Keeping up with the Terms, Abbreviations and Jargon
can be sometimes frightening - We made it easier to understand
We hope that the following Coin Collecting Glossary on the most frequently used terms, acronyms, and definitions will be beneficial to you.
Coin Term Glossary |
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Impaired Proof |
This refers to a circulated proof, and grades less than PR-60. |
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Incandescent Light |
Direct light from a lamp for photography, as opposed to indirect light such as that from a fluorescent bulb. |
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Incomplete Strike |
A coin that is missing design detail because of a problem during the striking process. The incompleteness may be due to insufficient striking pressure or improperly spaced dies. |
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Incuse Design |
The intaglio design used on Indian Head quarter eagles and half eagles. These coins were struck from dies which had fields recessed so that the devices – the areas usually raised – were recessed on the coins themselves. This was an experiment to try to deter counterfeiting and improve wearing quality. |
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Indian Cent |
The common name for an Indian Head cent. |
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Indian Head Cent |
James Longacre designed cents(1859 to 1909). Coins between 1859-1864 were produced with copper-nickel alloy, and between 1864 to 1909 in Bronze. |
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Indian Head Eagle |
The Saint-Gaudens designed a ten-dollar gold coin struck from 1907 to 1933. |
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Indian Penny |
Jargon for an Indian Head cent. |
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Ingot |
A square piece of cast metal, usually of gold or silver, with weight and fineness, specified used in the production of coins. |
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Inscription |
The legend is struck onto the coin, some coins have an inscription on the obverse, reverse and even the rim. |
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Intrinsic value |
The value of the metal(s) contained in a numismatic item. |
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Investor |
An individual who buys numismatic items strictly for profit. These people do not care to complete a set or particular collection but look at the mintage, scarceness, value and profit ranges. |
If we missed a word or phrase, please let us know. We would like to grow and expand this list with your help.