Numismatic Dictionary

The condition of a coin that shows a trace of wear. The cause of the ware is not important for a coin to meet this grade.

Areas of a coin that were scratched by another coin or object that wears the metal of a coin.

A type of brass made of 90-percent copper and 10-percent zinc that has a gold-like color.

A coin or medal design with two portraits facing the same direction and overlapping. See also jugate.

A disorganized grouping of coins or other numismatics. See also hoard.

A neutral solvent that can be used to clean a coin.

A term used to describe Indian Head "Buffalo" nickels that had its date restored using a chemical acid. The acid used to restore the dates leaves a distinct mark on the coin that can be seen without magnification.

Scratches or file marks on a silver of coin made by the Mint to reduce the weight of the coin so that the amount of metal does not exceed its value. This usually can be seen on pre-1807 coins.

Chemical symbol for silver. See also silver.

Friction marks on the high points of a coin from rubbing while being stored in an album.

Parallel lines scratched into a coin caused by the plastic cover of an album sliding over a coin.

The orientation of the dies so their axis are at the desired position. See also coin alignment and medal alignment.

A combination of two or more metals.

A coin that has a date, mintmark, or other feature that has been altered, added, or removed in an attempt to make the coins appear more valuable than it is.

Cleaning, tooling, or other changes to the surface of a coin to make it look better but reduces its value.

A low-density silvery non-precious metal that is the third most common metal in the Earth’s crust. Many countries have used aluminum as a low-cost alternative to other metals for their low denomination coins. Its chemical symbol is Al.

Bullion coin program produced by the United States Mint

The ANA is the world’s largest organization of coin collectors and dealers chartered by an Act of Congress in 1912.

A coin or medal worn to help ward off evil, harm, or illness or to bring good luck and fortune.

Term used to describe a coin that was struck prior to the 6th century.

The process of heating the blanks and letting them cool slowly to soften them for striking.

The reverse die that is the lower, stationary die during the striking process. See also striking die.

Archival safe materials are those made without acidic materials or materials that do not turn acidic over time.

Design elements of 1853 quarters and half dollars. The rays were removed in 1854 because it made the coins difficult to strike.

Design term describing the addition of arrows to the left and right of the date. They were added and removed to indicate changes in a coin’s weight during the 19th century.

A term describing the coloring of a coin by using a chemical on its surface.

The lowest price of a particular coin issue and grade offered for sale. See also bid.

The testing of a metal for its contents and quality

In numismatics, the attribution is the identification of the owner, previous owner, or the initial discoverer of the item.

Chemical symbol for gold. See also gold.

A public sale of coins and currency where the items are sold to the highest bidder.

The act of determining whether an item is a genuine product of the issuing authority by a recognized expert.

Usually referred to a coin issued by a governmenting authority.

A system of weights based on a pound of 16 ounces. It is the primary system used in the United States. See also Troy weight.