BEGINNERS GUIDE TO COIN ROLL HUNTING!!!

+ TERMS
To keep track of your finds check out the silver and gold market value calculato
r application on itunes!
A new CRH book is coming out! http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stri...=9781440232
121
Ok here is a feature length explanation.
First off, it is very helpful to go to a bank that you have an account with or k
now the teller, they are much happier that way.
Second, a roll of cents is 50 cents, nickels is $2, dimes is $5, quarters and ha
lves are $10.
I recommend the halves.
HALVES
First go into a bank and ask if they have any half dollars, they will usually sa
y either no, or they will say we have a couple dolalrs in loose halves (halves i
n there coin tray) or they might also say they have a bunch in the vault. Tell t
hem you will buy them all.
They will either give you rolls of halves or loose ones, buy them all.
When searching in halves, look for anything dated pre 1971, (those are silver) 1
965-1970 are 40% silver and everything before that is 90% silver. Keep an eye ou
t for franklins, walkers, and any other non kennedy halves. Also look for anythi
ng with an "S" mintmark, proof coins can be very lucrative. Just the other day i
got a gem BU 1995 proof half; EST: $30. Half dollars produce the most finds or
"keepers"* as some people like to call them.
If they run out of halves at the banks try ordering a box, its $500 (1,000 halve
s) and contains 50 rolls. You can get VERY LUCKY with boxes or you could get SKU
NKED**. Either way they are alot of fun.
Most tellers at banks will have many rolls of quarters, dimes, nickels, and penn
ies.
QUARTERS
You can try doing quarters, i got a couple rolls once and found a 1954 silver qu
arter. Quarters however produce the least out of any other coin denomination (an
ything pre 1965). If you do collect errors though, do quarters and keep an eye o
ut for roatated state quarters.
DIMES
If no halves are available and you want silver try some dimes. Dimes produce mor
e silver than quarters but less than halves. Keep an eye out for silver dimes (p
re 1965) and mercs. Dimes can be alot of fun and if you find a merc (i never hav
e yet) i here it is quite thrilling. In my experience i can get about 1 silver d
ime for every ~20 rolls. Halves are still much better.
NICKELS
Nickels are also fun to try. I save all pre 1960 nickels, but some people save a
nything befre 1956. Keep an eye out for buffaloes because they are still being f
ound! Nickels are large, not that expensive and very fun to search even though t
he profit is generally not the greatest. If you like errors look out for the spe
ared bison on the 2005 bison nickel. They can be worth a good chunk of money.
PENNIES
Pennies are really great. Very innexpensive and a full box (50 rolls) is only 25
bucks. With pennies save all wheaties (pre 1959) and anything else you think is
interesting. Wheats can be found sometimes every roll or every couple rolls dep
ending on your luck. Keep a watch out for errors! Several recent reports in the
"coin roll hunting" section have also shown me that an indian head cent can even
be found after going through loads of pennies or if your extremely lucky, but d
ont count on it.
Some people take there coins to a coin counter or sorter at a bank (or coinstar
but that charges) to get rid of the change. I personally always reroll my coins
in rolls and put a black line on them with a sharpie to ensure that i dont check
the same rolls again a few days or weeks later.
* KEEPERS - Finds found coin roll hunting that are worth saving
** SKUNKED - getting no keepers in a box of coins, or from a batch or roll of co
ins.
OTHER
ALWAYS ASK FOR LARGE SIZE DOLLAR COINS!!! I have found 75 IKE's total at banks.
Some people even find peace dollars and morgans!!!
Also keep an eye out for old bills, i found 3 red seal 2 dollar bills EST: $7 ea
ch at a bank once.
Look out for 1974 double die halves!
EXTRA TIPS
- When searching dimes only check the rims, its much faster and keep a close loo
k for dirty silver rims.
- When searching all other coins check the dates also. Many errors and varieties
are still in cirulation!
-PROOFS: Although proofs have a larger rim (usually if un worn) it is still bett
er to check the dates on
all the coins and not just the rims when searching half dollars. Many proofs can
still be found in BU
condition that can be worth good money.
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Coin roll hunting can be lots of fun and yield a large proffit, but dont get dis
couraged, one time in a box someone found 3 walkers and a franklin in the very l
ast roll, they never gave up. True story, trust me.
I hope this little description helps! Have fun and i highly reccomend it! Questi
ons or comments just PM me. Good luck and HH!
PICTURES!!!
-Pic 1 is a proof coin
-Pic 2 are silver coins
***** UPDATES 10/24/06!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *****
-Save all pennies minted on 1982 and earlier, these are made of mostly copper an
d for the metal value can be worth around 2 cents or more a piece!
-Save all 1942-1945 nickels, they are war time nickels from world war 2 and are
made of 35% silver. Mintmark is on the reverse above the building.
-Save all 1987 P and D half dollars. They were only made for mint sets. Also, al
l have dollars dated after 2001 were not made for circulation and are worth keep
ing.
-Some banks will give you red coin rolls if you have an account with them. Other
wise, i usually just by mine online. They cost around 5 for a penny at the most.
Unless you get the pre crimped ones.
-You might want to try searching through the small dollar coins too. Think, if p
eople break upon proof sets to spend the halves they must spend the dollars too.
