Numismatic Dictionary

Term used for coins with rings of coloring that fade toward the center, creating the effect of an archery target.

The type of grading that relies on certain technical metrics of a coin such as strike, luster and surface preservation.

The final state of a die before it retired or breaks. Coins are studied to find evidence of being struck with terminal dies.

Gold coins and bars privately struck during the various gold rushes.

A term used to describe silver European coins usually the size of a U.S. silver (large) dollar. The word is pronounced as “tailor.” In some German dialects, it is pronounced daler which is where the term dollar is derived.

The name of the official publication of the American Numismatic Association.

An independent company that authenticates, grades, attributes and encapsulates coins

Synonym for a nickel three-cent piece.

A coin minted by the U.S. Mint whose face value is 3-cents. A silver coin was produced 1851 -1872 and nicknamed a trime. A version of the coin was produced in nickel from 1865-1889 and was nicknamed a three-cent nickel.

A pre-decimalisation British coin that is worth one-quarter of a shilling.

Term for a coin that has been doctored in a specific way to hide marks, hairlines, or other disturbances.

The toning is caused by sulfur in the paper reacting with coins stored in original Mint paper.

A privately issued numismatic item, generally in metal, with a represented value in trade or offer of service. Tokens are also produced for advertising purposes.

A type of brass whose alloy consists of 85-percent brass and 15-percent zinc giving it a yellowish color. In 1942 and 1943 Canadian 5 cent coins were struck using planchets made of tombac.

A term used to describe a coin that has some coloring that it did not have when it was issued by the Mint.

A slow, natural and normal process by which a coin oxidizes over a number of years from contact with the environment. Coins that have been naturally toned are not considered errors.

A line, usually small and fine resulting from a reworking of the die to remove unwanted elements.

The nickname for the Canadian two-dollar coin as a wordplay on two loonies. See also Loonie.

Abbreviation for third-party grading service.

A silver dollar made using 420 grains of silver struck for the purpose of trade with the Orient. It was first struck in 1873 and discontinued in 1878. Proof versions were issued as late as 1885 when the coin was demonetized. Trade dollars regained legal tender status when the Coinage Act of 1965 was passed.

A die created by sacrificing a coin for a model.

A coin struck after a series ends or before a series begins. It can also refer to a coin struck with either the obverse or the reverse of a discontinued or upcoming series.

A coin known to have come from a shipwreck, buried, or another hidden source.

Currency issued in 1890-1891 used to buy silver bullion and redeemable in gold coin.

The annual test of gold and silver coins to ensure they are have been properly minted. The pyx is an official container that holds samples from each coinage run. The Royal Mint holds an annual Trial of the Pyx. In the United States, the Assay Commission was dissolved in 1980, ending the annual practice.

A coin that has been struck in an attempt to adjust the pressure of the dies. See also die trial.

The nickname for the silver Three Cents coins struck from 1851 through 1873. Synonym for a silver three-cent piece.

A unit of mass customarily used for precious metals and gemstones. One troy ounce is equal to 480 grains (or 31.1034768 grams, or 1.0971 avoirdupois ounces). There are 12 troy ounces in a troy pound that contains 5760 grains (an avoirdupois pound contains 7000 grains).

A representative coin, usually a common date, from a particular issue of a specific design, size, or metal.

A collection by type rather than by series. See also date set.