Coin Abbreviations & Acronyms Used To Describe Coins
Newbie coin collectors are often overwhelmed by the words and phrases they come across in their new hobby.
While the following abbreviations and acronyms are not the only ones that you will stumble upon when collecting coins, these are among the most common.
You'll find that most are used when referencing the grade of a coin.
AG: About Good
A grade that refers to a coin with very heavy wear. Most collectors do not collect coins with this amount of wear, except for coins which are considered rare.
ANA: American Numismatic Association
Founded in 1891 and among the world's most well-recognized and respected organizations for numismatists.
AU: Almost Uncirculated
A coin which has only slight wear on its highest points.
BN: Brown
Refers to brownish hues or toning seen on copper coins.
BU: Brilliant Uncirculated
An uncirculated coin which has notable luster quality and, sometimes, refers to an uncirculated coin with good strike.
CIR: Circulated
A coin which has seen wear through circulation.
CLND: Cleaned
A coin which has been cleaned or otherwise washed.
DCAM: Deep Cameo
Refers to a proof coin on which the designs are heavily "frosted" (white).
DMPL: Deep Mirror Proof Like
A coin which is not actually a "proof" specimen but has reflectivity and mirrored surfaces which resemble proof quality. These coins are highly appreciated by collectors and investors alike.
EX or XF: Extremely Fine
A coin with light wear and has all basic details visible. Higher-level "EF" or "XF" coins often show light traces of luster.
F: Fine
A coin with heavy wear. "Fine" coins usually have full rims and all major details are intact.
Fr. Fair
A coin with very severe wear. Some people will collect "fair"-quality pieces for coins which are very rare, as is the case with very early half-cents and large cents.
G: Good
A coin with considerably heavy wear. This is considered the lowest grade collectible for "common" coins.
MS: Mint State
An coin which has no wear and is otherwise deemed "uncirculated."
Pr. Poor
A coin that has suffered extreme wear and can often be identified only by denomination and type. Dates, lettering, and detail are often worn beyond recognition on Poor coins.
PR: Proof
A coin that has been manufactured specifically to produce an exquisite strike and surface quality. These are usually marketed by the mint as collector coins and often are struck multiple times. Modern-day proof coins have mirror-like surfaces.
RB: Red-Brown
Refers to the mixture of red-orange and brown hues seen on copper coins.
RD: Red
Refers to the deep orange and reddish hues and toning seen on copper coinage.
SBA: Susan B. Anthony (dollar)
A dollar coin designed by Frank Gasparro which was struck from 1979-1981 and 1999.
SLQ: Standing Liberty Quarter
A quarter-dollar, designed by Hermon A. MacNeil, which was struck from 1916 through 1930.
UNC: Uncirculated
A coin which has never seen any wear through circulation.
VAM: Van Allen-Mallis number
Refers to any of the many design varieties noted for Morgan dollars (1878-1921).
VG: Very Good
A coin with moderately heavy wear. A "Very Good" coin typically has full lettering near the rims of the coin. The word "LIBERTY," when it appears on late-19th and early-20th century coins on a headband will often show approximately 3-4 letters.
VF: Very Fine
A coin with moderate wear. All major and many minor details are seen. All lettering should be complete on most coins.
See the full list of coin terminology used by professional coin collectors.
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