I have heard from a friend who once tried searching mixed sacagaweas and susan
b anthony small size dolallars. I think he said he found a proof anthony once. N
ot worth to much but still fun!
-Coin roll hunting is also a great way to fill up coin folders for collection!
Dont forget 1987 half dollars, only available in special sets.
All halves after 2001 were not made for circulation!
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* * * UPDATE * * * November 9, 2007 GOLD COINS AND SORTING MACHINES
After my recent find of a 1/4 ounce $10 gold eagle in a quarter roll I have deci
ded to add gold coins to this post. Coin machine have been added aswell.
-When at the bank asking for any gold coins may get you many various responses.
Most tellers will say that they have the gold dollars... sacagaweas or president
ials. This is not the right way to ask. From my experience I have found that it
is far better to say "Have you seen any older coins (or ecurrency) come through
the bank lately". The teller may say no, yes, or maybe and then go and check the
vault or the teller tray.
-Again, I stress the importance of checking the face of the coin and not just ch
ecking the rimms. Although the rim of a gold coin will usually appear gold, many
silver rims do not appear to be silver. If i had been whipping the quarters thr
ough a machine or just cehcking rimms I may have skipped over it. I like to chec
k the rim first, and then skim over the coins.
-Coin counting and sorting machine can be amazing as I have heard. I personally
do not use them but some people do, and they love them. Yes, its true that they
can seperate hundreds of copper pennies from zinc ones in minutes, but they cann
ot pull out the wheat cents, the errors, or the higher grade pieces for you. Onl
y you can do that yourself. Whether you use a machine or not to search, it is yo
ur own personal prefference.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, HAVE FUN!!!! PROFFIT IS SECOND
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*** GRADING SCALE *** (From Bella online)
P1 is Poor - A coin in this condition is not readable. All that can be determine
d is the denomination of the coin.
F2 is Fair - A coin at this grade, the date will be very difficult to make out.
AG3 is About Good - This type of coin will be very worn. The date will be hard t
o read. Some words will be worn smooth.
Coins from these first three grading scales are known as a cull. These coins are
usually called filler coins for a coin collection.
G4 to G6 is Good - The Good scale shows a coin in a heavily worn state. Everythi
ng is readable, but it will be flat and faint on some areas of the coin.
VG7 to VG10 is Very Good - Coins in this state will be well worn. The major part
s of this type of coin are there. A good part of the details will be flat.
F12 to F15 is Fine - This type of grade will have moderate even wear. The detail
will be mostly worn off, but clear.
VF20 to VF35 is Very Fine - The Very Fine scale will show moderate to light wear
on the high points of a coin. All details will be clear to sharp.
EF40 to EF45 is Extremely Fine - Some of the mint luster will be seen on this gr
ade type. The details will be very sharp.
AU50 to AU58 is Almost Uncirculated - The mint luster will mostly be all there o
n this type of coin. The wear will be very light on the high points.
MS60 to MS70 is Mint State - On the lower part of the Mint State scale, there wi
ll be some small nicks and scratches from contacts with other coins. The luster
will be almost perfect, with some toning. On the higher part of this scale, ther
e will be no trace of wear or any contact from other coins. These are rarely fou
nd in circulation. This range is also known as the uncirculated grade.
*** TERMS *** (from ACSB website)
ACG
Grading service. ACcu-Grade. Controversial at present, because the assigned grad
es seem to be inflated relative to standard services like PCGS and NGC.
adjustment marks
Marks caused by filing a planchet before striking to reduce its weight to the st
andard, as was sometimes done for early U.S. coinage.
AG (AG3)
About Good. Grade.
album
A book-like holder with slots for storing coins.
altered
Intentionally modified after the minting process.
ANA
American Numismatic Association. Collector and dealer organization.
ANACS
Grading service. The initials originally stood for "American Numismatic Associat
ion Certification Service". It has since been sold to a company independent of t
he ANA.
ancient
A coin produced prior to about 500 A.D.
artificial toning
Coloration added to a coin by treatment with chemicals or other "doctoring".
assayed
To evaluate, appraise, examine & judge carefully in order to fix a value.
ASE (SAE or SE)
American Silver Eagle. A one ounce silver bullion coin, issued by the United Sta
tes government from 1986-date.
attribute
n. A characteristic of a coin.
v. To identify a coin by determining the country of origin, denomination, series
, date, mintmark and/or variety.
AU (AU50, AU53, AU55, AU58)
About Uncirculated. Grade.
auction
A public or private sale in which items are sold to the highest bidder.
auction house (traditional auction house)
A place where public and/or private auctions are held.
authentic
An original, non-counterfeit coin.
authentication
Determination by an expert on whether or not a coin is authentic.
bag marks
Small scratches and nicks resulting from movement of coins in the same bag (also
known as contact marks or keg marks).
bank note
Paper money issued by a bank.
bar
A non-numismatic form of precious metal bullion. Bars come in many sizes.
bas relief
Design elements are raised within depressions in the field
B# (B1-B10?)
Browning number (1925). Die variety - Bust Quarters, 1796-1838.
B# (B1-B23?)
Bolender number (1950, 1998). Die variety - Silver Dollars, 1794-1803.
BB# (BB1-BBn?)
Bowers and Borckardt number (1993). Die variety - Silver Dollars, 1794-1804 and
later.
