informative, this article sheds light on the indelible mark Roberts left on the world of engraving and numismatics.

Heritage NYINC: Charles II Crown & Rare Coins Auction

By Coin Collecting • 26 Jan, 2024
Heritage’s NYINC Platinum Session, featuring the second-finest Charles II ‘Petition’ Crown, ancient treasures, and rare coins from around the world. Join us on January 8 for an auction that promises to be a landmark event for collectors and history enthusiasts alike.

A Penny's Worth of History: Exploring the Lincoln Wheat Cent

By Coin Collecting • 11 Dec, 2023
Explore the captivating story of the Lincoln Wheat Cent in our latest article. Uncover the historical significance, design evolution, and numismatic allure of this iconic American coin.

U.S. Coins: A Brief History and Collecting Guide

By Coin Collecting • 02 Nov, 2023
Embark on a journey through the captivating world of U.S. coin collecting. Uncover the rich history, key types, and valuable tips for building your collection. Dive into this comprehensive guide and uncover the stories behind America's treasured coins.
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Glossary

Heard some coin lingo that you're unfamiliar with?

  • Bag Mark

    Marks and scratches from coins rubbing against each other while they're inside the bags from the Mint they're delivered in.

  • Blank

    Disk of metal that the coin will be stamped into, also called a planchet.

  • Bullion

    Precious metals in the form of ingots, coins, plates, or bars. (gold, silver, and platinum)

  • Business Strike

    A coin that is struck specifically for everyday use in commerce. 

  • Bust

    A portrait, usually the head neck and shoulders of the person on the coin.

  • Cameo

    A coin that has a significant contrast between the field and the design.  A mirror-like finish.  Most often on proof coins.

  • Circulated

    Describes a coin that has wear, usually a coin that's been used in everyday commerce.

  • Clad

    Multiple layers of metal in a coin, usually a copper core, a nickel-copper alloy on the outside.

  • Coin

    A flat, round piece of metal, usually with an official design stamped into it, used as money.

  • Commemorative

    Coins that are issued to commemorate a particular person, place, or event.  Usually have a distinct design related to the event.

  • Condition

    Used to describe the wear on a coin

  • Counterfeit

    A fake.  A coin that is made by someone to look like an authentic coin.

  • Currency

    Money that is used as a medium of exchange.  e.g. The U.S one dollar bill is currency.

  • Denomination

    The face value of a coin, or paper money.  

  • Device

    The design element on a coin, such as a bust, portrait, or other images.

  • Die

    Two metal stamps used to press images into coins.

  • Doubled-Die

    Refers to a duplication of design on a die, due to misalignment.

  • Engraver

    Someone who cuts and/or designs words and images on metal for the coins.

  • Error

    A coin that has one or more mistakes on it, such as a missing mintmark.

  • Face value

    The worth of a denomination. Such as a quarter's face value is .25 cents.

  • Field

    The blank area behind the device or design on a coin.

  • Grade

    Used to describe the condition of a coin.  

  • Incuse

    An impression hammered or stamped into a coin so that the design is lower than than the rest of the surface.  Opposite of relief.

  • Ingot

    A block of gold, silver, or any other precious metal.  Used to melt down and make into coins.

  • Inscription

    The words inscribed on the coin. 

  • Intrinsic Value

    Also known as melt value, this is the value of the metal in the coin.

  • Key Date

    This refers to a given date in a set of coins that is much more difficult to obtain than the other dates.  Usually what collectors are after.

  • Legend

    The curverd words that appear around the edge of a coin.

  • Medal

    A round metal disk with a design or an inscription, used to commemorate an event or person.

  • Melt Value

    Also known as intrinsic value, this is the value of the metal in a coin if it were melted down.

  • Mint

    The primary producer of a country's coin currency.  The U.S. currently has Mints in Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point.

  • Mint State

    Refers to a coin that has not been circulated, it's in the same condition it was when it was first released from the Mint.

  • Mintage

    The number of copies produced of a particular coin.

  • Mintmark

    A mark indicating at which Mint the coin was struck.  D for Denver, S for San Francisco, P for Philadelphia, and W for West Point.

  • Motto

    The inscription "In God We Trust"

  • Numismatics

    The study or collection of currency, which includes coins, paper currency, and medals.

  • Obverse

    The "face" of the coin.

  • Overstrike

    When a coin is struck onto an existing coin, rather than a blank planchet.

  • Planchet

    A blank disk of metal, used for stamping designs into to make coins.

  • Proof

    Refers to the finish on the coin, usually a mirror finish.  These are usually specially struck coins minted just for collectors.

  • Reeding

    The grooved lines on the edge of a coin, such as the Washington quarter.

  • Relief

    A raised design on a coin. Opposite of incuse.

  • Reverse

    The "tails" side of the coin, opposite of obverse.

  • Rim

    The raised part of a coin that encircles the perimeter of a coin.  This is on both sides of a coin.

  • Roll

    A paper or plastic container containing a stack of coins.  Usually acquired at a bank.

  • Series


  • Spot Price

    The price of one ounce of silver, or one ounce of gold at any given moment.

  • Troy Ounce

    A unit of measure used for precious metals.

    One Troy ounce is about 31 grams.

    One (regular) ounce is about 28 grams.

  • Type Set

    A collection of coins, based on design or type.  Such as all dates within the series of state quarters.

  • Uncirculated

    A coin that has never been circulated, and shows no wear.

  • Upsetting Mill

    A machine that raises the outer rim on a planchet before the coin will be struck.

  • Year Set

    A collection of coins released by the mint, containing all coins circulating in that year.

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