Glossary of Coin Terms: From Mint Mark to MS70 — Know the Lingo
If you’re new to coin collecting — or you just inherited a collection filled with unfamiliar labels — the terminology can feel overwhelming. Collectors, dealers, and grading companies often use their own language. Words like mint mark, MS70, planchet, and toning get thrown around constantly.
To help you make sense of it all, here’s a simple, beginner-friendly glossary of the most common coin terms you’ll hear when buying, selling, or appraising coins.
A–C: The Basics Every Collector Should Know
Appraisal
An evaluation of a coin’s authenticity, grade, rarity, and market value.
Expert appraiser Sean Summerlin provides free and honest appraisals for Houston-area sellers.
Bag Marks
Small scratches or dings caused by coins knocking against each other during minting or shipment.
Bullion
Coins, rounds, or bars made of precious metals (silver, gold, platinum) valued mainly for their metal content.
Clad Coin
A coin made of layered metals, usually copper and nickel. Most modern U.S. coins are clad.
Condition
A key factor in determining value. Better condition = greater value.
D–F: Design, Details & Grades
Die
The metal stamp used to strike a coin’s design.
Double Die
A type of mint error where the design appears doubled. These can be extremely valuable.
Face Value
The amount printed on the coin (example: a quarter is 25 cents) — not necessarily its real worth.
Fine (F)
A mid-level grade for a coin showing wear but still having visible major details.
G–M: Grading, Metals & Minting
Grade
A measurement of a coin’s condition, ranging from Poor (P) to Mint State (MS).
Half Dollar
A U.S. coin worth 50 cents. Pre-1970 examples often contain silver.
Key Date
A rare year or mint mark within a series that collectors pay a premium for.
Legal Tender
Official currency backed by the government for payment of debts.
Mint
The facility where coins are produced.
Mint Mark
A small letter showing where a coin was made:
P – Philadelphia
D – Denver
S – San Francisco
W – West Point
CC – Carson City (historic and valuable)
Mint marks greatly affect rarity and value.
MS60–MS70: Understanding Mint State Grading
Coins graded Mint State (MS) are uncirculated coins that show no signs of wear.
MS60
Entry-level uncirculated coin with visible marks.
MS63
A common grade for collectible uncirculated coins — minor flaws.
MS65
High-quality, attractive, lightly marked.
MS68
Nearly flawless — rare and often expensive.
MS70
Perfect condition under magnification. The highest grade possible.
Coins graded MS70 by PCGS or NGC bring in significant premiums.
N–S: Collectible Essentials
Numismatics
The study or collection of coins, currency, and medals.
Obverse
The front of the coin (usually features a portrait).
Planchet
The blank metal disk before it’s struck into a coin.
Proof Coin
A specially struck coin made for collectors. Known for mirror-like shine and high detail.
Reverse
The back of the coin.
Silver Content
Pre-1964 U.S. dimes, quarters, and halves contain 90% silver.
1965–1970 half dollars contain 40% silver.
Spot Price
The current market price of silver or gold.
T–Z: Final Terms Every Seller Should Know
Toning
Color changes on a coin caused by age or environment. Natural toning can increase value.
Uncirculated (UNC)
A coin that has never been used in everyday transactions.
Variety
A coin type with small differences in design or die characteristics.
Wear
Surface damage caused by circulation. Less wear = higher value.
Why Learning These Terms Matters
Knowing basic coin language helps you:
Understand appraisals
Spot key coins in your own collection
Avoid scams or unrealistic expectations
Make better selling decisions
Communicate with buyers and dealers
But you don’t need to become an expert — that’s where a professional appraiser comes in.
Get Your Coins Professionally Evaluated
If you have:
A mixed collection
Pre-1964 silver
Gold coins
Old paper money
Estate coins
Rare or foreign coins
You can bring them to Houston TX Coin Dealer for a free, no-pressure appraisal.
📍 Expert Appraiser: Sean Summerlin
📍 Serving: Kingwood, Houston, Conroe, Porter, Cypress, Tomball, Spring & surrounding areas
📞 Schedule an appraisal — at home or in office
