Certified Authenticated and graded by any of the independent, third-party grading services.
Circulated A coin that is worn through use.
Clad Coins made of layers of metal. Examples include modern U.S. Dimes, Quarters, Half Dollars, and Dollars that have centers of copper and outer layers of a copper-nickel alloy.
Commemorative A coin struck specifically to honor a place, event or person. Commemorative coins are usually sold at a premium and are not meant to circulate.
Die The steel cylinder with a design on it to strike one side of a coin.
Encapsulated A coin that is placed in a sealed plastic holder by any of the independent, third-party grading services.
Error A coin that results from a mistake in the coining process.
First Strike The first coin, or one of the earliest coins, stuck from a pair of dies. These are usually Proof-like, well-struck and nearly perfect.
Full Strike A coin that has complete details thanks to a crisp, bold stamp from the dies.
Intrinsic Value The metal or bullion value of a coin, regardless of the face value of the coin.
Obverse The front of a coin, usually the side with the date or head.
Proof A special process for producing coins of exceptional quality and brilliance. Proof coins exhibit a full strike, mirrored surfaces, and surfaces.
Proof Set The specially packaged set of Proof coins produced and sold by the U.S. Mint each year.
Restrike A coin from genuine dies, struck later than the year indicated on the coin, usually to satisfy collectors.
Reverse The back of a coin, usually the side without a date or a head.
Series The complete listing of all the dates and mints that were struck for a particular denomination or design type.
Set A complete collection of all the dates and mints type that were struck for a particular denomination or design.
