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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A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
I |
JK |
L |
M |
N |
O |
P |
Q |
R |
S |
T |
U |
V |
W |
XYZ |
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W |
Mintmark is used by the West Point, New York branch mint. |
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W-Mint |
A term applied to the coins struck at the West Point, New York branch mint. |
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Walker |
Jargon for a Walking Liberty half dollar. |
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Walking Liberty |
A common name for a Walking Liberty half dollar. |
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Walking Liberty Half Dollar |
Half dollars struck(1916 to 1947) |
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Want List/Wish List |
A term used in reference to a list of coins that a particular collector, investor or dealer wishes to acquire. |
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War Nickel |
Short for Wartime nickel |
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Wartime Nickel |
Refers to the five-cent coins struck during World War II comprised of 35% silver, 9% manganese, and 56% copper. |
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Washington Quarter Dollar |
The John Flanagan-designed quarter dollar was first struck in 1932 as a circulating commemorative coin. This coin was minted to celebrate the two-hundredth |
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Watery Look |
A look was seen on the surfaces of most close-collar Proof coins. Highly polished planchets and dies give the faces an almost “wavy” look. |
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Weak Edge Lettering |
Indicates the edge lettering is weaker than normal and has a portion of a letter/star or inscription missing. |
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Weak Strike |
A term used to describe a coin that does not show anticipated, detail due to improper striking pressure or improperly aligned dies. These coins are not of a high standard. |
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Weenie |
An individual who is obsessed with a particular series or group of series. Examples are Silver(Protea) R1 weenies, ZAR weenies, etc. |
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West Point Mint
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The West Point Mint was originally opened in 1937 as a bullion depository and was officially designated by Congress as a Mint on March 31, 1988. This mint uses the “W” mintmark. |
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Wheel Mark |
Synonymous with “counting machine mark.” A small circular scratch on the surface of a coin caused by a coin counting machine. Wheel marks are considered damaged, and coins so marked cannot be encapsulated. |
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Whizzing |
Term to describe the process of mechanically moving the metal of a lightly circulated coin to mimic lustre. |
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Wonder Coin |
Jargon for a coin whose condition is particularly superb also referred to as the Perfect Coin |
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Working Die |
A die actually used to strike the coins. This die is prepared from a working hub and used to strike coins. |
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Working Hub |
A hub created from a master die and used to create the many working dies required for coinage. |
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World Coins |
A term applied to coins from other, foreign countries. |
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Worn Die
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After extended use, the die starts losing detail and needs to be replaced. Coins struck from worn dies will often appear weak and of a low standard. |
If we missed a word or phrase, please let us know. We would like to grow and expand this list with your help.