Let us continue where we left off in this article.
Understanding coin anatomical jargon is essential when conversing with other collectors or dealers. Certain words, such as the mint mark, motto, date, designer's initials, and denomination, are placed differently on different coins. Study and become fluent in the jargon. The coin below is a 1952 Franklin Half Dollar.
Date – The year in which the coin was minted or produced.
Denomination – Represents the monetary value of the coin.
Designer’s Initials – Almost all coins have the designer’s initials on the coin somewhere. You may have to hunt for them, on this coin they are ‘JRS’ for John R. Sinnock.
Edge – The very outside of the coin which can be plain (smooth), decorated, or reeded.
Field – The flat surface of the coin that serves as a background and is unused.
Legend – This refers to the main lettering of the coin or inscription. It will usually state the country where the coin came from.
Motto – The Motto for most US coins include ‘E Pluribus Unum’ and ‘In God We Trust’. Older US coins differ.
Obverse – This is the term given to the front of the coin or the ‘head’ side.
Portrait – Probably the defining item of the coin is the portrait on the Obverse side. In most cases it is a US President or historic figure as well as Lady Liberty.
Relief – This refers to any part of a coin that is raised and not the field.
Reverse – This is the term given to the back side of the coin or the ‘tails’ side.
Rim – The outer edge that is slightly raised making coins easier to stack and serves as protection for the face of the coin.
Mint Mark – The letter or symbol on the coin that indicates where the coin was minted or struck. In the US, single letters are used to locate the city. The coin above has a ‘D’ which represents Denver, Colorado.
The following may be found on US coins:
- P or blank – Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaDenver Mint Mark
- W – West Point, New York
- D – Denver, Colorado
- S – San Francisco, California
- C – Charlotte, North Carolina
- CC – Carson City, Nevada
- D – Dahlonega, Georgia (1838–1861)
- O – New Orleans, Louisiana
Source
There are numerous coin collecting ideas to get you started. This is what makes coin collecting exciting and distinctive, with many different combinations and subjects to base a collection around.
You can start a collection by with what you already have... collect the coins of your country where you live. Collecting by country is a common theme. Or, try to obtain a wide range of coins from around the world.
Foreign coins are a fascinating method to coin collecting outside of the United States or your country. Bimetallic coins, coins with holes, coins in various languages, and so on are all ways to collect international and world coinage.
Some people prefer to concentrate just on the content or metals of the coins. Collecting gold, silver, copper, and platinum coins are popular among stackers.
For instance, I collect silver coins, particularly Commemorative Silver Dollars.
I have a long way to go, but hopefully I will get there. Here are the ones I have:
😍#ilikeitalot!😍
Gold and Silver Stacking is not for everyone. Do your own research!
If you want to learn more, we are here at the Silver Gold Stackers Community. Come join us!
Best Regards,
I am not a financial adviser. This article is not meant to be financial advice. My articles on cryptos, precious metals, and money share my personal opinion, experiences, and general information on cryptos, precious metals, and money.Thank you for stopping by to view this article.
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