Coin Collecting Glossary

EAC	Early American Coppers
Ear	An area of certain coins that is significant to the strike.
Early Strike	One of the first coins struck from a pair of dies. Such coins are generally fully struck, with no die flaws, and they are usually Prooflike and/or exhibit cameo contrast.
ED	Environmental Damage
Edge	The third side of a coin. It may be plain, reeded, or ornamented – with lettering or other elements raised or incuse. The edge is the actual side of the coin and should never be confused with the rim.
Edge Device	A group of letters or emblems on the edge of a coin.
EF-40	Extremely Fine (the grade) and 40 (the numerical designation of the grade). Also called XF-40. About 90% of the original detail is still evident and the devices are sharp and clear.
EF-45	Extremely Fine(the grade) and 45 (the numerical designation of the grade). Also called XF-45. About 95% of the original detail is still evident and the devices are sharp and clear.
Electrotype	The coin is created by the electrolytic method, in which metal is deposited into a mould made from the original. The obverse and reverse metal shells are then filled with metal and fused – after which the edges sometimes are filed to obscure the seam.
Elements	For numismatic condition purposes, the various components of grading. In other numismatic contexts, this term refers to the various devices and emblems seen on coins.
Emblem	Symbol or mark used as an identifying mark.
Emission Sequence	The order in which die states are struck. Also, the die use sequence for a particular issue.
Encapsulation	This refers to the grading service's practice of placing a certified coin in a sealed plastic holder. Once encapsulated, the coin is protected and bears the certified grade, guarantees, etc. before being returned to the submitter.
Engraver	The person is responsible for the design and/or punches used for a particular numismatic item.
Envelope Toning	A term applied to tone that results from storage mainly in 2 x 2 manila envelopes; most paper envelopes contain reactive chemicals.
Environmental Damage	The Corrosion-effect seen on a coin that has been exposed to the elements. This may be minor, such as nearly black toning, to major - a coin found in the ground or water which has severely pitted surfaces. PCGS does not grade coins with environmental damage.
Eroded die	Synonym for “worn die”
Error	A numismatic item that by coincidence varies from the standard. Ordinarily, overdates are not errors since they were done intentionally while other die-cutting “mistakes” are considered errors. Double dies, planchet clips, off-metal strikings are also referred to as errors.
Essai	A term for trial, pattern, and experimental strikings. The anglicized version is an essay and means a test or trial.
Exergue	This refers to the lower part of the design, below the main design and generally separated from the field by a line.
Expert	A specialist in a particular numismatic area. (i.e. A copper expert, a gold expert, a paper money expert, a D-Mint expert, etc.)
Extra Fine	The alternate form of Extremely Fine
Extremely Fine	The grades EF40 and 45. This grade has nearly full detail with only the high points worn, the fields rubbed often with lustre still clinging in protected areas.
Eye Appeal	The element of a coin's grade grabs the viewer. The complete appearance of a coin.

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