Keeping up with the Terms, Abbreviations and Jargon
can be sometimes frightening - We made is 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | JK | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | XYZ |
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) and40(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) and45(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 practise 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 that grabs the viewer. The complete appearance of a coin. |
If we missed a word or phrase, please let us know. We would like to grow and expand this list with your help.