BG# (BG101-BG1313)
Breen and Gillio number (1983). Die variety - California private gold, 1852-1882
.
bid
n. The amount or price offered for an item or the amount an item is expected to
sell for at auction.
v. To offer an amount or price for an item.
billon
An alloy of silver and another metal, usually copper, which is less than 50% sil
ver.
bi-metallic
A coin or coin-like object combining parts composed of two different metal alloy
s.
bit
Pieces of eight were physically cut into eighths; each piece is one bit.
blank
A piece of metal being prepared for coinage before the rims have been raised by
passing through the upsetting mill.
BN
Brown. Color grade for uncirculated copper coins.
bourse
A location where dealers buy and sell coins with each other and the public, such
as at a coin show.
broadstrike/broadstruck
A coin struck without a firmly seated collar, resulting in "spreading" outwards,
but still showing all design details.
brockage
A mirror image of the design from one side of a coin impressed on the opposite s
ide - occasionally, a newly struck coin "sticks" to a die, causing the next coin
struck to have a First Strike Mirror Brockage of the coin stuck to the die; by
the second strike the mirror is distorted, and later strikes are termed Struck T
hrough A Capped Die.
BU
Brilliant Uncirculated. A grade with a numerical value equal to about MS60-62.
bullion
A coin or other object composed primarily of a precious metal, with little or no
value beyond that of the metal.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
An agency of the U.S. Treasury Department responsible for production of currency
.
business strike or business issue
A coin struck and intended for circulation.
BV
Bullion Value. The value of the coin is closely related to its metallic content
(usually silver or gold).
C
Charlotte (North Carolina). Mintmark, 1838-61, gold coins only.
C# (C1-C23?)
Cohen number (1982). Die variety - Half Cents, 1793-1857.
Canadian
Post confederation Canadian numismatics.
cameo
A coin, usually struck as a Proof, with a frosted or satiny central device surro
unded by a mirrorlike field.
cartwheel
The pattern of light reflected by flow lines of mint state coins, resembling spo
kes of a wheel;
Name given to the British pennies and twopences of 1797 due to their unusually b
road rims.
CC
Carson City (Nevada). Mintmark, 1870-93, gold and silver coins only.
certified coin
A coin authenticated and graded by a professional service.
cherrypick
To find and purchase a coin worth a premium over the seller's asking price (gene
rally a rare die variety priced appropriately for a more common variety).
chop mark
A symbol (added to money by someone other than the government which issued it) t
o indicate authenticity.
circulated
Denotes money that is no longer in mint state, generally as a result of normal h
andling and exchange.
clad
Composed of more than one layer, such as the copper-nickel over copper compositi
on of U.S. dimes, quarters, and halves minted presently.
clash mark(s)
Outlines and/or traces of designs from the opposite side of a coin resulting fro
m die clash.
cleaning
Any process that removes foreign substances, corrosion or toning, e.g. applicati
on of solvents, dipping, and rubbing with abrasive materials or substances.
cleaned coin
While any coin subjected to a cleaning process could technically be considered c
leaned, this term most commonly refers to those which have been abrasively clean
ed (a coin which has been abrasively cleaned generally has a lower numismatic va
lue than an otherwise comparable uncleaned specimen).
clip
A coin, planchet or blank missing a portion of metal from its periphery, caused
by an error during blank production; types of clips include curved (most common)
, ragged, straight, eliptical, bowtie, disk and assay.
clipping
Deliberate shearing or shaving from the edge of gold and silver coins. Patterns
and mottos are included on edges of many coins to discourage the practice.
CMM# (CMM1-CMM13?)
Cohen, Munson, Munde number (1971). Die variety - Half Cents, 1793-1857.
coin
A piece of metal with a distinctive stamp and of a fixed value and weight issued
by a government and used as money or "legal tender".
coin envelopes
A special envelope made from paper which has little or no harmful chemicals that
may affect a coin's appearance, condition or value.
coin show
An event where numismatic items are bought, sold, traded and often exhibited.
collar
A device present in a coining press to restrict the outward flow of metal during
striking and to put the design, if any, on the edge of the coin.
collection
The numismatic holdings of an individual (or group, organization, estate, etc.)
in total or of a particular type.
colonial
A coin issued by any colony; frequently refers to those produced by European col
onies in the Americas in the 17th and 18th centuries.
commemorative
A coin with a design commemorating a person, place or event
condition census
A list of the finest known specimens of a particular variety of coin.
consign
To hand merchandise over to someone you entrust to sell for you.
contact marks
Small surface scratches or nicks resulting from movement of coins in the same ba
g or bin.
counterfeit
An imitation of a coin or note made to circulate as if actually money;
An altered or non-genuine coin made to deceive collectors, usually a more valuab
le date or variety.
CSDG
California Small Denomination Gold.
cud
A raised lump of metal on a coin caused by a piece of a die having broken off.
cull
A coin that is extremely worn and/or damaged.
cupro-nickel (or copper-nickel)
Composed of an alloy of copper and nickel, as for example U.S. 5 cent coins (oth
er than half dimes) and Canadian 5 cent coins produced since 1982.
currency
Paper money.
CW
Coin World. Publication.
D
Dahlonega (Georgia). Mintmark, 1838-61, gold coins only.
