Numismatic Dictionary

Rarity number. See also Universal Rarity Scale.

A gold-plated 1883 No "CENTS" Liberty Head five-cent coin ("V" nickel). Legend has it that a deaf-mute gold-plated these unfamiliar coins and would use them as legal tender. Sometimes, he was given change for a five-dollar gold piece since the V on the reverse could be interpreted as either five cents or five dollars! They have also been gold-plated since that time to sell to collectors.

Toning which is usually seen on silver dollars stored in bags. A full spectrum of colors is represented; beginning with yellow, then green, to red, to blue, and sometimes even black.

A relative term indicating that a coin within a series is very difficult to find.

Term used to describe a numismatic item determined by the number of surviving specimens.

A term referring to a numerical-rating system such as the Universal Rarity Scale.

Refers to any coin that is not encapsulated by a grading service.

Term for the lines that represent sun rays on a coin’s design.

Also spelled "reale" with the plural spelled "reales," is Spanish for "royal" meant to represent the silver unit coin of the Spanish colonies in the western hemisphere.

A term used to describe the color of a copper or copper-plated coin that maintains at least 95-percent of its original color.

Nickname for the book A Guide Book of United States Coins by R. S. Yeoman and Kenneth Bressett. The Red Book is a popular retail price reference guide that is published annually. See also Blue Book.

A term used to describe the color of a copper or copper-plated coin that maintains between 5-percent and 95-percent of its original color because of natural oxidation.

Grooved notches found on the edge of some coins.

The serrated (tooth-like) ornamentation applied to a coin’s edge during striking.

Marks caused when the reeded edge of one coin hits the surface of another coin.

A term that distinguishes coins created for commerce. These may be business or proof strikes of coins.

Synonym for business strike.

A numismatic item that is issued again following an extended lapse in production.

The height of the devices of a particular coin design.

A copy or reproduction.

Numismatically, it is a later printing of currency using the same printing plates as the original. Reprints are made for presentation or collection and altered in some way to distinguish it from the original printing.

When branch mints needed to use dies from a previous year, the new year would be punched over the old year leaving remnants of the old date on the coin. These are very collectible errors.

A coin struck with a die on which the mintmark was punched into the die over a different mintmark.

A coin struck later than indicated by its date often with different dies.

A coin that has been dipped or cleaned and then has regained color either naturally or artificially.

The back or "tails" side of a coin.

A type of proof coin where the elements are specially polished to create a mirror-like appearance and the fields are treated to provide a matte finish. See also proof.

The raised area around the edges of the surfaces of a coin.

Synonym for a rim nick.

A mark or indentation on the rim of a coin.

A test that may determine whether a coin was struck or is an electrotype or cast copy. The coin is balanced on a finger and gently tapped with a metal object.

A set number of coins stored in a coin wrapper. Rolls were originally paper wrappers, and today are typically plastic.

Term used to describe wearing of coins on the high areas of the relief on coins that were stored in rolls.

A term describing a rounded rim on a coin.

Parallel incuse lines found on a coin after it is struck. It is believed that roller marks are caused when the strips of metal are pulled through draw bars.

An alloy of at least 75-percent gold with the balance of copper made to give the metal a rose or pinkish hue.

A type of mint error caused by the dies not being aligned when striking the coin, token or medal.

Occurs when a coin is slid across a hardened surface, causing the removal of original mint luster, while leaving evidence of friction.

When a die has a rusted or corroded surface the coins it strikes shows pitted areas on the surface. Pitted areas can be seen in the fields of coins struck with a rusted or corroded die.