GLOSSARY!
Bagmarks:
Nicks and other surface abrasions on an uncirculated coin caused by contact with other coins during transportation between the mint and its destination. An essential factor in grading. All uncirculated coins have bagmarks.
Commemorative:
Coins issued by the U.S. Mint honoring a particular person or an event in our nation's history.
Bullion:
Coins whose value is determined from the intrinsic value of its precious metal content. They have little, if any, numismatic value, i.e. Krugerand, Maple Leaf and American Bullion Coins, etc.
Common Date:
Coins easily acquired due to high mintages or high survival rates.
BU (Brilliant Uncirculated):
Uncirculated coins having full mint luster.
Device:
The main element of a coin design.
Field:
The flat, undetailed space on either side of a coin.
Grading:
Organized rules and standards that compare condition, rarity, and demand for coins to establish their value.
Toning:
Coloration of coins exposed to air or sulfur. Sometimes toning will enhance the value of a coin.
MS (Mint State):
The term used to preface the numerical grading of an uncirculated coin.
Obverse:
The front or face of the coin. It displays the symbol.
Reverse:
The back of the coin. It displays the symbol.
Key Date:
Low mintage coins that are difficult to obtain regardless of condition or coins having a low rate of survival. The opposite of common date coins.
Proof:
The highest quality coin characterized by a mirrorlike surface and vary sharp details. They are stuck twice using a different process than specimens released for general circulation. They generally represent a mint's finest work and are produced to satisfy collector demand.
Prooflike:
The first group of coins produced from a working die. They resemble proof coins and have mirrorlike surfaces and are usually brilliant.
Mintmark:
Coins The symbol or letter on a coin indicating the mint where the coin was stuck.
Numismatics:
The science or study of coins, tokens, and other objects used as money.