Denver (Colorado). Mintmark, 1906-present.
damage
Physical change to a numismatic item, such as a scratch, nick, ding, cleaning, h
ole, pitting the effects of chemicals or environment, etc.
date
The year(s) shown on a coin, usually the same as the year it was minted.
DC (also DCAM)
Deep Cameo. High grade proof.
DCAM
Deep Cameo. High grade proof.
DDO
Doubled Die Obverse. Type of die variety.
DDR
Doubled Die Reverse. Type of die variety.
dealer
A person or company that regularly buys and sells numismatic collectibles.
dealer buy price
The price at which most dealers are currently buying a particular coin. The pric
e a dealer buys a coin for.
deep mirror prooflike (DMPL)
Having highly reflective mirrorlike fields, similar to a coin struck as a Proof.

delamination
Metal missing or retained but peeling from the surface due to incomplete bonding
or impurities in the planchet.
denarius
An ancient Roman silver coin weighing about 3 grams, roughly the same size as a
U.S. dime but thicker.
denomination
The face value of a coin. It's monetary worth as legal tender.
denticles
Tooth like raise features just inside the rim of some coins (also known as denti
ls).
design
The devices, lettering, etc. appearing on a coin and their arrangement with resp
ect to each other.
designer
The creator of a coin's design.
device
A major design element, such as the bust of a person.
die
A usually cylindrical piece of steel bearing at one end the incuse design of one
side of a coin (except for coins with incuse detail, where the die details are
in relief).
die chip
A small fragment broken off from a die; metal flowing into the resulting hole du
ring striking results in a small raised lump on the surface of the coin.
die clash
Upper and lower dies coming together in a coin press without a planchet between
them; design details may be partially impressed in the opposite dies and subsequ
ently as mirror images on coins struck from the clashed dies.
die crack
A narrow fissure in the surface of a die; coins struck with such a die have a na
rrow raised line corresponding to the crack.
die erosion
Wear on a die from use in the minting process.
die flow lines
(see "flow lines")
die state
The condition of a die at a particular point in its life.
die polish
Small raised lines in the field of a coin resulting from polishing of a die to r
emove chips, clash marks, etc.
dipping
Cleaning by immersion in a liquid capable of removing molecules from the surface
, such as a solution containing thiourea.
disme
The original spelling of dime, 1/10 of a dollar.
DMPL
Deep Mirror Proof Like. Business strike, with deep mirrored planchet.
double denomination
A rare error in which a previously struck coin is restruck by the die pair of an
other denomination.
double die
A dubious term sometimes intended to mean a doubled die coin and sometimes indic
ating machine doubling (because there is often a substantial difference in value
between the two, a savvy buyer will be sure to determine which case is true for
any coin described as such).
doubled die
A die with doubled device details, letters and/or numerals resulting from any of
several possible differences between the multiple hub impressions during its ma
nufacture; a coin struck from such a die.
double eagle
A U.S. gold coin with a face value of $20, first minted in 1849 and last officia
lly minted in 1932.
drachma
An ancient Greek silver coin weighing about 3 grams, roughly the same size as U.
S. dime but thicker.
EAC
Early American Coppers, Inc. Collector and dealer organization.
eagle
A U.S. gold coin with a face value of $10, first minted in 1795 and last minted
in 1933; also, the current U.S. $50 face value gold bullion coin.
edge
The "third side" of a coin, encompassing the perimeter.
EF (EF40, EF45)
Extremely Fine. Grade.
E Pluribus Unum
"Out of many, one"; the motto on many U.S. coins.
error
Any unintentional deviation in the minting process resulting in one or more coin
s with a different appearance than intended.
exergue
The lower part of a coin or medal, usually divided from the field by a line and
often containing the date, mintmark or engraver's initial(s).
exonumia
Tokens, medals and other non-monetary coin-like objects.
eye appeal
Overall attractiveness (beauty is in the eye of the beholder).
F (F12, F15)
Fine. Grade.
face value
The ordinary monetary worth of a coin or note at the time of issue.
fair market value
The American Heritage Dictionary descibes it as "the price, as of a commodity or
service, at which both buyers and sellers agree to do business". To many people
"fair market value" has come to mean the most commonly accepted price at which
the majority of buyers and sellers agree to do business.
field
The flat background on a coin, medal or token.
fishscale
Canadian five cents silver coin or United States three cent silver coin.
flan
British term for a planchet.
flip
A clear, soft plastic holder normally used for a single coin.
flow lines
Microscopic lines in the surface of a coin resulting from the outward flow of me
tal during striking.
fiat money
Money that is not backed by specie and is legal tender by decree.
fractional currency
Paper money with a face value of less than one dollar.
FS# (FS1-FS?)
Fivaz and Stanton number (19xx). Die variety - many series.
fugio cent
The first coin issued by authority of the United States, produced by contractors
in 1787.
G (G4, G6)
Good. Grade.
galvano
An epoxy coated plaster relief model of a coin, token or medal created by electr
odeposition (much larger than the dies later created from it).
GMM
Gallery Mint Museum. A current producer of replicas of early US coins.
grade/grading
One of several terms summarizing the overall condition of a coin or other numism
atic item; the process of evaluation leading to assignment of a grade.
Greysheet
the Coin Dealer Newsletter, a price guide for U.S. coins intended for dealer-to-
dealer sight seen transactions.
hairlines
Light scratches in the surface of a coin.
half cent.
