Numismatic Dictionary

Lamination is a type of error in the planchet that occurs when a thin layer of the metal splits or peels away from the surface of the coin. See also planchet flaw.

A United States copper coins struck from 1793 to 1857 whose face value was one-cent. During its existence, large cents ranged in size from 23.5 mm in diameter to 29 mm. The size was reduced to 19 mm beginning in 1857.

A term describing the variety of a coin in which the date is physically larger than on other varieties of the same year.

A term used to describe U.S. dollar coins that were 1.5 inches (38.1 mm) in diameter. The last large dollar produced by the U.S. Mint was the 1978 Eisenhower dollar.

An eagle used as part of a coat of arms. See also Heraldic Eagle.

A term describing the variety of a coin which the letters are physically larger than on other varieties of the same year.

Common short name for the particular variety of two-cent coin of 1864 with large letters in the motto, IN GOD WE TRUST.

Descriptive term for United States currency issued before 1929. These notes were 7 1/2 inches long and 3 1/8 inches wide.

A term referring to the particular diameter of a coin in a series.

A process by which a laser light is used to apply selective treatment to coin dies to create a frosted effect.

An anti-counterfeiting mechanism for currency in which a leaf is used to create a unique design. The leaf print process was invented by Benjamin Franklin.

Coins and currency issued by a government or other official authority that can be legally used in commerce or to pay public debt.

The coin’s principal lettering, generally shown along its outer perimeter.

A coin with a slightly raised surface that has been printed with a design.

A steel punch used to impress a letter in a die. Letter punches were used by branch mints to add mintmarks dies sent from Philadelphia.

An incused or raised inscription on the edge of a coin. See also edge letter.

Bullion coin program produced by the Mexican Mint.

A symbolic figure required to be used on U.S. coin designs.

A small, thin, irregular depression on a coin’s surface caused by a piece of lint adhering to the die or planchet during the minting process.

A word derived from the Latin for pound, it was the primary currency of Italy dating back to the founding of Venice. The term was adopted by other countries like Malta, San Marino, Vatican City, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. Currently, it is the primary currency of Turkey.

A slang term for a Canadian one dollar coin struck since 1987. The term came about because the reverse of the coin features a common loon in the design.

A magnifying glass used to examine coins.

A coin engraved by someone as a gift. Usually, these were made by men to give to their wife or girl friend. Love tokens were most popular during 1880-1890.

The brightness of a coin that results from the way in which it reflects light.

A term used to describe a coin that still has its original mint bloom.

The generic term for any Dutch crown.