When talking about coins and collecting them, there are some specialized terms and phrases that are frequently used . Here are a few key ones:
- Numismatics: This is the broad field of study and collection of money in all its forms, including coins, paper currency, and related items like tokens and medals.
- Numismatist: A person who studies or collects coins, paper money, and related objects.
- Obverse: The front or “heads” side of a coin, often featuring the main design or effigy (portrait).
- Reverse: The back or “tails” side of a coin, usually depicting a secondary design or denomination.
- Rim: The raised outer edge of a coin that helps protect the design from wear.
- Edge: The side of a coin, [according to Gainesville Coins] and [Parthava Coin] , also called the “third side,” which can be plain, reeded (grooved), or lettered.
- Field: The flat, blank surface of a coin where the design elements are struck.
- Relief: The raised parts of a coin’s design, images, or lettering.
- Device: The central or principal image or design element on a coin, such as a portrait or emblem.
- Mint Mark: A small letter or symbol on a coin indicating the mint where it was produced.
- Grade/Grading: A system used to assess the condition of a coin, indicating the level of wear and tear or preservation. Common grades include Fine (F), Very Fine (VF), Extremely Fine (XF), Almost Uncirculated (AU), and Mint State (MS).
- Uncirculated: Describes a coin that has never been used in commerce and shows no signs of wear from circulation.
- Mint State (MS): A grade for coins that have never been circulated and are considered to be in pristine condition, as if they just came from the mint.
- Proof Coin: A specially produced coin made for collectors using polished dies and blanks, resulting in a mirror-like field and frosted design elements.
- Key Date: A particularly rare or valuable date of a coin within a series, often sought after by collectors.
- Bullion: Precious metals (like gold or silver) in the form of bars, ingots, or coins, valued for their metal content rather than their numismatic qualities.
- Toning: The natural coloration that develops on a coin’s surface over time due to exposure to the environment.
- Variety: A minor variation in a coin’s design, date, or other features that distinguishes it from other coins of the same type.
What is the fancy word for coin collecting?
Numismatics is the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, medals, and related objects.
What is slang for coin collector?
Other forms: numismatists. The person who looks closely at every penny might not be cheap — he might be a numismatist, a coin collector, looking for old or rare coins that somehow got into the mix.
What do we call the terminology of collecting coins?
Great question! Numismatics : The study and collecting of things that are used as money, including coins, tokens, paper bills, and medals.