A U.S. coin with a face value of 1/200th of a dollar first minted in 1793 and la
st minted in 1857
half dime
A U.S. coin with a face value of 5 cents issued with dates between 1794 and 1873
; originally called a half disme.
half eagle
A U.S. gold coin with a face value of $5 first minted in 1795 and last minted in
1929.
hobo nickel
A coin (usually a U.S. Buffalo nickel) physically altered to produce a substanti
ally different image.
holed
Having a hole drilled through it, usually as a result of being used for jewelry.

holder
Any device designed for storage and sometimes display of numismatic items.
hub
A steel bar used to make dies having the same raised design on one end as one si
de of the coins ultimately produced.
ICGS
Grading service. Independent Coin Grading Service.
impaired proof
A proof coin with wear or damage resulting from circulation or other handling.
incuse
The opposite of relief -- design elements are impressed into the surface.
J# (J1-J1778?)
Judd number (1959-77). Pattern or experimental coin.
JR# (JR1-JR13?)
John Reich number (Davis, et al, 1984). Die variety - Bust Dimes, 1794-1837.
key date
The rarest (or one of the most rare) and therefore most expensive members of a c
oin series, e.g. the 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent or 1916-D Mercury dime.
KM# (KM1-KM?)
Krause and Mishler number. From Standard Catalog of World Coins. Type of world c
oin. Includes California, Mormon, Colorado, Hawaii.
Krause
A numismatic publishing company (Krause Publications); this company's Standard C
atalog of World Coins.
lamination flaw
(see "delamination")
large cent
A U.S. coin with a value of 1 cent, minted from 1793 to 1857, composed primarily
of copper and larger in diameter than the current U.S. quarter or A similar Can
adian coin issued between 1858-1920.
legal tender
Money that may be legally offered in payment of an obligation and that a credito
r must accept (source: Webster's New World Dictionary).
legend
Lettering on a coin other than the denomination or nation which issued it
loonie
Popular name for the Canadian loon dollar coin first issued in 1987.
loupe
A type of magnifying glass used by numismatists and jewelers.
love token
A coin (or sometimes a token) which has been altered by someone as a rememberanc
e or in a tribute to another person. Most commonly a love token will have a love
d one's name or intitials engraved into it. Some love tokens have been painstaki
ngly engraved with elaborate scrollwork.
luster
The brilliance of a coin, resulting from reflection of light off die flow lines.

machine doubling
Doubling of details resulting from loose dies during striking (generally conside
red to have no numismatic value).
mail bid
An auction format in which bids are submitted by mail; the highest offer for eac
h lot received by the closing date wins the lot (several other rules usually app
ly).
matte proof
A proof coin with a granular (rather than mirrorlike) surface produced by dies t
reated to obtain a minutely etched surfaces (usually in the raised portion of th
e coin's design).
medal
A coin-like object struck to honor one or more persons or events depicted or men
tioned in its design; an object awarded to persons in recognition of service or
other accomplishment.
melt/melt value
The worth of precious metal in a coin, determined by multiplying the amount of t
he metal it contains by the spot price of the metal.
mint
A facility for manufacturing coins.
mintage
The quantity of a denomination of coins produced at a mint during a period of ti
me (usually one year).
mint bloom
The original surface of a newly minted coin.
mintmark
A letter or symbol designating the mint which produced the item bearing it.
mint set
A specially packaged group of uncirculated coins from one or more mints of the s
ame nation containing at least one coin for most or all of the denominations iss
ued during a particular year.
mint state
In the same condition as when delivered from the mint (natural toning excepted);
uncirculated.
misplaced date
One or more digits of a date punched away from the intended location, such as in
the denticles or in the central design.
motto
A phrase imprinted on a coin, for most U.S. coins "E PLURIBUS UNUM".
MS (MS60-MS70)
Mint State. (Uncirculated, business strike). Grade.
mule
A coin struck from two dies not intended to be used together.
multiple strike
A coin struck more than once as a result of not being properly ejected from the
coining press.
mylars or mylar coin holders
This commonly refers to a holder made from cardboard which has two coin-sized ho
les cut out in a particular denomination. The holes are covered with a plastic f
ilm (mylar). A coin is placed in one cut out aread and the cardboard is folded i
n half, allowing both sides of the coin to be seen through the plastic film. The
cardboard is usually held together by staples or glue (as with pre-glued mylars
). Mylar film is used because it has no known chemicals which may cause damage t
o coins, however, a coin may become toned from chemicals which are found in some
staples, gum, or tape.
N# (N1-N17?)
Newcomb number (1944). Die variety - Large Cents, 1816-1868.
N# (N1-N105?)
Newman number (1952). Die variety - Fugio Cents, 1787.
natural toning
Coloration resulting from chemical change on the surface during normal environme
ntal exposure over a prolonged period.
NC
Not Collectable. A unique or nearly unique coin. Usually one of Sheldon's die va
rieties of Large Cents. At the time of Sheldon's "Penny Whimsey" (1958), for a c
oin to be NC, there had to be less than 3 specimens known.
net price
A term signifying that the seller is unwilling to sell for less than the price m
arked.
NGC
Grading service. Numismatic Guarantee Corporation.
NLG
Numismatic Literary Guild. A prestigious organization of writers of numismatical
ly related articles, books, etc.
