GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Ag: The International Chemical Symbol for Silver, which has an atomic number of 47. Ag is a lustrous, soft, white metal which, among other notable properties, has both the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any element. AG: "About Good", a coin grading prefix which describes a coin that is heavily worn. Alloy: A combination of any two or more metals. Au: The International Chemical Symbol for Gold, which has an atomic number of 79. Au is the most malleable and ductile pure metal known. Pure Au has a bright yellow color and luster, which it maintains without rusting in air or water. AU: "About Uncirculated", a Coin Grading prefix used to describe a Coin which is almost in Mint, Uncirculated State (see BU, below). BU: "Brilliant Uncirculated", a Coin grading prefix used to describe a Coin which is in Mint State, with no wear of any kind. Bullion: A mass of refined precious metal, such as gold, platinum, or silver; also, Precious metals when measured by weight rather, than monetary value. Cameo/Deep Cameo: A mirrored finish on any Bullion Product. This designation is also abbreviated CAM or DCAM for Deep Cameo. Coin: A Coin is defined as any metallic object which has been produced under the authority and direction of a Central Government, and designated as Legal Tender Currency within that Government's borders. (see definition of Legal Tender below). COMEX: Shorthand for The New York Mercantile Exchange Commodities Exchange Market. This is the trading pit on Wall Street where brokers buy and sell commodities futures, including Precious Metals: www.NYMEX.com. Commemorative: A Coin which has been produced in limited quantities, to commemorate a special event, person or place. Copy: A reproduction of a coin, used for display and/or educational purposes.Any Coin reproduction which does not bear the word 'COPY' (or similar) is referred to as a COUNTERFEIT or FAKE (see definitions below). Counterfeit: A coin or other item which is not genuine. Currency: A standardized medium of exchange for settlement of debts. See also Legal Tender Currency (below). EF: "Extra Fine", a Coin grading prefix; see "XF" below. Exonumia: That which lies outside the realm of Numismatics, a.k.a. Legal Tender Currency. For the coin collector, Exonumia usually refers to bars, certificates, ingots, Medallions, or similar items. Fair: A Coin Grading term used to describe a lower-grade Coin which is identifiable by Type, but is otherwise lacking in detail. Fake: Also known as Counterfeit (see definition above). Fleur du Coin: A French Coin Grading term which is used to describe a Coin that is absolutely flawless to the naked eye. This term is not commonly used in the US, but corresponds roughly to a 68 or higher on the Sheldon Scale of coin grading. Gold: See Au, above. Grade: A numerical score which provides both coin collectors and dealers a quantitative assesment of the quality of a coin. For more info, see An Introduction to Coin Grading. Legal Tender Currency: A form of Currency which, by law, cannot be refused in settlement of a debt.
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