Definitions

Alloy:

An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals. When a nickel coin is alloyed, i.e., mixed with other metals, it adds strength and corrosion resistance over a wide range of temperatures.

Blank:

The piece of metal on which the design is struck. It is also known as a disc, flan, or planchet.

Coin:

A metal disc with a particular design, fixed value, specific weight and diameter. Coins are issued by governments as money.

Coin Minting:

The striking of a coin which includes five processes: blanking, rimming, annealing, acid wash, coining.

Commemorative:

A coin used to honour outstanding individuals or events.

Denticles:

Sharp bumps around the inside of the rim of a coin. They are used to make counterfeiting more difficult.

Die:

An engraved steel tool used in the coining press to impress a design onto a blank coin. There are eight steps involved in the making of a die: art work, plaster positive model, plaster negative model, rubber positive model and epoxy negative model, brass intermediate model, reduction matrix, master punch, blank.

Intrinsic Value:

The actual value of the metal contained in the coin.

Mint Error:

A coin that was defective or somehow damaged during the minting process.

Mint Mark:

A symbol used to identify the mint from which the coin originates.

Numismatist:

A coin collector.

Obverse:

Usually the "head" of the coin. It is regarded as the more important side and bears the principal design, often the head of an important figure such as a king or queen, a crest, or coat-of-arms.

Proof:

Minted coins of high quality that were not meant for circulation.

Reeding:

Vertical grooves on the edge of the coin. They are used to prevent counterfeiting.

Reverse:

Usually the "tail" of the coin. It is opposite the Obverse.

Rim:

The raised portion along the edge of the coin. It protects the faces of the coin from wear.

Uncirculated:

A coin in condition as issued by a mint.