NN
Numismatic News. Publication.
numismatics
The collection and study of coins, tokens, medals, paper money and other objects
exchanged for goods and services or manufactured by similar methods.
numismatist
A person who collects and/or studies numismatic items.
O# (O101-O128?)
Overton number (1970). Die variety - Bust Half Dollars, 1794-1836.
obol
A small silver coin of ancient Greece, originally a day's wages for a rower on a
galley or a citizen on jury duty.
obverse
The front or "heads" side of a coin, often bearing a portrait and date.
off center
Incorrectly centered during striking, resulting in part of the design missing (o
ff the edge).
OMM
Over MintMark. Two different mintmarks involved. (versus RPM, which is the same
mintmark punched more than once). Type of die variety.
on-line auctions
An auction held over the Internet, such as on Ebay.
original/original toning
Having natural surfaces resulting from long exposure to ordinary environmental c
onditions; uncleaned.
overdate
A coin struck from a die with at least one digit of the date repunched over a di
fferent digit, e.g. 1809/6 or 1942/1.
overgraded
Designated with a higher grade than merited.
over mintmark
One mintmark on top of a different mintmark, such as a 'D' over an 'S' (denoted
D/S).
P
Philadelphia (Pennsylvania). Mintmark, 1942-45 (5c only), 1979- (all but 1c). So
metimes denotes absence of mintmark.
paper money.
Paper notes with standardized characteristics issued as money
paranumismatica
British term for exonumia.
patina
A thin layer of naturally oxidized metal on the surface of a coin acquired with
age.
pattern
A coin struck as a test piece for a new design, sometimes without a date.
PCGS
Professional Coin Grading Service. Grading service.
PCI
Photo-certified Coin Institute. Grading service.
PF (PF60-PF70)
Proof. Type of coin production and/or Grade. Contrasts with business strike.
pick up point
An area where a feature, such as die doubling, is most evident.
piece of eight
A former Spanish coin with a face value of eight reales; the U.S. dollar was ori
ginally valued at and tied to eight reales.
pitted
Having a rough surface due to loss of metal by corrosion.
PL
Proof Like. Business strike, with mirrored planchet.
planchet
A piece of metal prepared for coinage with raised rims but as yet unstruck.
plugged
Denotes that a holed coin has been filled.
PNG
Professional Numismatists Guild. Dealer organization.
porous
Having a granular surface as the result of oxidation, most frequently found with
older copper coins.
PQ
Premium Quality. Sometimes part of the sealed slab grade, such as a MS64 PQ (not
quite good enough for MS65). Often it is just a hype adjective like "Choice" or
"Select".
PR (PR60-PR70)
Proof. Type of coin production and/or Grade. Contrasts with business strike.
precious metals
Term usually reserved for gold, silver, platinum, etc.
premium
A price or value over and above (in addition to) a coins face value.
prestige set
A set of coins produced by the U.S. Mint containing one or more proof commemorat
ive coins released in the same year, as well as a proof cent, nickel, dime, quar
ter and half.
problem coin
Any coin that has been cleaned or damaged or has other undesirable characteristi
cs.
proof
A coin specially manufactured to have extra sharp detail, mirrorlike fields and
sometimes frosted or "cameo" devices, produced for sale to collectors at a premi
um or for exhibition or presentation.
prooflike
Having mirrorlike fields, similar to a coin struck as a Proof.
proof like
A coin specially manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint with mirror fields.
proof set
A specially packaged group of coins containing at least one of most or all of th
e denominations of proof coins struck by a nation in a particular year.
PVC
Poly Vinyl Chloride. An ingredient of soft plastic "flip" coin holders which wil
l damage coins over time.
quarter eagle
A U.S. gold coin with a face value of $2.50 first minted in 1796 and last minted
in 1929.
R# (R1-R8)
Rarity scale. R1 most common; R8 least common. The often used Sheldon scale is:
R8 = 1-3 known (estimated), "Unique or Nearly Unique"
R7 = 4-12 known, "Extremely Rare"
R6 = 13-30 known, "Very Rare"
R5 = 31-75 known, "Rare"
R4 = 76-200 known, "Very Scarce"
R3 = 201-500 known, "Scarce"
R2 = 501-1250 known, "Uncommon"
R1 = over 1251 known, "Common"
rarity
An infrequently encountered or available item; the number of surviving specimens
of a particular issue, as may be indicated by a rarity scale index.
rarity scale
A convention for designating the rarity of a coin, such as Sheldon's system (wit
h values such as R1 for common pieces and R6 for extremely rare specimens) and t
he Universal Rarity Scale invented by Alan Herbert (with designations such as UR
S3).
RB
Red-Brown. Color grade for uncirculated copper coins (BN, RB, or RD).
RD
Red. Color grade for uncirculated copper coins (BN, RB, or RD).
real
A former basic monetary unit of Spain and Spanish colonies in the Americas.
Red Book
The Handbook of U.S. Coins, a retail price guide for U.S. coins published annual
ly, originally written by R.S. Yeoman.
reeded edge
An edge with raised parallel lines, a.k.a. milled or grained.
relief
Features rising above the field.
repunched date
A date with one or more of the digits punched more than once in different locati
ons and/or orientations.
repunched mintmark (RPM)
A mintmark punched more than once in different locations and/or orientations.
restrike
A coin struck with authentic dies later than the date it bears.
retail or retail price
The price at which a coin or item is commonly sold in a retail store. Price of a
n item sold to "end" user or collector.
reverse
The back or "tails" side of a coin.
