Glossary of Coin Terms
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Die
An image carved into a section of metal,
used in conjunction with a hammer or
coin press, to transfer the image to a
flan.
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Milled
The method of minting coins
which superseded hammering.
The die is used with a machine press.
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Field
The background parts of a coin design
which is neither the legend or main
image.
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Numismatics
Term used to describe the collecting
and academic study of coins.
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Flan
The metal round that is struck by
a die to form a coin.
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Obverse
The side of a coin commonly known as
"heads".
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Hammered
The early pre-machine method of
minting coins using a hand hammer
to impress the die onto a coin
blank (flan).
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Proof
A specially minted coin where the dies
and flans have been prepared by
polishing. The press is often made to
strike more than once resulting in a
very clear and sharply defined coin.
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Legend
Words or inscription found on either
side of a coin.
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Reverse
The side of a coin commonly known as
"tails".
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Chemical symbols for metals
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| AU = Gold |
AR= Silver |
AE= Bronze |
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Coin Grading (U.K. system)
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FDC = Fleur de Coin
A perfect coin, usually applying only to proof coins.
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BU = Brilliant Uncirculated
A coin that has never been in general circulation, may have bag marks. Uncirculated coins with full mint lustre are often referred to as being brilliant uncirculated.
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UNC = Uncirculated
A coin that has never been in general circulation, may have bag marks
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EF = Extremely Fine
A coin that at first glance might appear to be uncirculated but closer examination will reveal slight wear to the highest points.
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VF = Very Fine
A coin that shows some noticeable wear to the highest points but design and legend will be very clearly defined.
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F = Fine
A coin that has it highest point extensively worn but design is
still clearly defined. Legend shows wear but is readable. |
FAIR = Fair
A coin with all areas extensively worn. Design no longer necessarily defined.
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POOR = Poor
A coin which is so extremely worn that it is only just discernable.
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English Coin Types
Below is a list of pre-decimal coin names that have been applied to individual coin types from after the end of the Roman period. Some denominations have been minted in different metals during this time.
Angel
Crown
Crown of the Double Rose
Crown of the Rose
Dollar
Double Florin
Double Crown/Half Unite
Farthing
Five Guineas
Five Pounds
Five Shillings/One Dollar
Florin
Fourpence
George Noble
Groat
Guinea
Half Angel
Half Crown
Half Crown of the Double Rose
Half Dollar
Half Farthing
Half George Noble
Half Groat
Half Guinea
Half Laurel
Half Noble
Half Penny
Half Pound
Half RyalHalf Sovereign
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Laurel
Ninepence
Noble
One Shilling and Sixpence
Penny
Pound
Quarter Angel
Quarter Farthing
Quarter Guinea
Quarter Laurel
Quarter Noble
Rose Ryal
Ryal
Shilling
Sixpence
Spur Ryal
Sovereign
Testoon
Third Farthing
Third Guinea
Thistle Crown
Three Farthings
Three Halfpence
Threepence
Three Shillings
Triple Unite
Two Guineas
Two Pence
Two PoundsUnite
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