RIC
Roman Imperial Coinage.
rim
The outer edge of a coin, often raised to avoid premature wear.
round
A disc shaped piece of precious metal bullion.
RPC
Roman Provincial Coinage.
RPD
RePunched Date. Type of die variety.
RPM
RePunched Mintmark. Type of die variety.
RSC
Roman Silver Coinage.
S
San Francisco (California). Mintmark, 1854-1955, 1968-present.
S# (S1-S295?)
Sheldon number (1949). Die variety - Large Cents, 1793-1814.
S# (S1-S9?)
Snow number (1992). Die variety - Flying Eagle and Indian Head Cents, 1856-1909.

SAE (ASE)
Silver American Eagle. A one ounce silver bullion coin, issued 1986-date.
scrip
A note issued by and redeemable at a merchant or group of merchants.
SEGS
Sovereign Entities Grading Service. Grading service.
series
Coins of the same major design and denomination, including every combination of
date and mintmark minted, e.g. Morgan dollars.
Sheldon scale
A numerical grading system ranging from 1 to 70 created by Dr. William H. Sheldo
n to denote proportional values of large cents minted from 1793 to 1814 and subs
equently adaped as a general grading scale.
shinplaster
Canadian fractional banknotes.
sight seen
Available for examination to a potential buyer before a purchase decision is mad
e.
sight unseen
Not available for examination to a potential buyer before a purchase decision is
made, as is usually the case with mail order transactions.
silver certificate
A note (paper money) once redeemable for its face value in silver.
silver clad
A clad coin with one layer containing silver, such as U.S. halves struck from 19
65 to 1970.
silver eagle
A coin produced by the U.S. mint beginning in 1986 containing one ounce of silve
r and having a nominal face value of $1 (not released for circulation).
slab
A coin certified by a professional grading service as authentic and encapsulated
in a sealed hard plastic holder also containing a label bearing the service's o
pinion of its grade and other information.
slider
A coin with very slight traces of wear, such that it almost passes for an uncirc
ulated specimen.
SP
Specimen. Better than business strike, but not quite a proof.
specie
Precious metal used to back money, usually gold and silver.
split grade
Different grades for the obverse and reverse sides.
spot
Short for spot price.
A small area of corrosion or foreign substance
spot price
The market price for immediate delivery of a commodity, such as a precious metal
.
spread
The difference between buy and sell prices on the same item(s) of a dealer, brok
er, etc.
The extent of separation between impressions on a doubled die.
stella
A U.S. gold coin pattern with a face value of $4 minted in 1879 and 1880.
striations
Incuse marks caused by rolling bars during planchet production.
strike
The process of impressing the design from a die into a planchet to make a coin,
token or medal;
The completeness of detail (as in weak strike, full strike, etc.) created during
this process.
strike doubling
See machine doubling.
tetradrachma
An ancient Greek silver coin weighing about 13 to 17 grams, roughly the same siz
e as a U.S. quarter but three times thicker.
thumbing
The rubbing of skin oil onto a coin in an attempt to hide contact marks.
token
A coin-like object redeemable for a particular product or service, such as trans
portation on a bus or subway; an unofficial coin issued by a business or town to
be used as small change, e.g., in 17th-19th century Britain, and in France in t
he 20th century.
toning
Color acquired from chemical change on the surface.
trade dollar
A U.S. coin with a face value of $1 minted from 1873 through 1885 specifically f
or commerce in the Orient;
A U.K. coin with a face value of $1 minted from 1895 through 1935 specifically f
or commerce in the Orient.
trime
A U.S. coin with a face value of 3 cents minted in predominantly silver alloys f
rom 1851-1873.
tube
A plastic container designed for storing a roll or other quantity of coins of th
e same size.
type coin
Any coin of a particular design and denomination, usually one of the more common
dates.
type set
A collection of coins of various designs; rather than try to complete the series
, the goal of the type collector is to obtain at least one example of several di
fferent types.
UC (UCAM)
Ultra Cameo. High grade proof.
UNC (Unc., MS60?)
Uncirculated. Grade.
uncirculated
Never circulated; without any wear.
V# (V1-V10?)
Valentine number (1975). Die variety - Half Dimes, 1794-1873.
VAM
Any variety of U.S. silver dollar described in the book Morgan and Peace Dollars
by Van Allen and Mallis.
variety
Any coin struck from a die pair that differs from others with the same date and
mintmark, such as one exhibiting die doubling, different style letters or numera
ls, or a repunched mintmark.
VAM# (VAM1-VAM230?)
Van Allen and Mallis number (1976). Die variety - Morgan Dollars, 1878-1921.
VF (VF20, VF30, perhaps VF35)
Very Fine. Grade.
VG (VG8, VG10)
Very Good. Grade.
W
West Point (New York). Mintmark, 1984-present.
want list
A tabulation of collectibles sought by a collector, often including limits on co
ndition and/or price.
water mark
A design put into paper at the manufacuring stage by pressing it while wet betwe
en rollers bearing the design.
wear
Metal lost during handling and contact with other objects.
whizzing
Alteration by mechanical polishing to produce a shiny surface.
world coins
Coins issued by various nations, as in a collection comprised of coins thereof.
XF (XF40, XF45)
eXtremely Fine. Grade.
-CC
Here is my current list that i use when coin hunting . Hope it helps every one
1) 1969-S Lincoln Cent with a Doubled Die Obverse
This coin is exceedingly rare. The early specimens were confiscated by the Secre
t Service until the U.S. Mint admitted they were genuine. Counterfeits abound, b
ut usually have the wrong mint mark.
How to Detect: Look for clear doubling of the entire obverse except for the mint
mark. If the mint mark is doubled, it is a double strike, rather than a doubled
die, and not worth much. (Mint marks are punched in the dies separately).
Approximate Value: Around $35,000 or more in EF-40 or so.
2) 1970-S Small Date Lincoln Cent with a Doubled Die Obverse
As with virtually all true doubled die varieties, only one side of the coin show
s doubling. If both sides exhibit doubling, the coin is probably double struck i
nstead, and worth little.
How to Detect: The rarer Small Date variety is most easily distinguished from th
e common type by the weakness of LIBERTY. The Doubled Die Obverse is best demons
trated by doubling in LIB and IN GOD WE TRUST.
Approximate Value: Around $3,000 in EF-40 or so.
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3) 1972 Lincoln Cent with a Doubled Die Obverse
The 1972 (no mint mark) Lincoln Cent doubled die variety shows strong doubling o
n all elements. The "Cherrypicker's Guide to Rare Die Varieties", which was an i
mportant source for this article, suggests using a "die marker" to help verify y
our finds. A die marker is a gouge or crack that identifies a particular die.
How to Detect: Clear doubling of all obverse elements; look for a tiny gouge nea
r the edge above the D in UNITED as a die marker.
Approximate Value: About $500 in EF-40 or so.
4) 2004-D Wisconsin State Quarter With an Extra Leaf
Variety experts disagree about the cause and long-term value of this type, but I
've included in the list because it is very findable in pocket change and worth
hundreds of dollars right now.
How to Detect: There is some defect on the die that makes it appear as if there'
s an extra leaf on the lower left-hand side of the ear of corn on the reverse. T
he leaf is very clear. Known in two varieties, the High Leaf and the Low Leaf ty
pe.
Approximate Value: $200-$300 in MS-60 or so.
5) 2005-D Speared Bison Reverse New Design Jefferson Nickel
This variety results from a gouge or crack in the die that has created a long, s
traight line from the edge of the reverse, all the way through the bison, and en
ding between the bison's front and hind legs. It looks like a spear has been sen
t through the bison!
How to Detect: Beginning at an angle aligned along the E in STATES, the "spear"
continues in a straight line all the way through the bison.
Approximate Value: From $75 in AU-50 to $1,400 in MS-66
6) 1999 Wide "AM" Reverse Lincoln Cent
This variety is known for 3 dates, 1998, 1999, and 2000, with 1999 being by far
the rarest. The mint erroneously used a proof die to strike normal circulation c
oins. How to Detect: The AM in AMERICA on the reverse is clearly separated in th
e Wide variety. In the normal variety for these dates, the letters AM are very c
lose or touching.
Approximate Value: $5 to $25 in middle grades, $75 to $600 in MS-63 or better de
pending on color. 1999 brings the highest prices, with 2000 being second.
7) 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime
At the point in time that these coins were made, the dies sent to the individual
branch mints would be punched with the proper mint mark letter for that branch.
This variety is believed to be caused because one or more un-punched dies were
sent to one of the branches. (The letter P was being used for Philadelphia on di
mes at this time.)
How to Detect: The 1982 dime is missing a mint mark.
Approximate Value: About $30 to $50 in AU-50, more for higher grades.
8) State Quarter Die Axis Rotation Errors
This error has been seen in many different State Quarter types, so it's worth ch
ecking them all for this oddity.
How to Detect: When you hold the coin with the head straight up and turn the coi
n over from top to bottom, the reverse design should be right-side up. If the di
es weren't set properly in the machine for striking, the reverse will be rotated
somewhat from true.
Approximate Value: Full 180 degree rotations are worth about $20 in EF-45 or so.
Lesser rotations are worth much less.
9) 1995 and 1995-D Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cents
This doubled die variety generated a lot of mainstream interest when it was feat
ured as a cover story in USA Today. Specimens are still being found in circulati
on, and lesser doubling is seen in the much rarer and more valuable 1995-D.
How to Detect: Clear doubling in LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. Note that the mint
mark is also doubled on this variety, as the mint began punching mint marks int
o the master hub in 1990.
Approximate Value: About $20 to $75 in AU-50, more in higher grades.
10) Various "Old Style" Jefferson Nickels
You might be surprised to discover that you can still find dates as early at 193
8 in circulating Jefferson Nickels! These nickels aren't very popular, though, s
o fewer people pay attention to them. I always save the following mint mark vari
eties because they have to go up sooner or later...(don't they?)
What I Keep: 1941-Doubled-D, 1941-Large-S, 1942-D-over-horizontal-D, 1949-D-over
-S, 1955-D-over-S, and the 1964-Doubled-D. These are all in circulation today!
Approximate Value: $5 to $75
1) 1969-S Lincoln Cent with a Doubled Die Obvers