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  • Coin Collecting Secrets – The Definitive Guide Coin collecting! This popular hobby combines the best of both worlds – the relaxation and enjoyment that come from surrounding yourself with familiar objects along with the security of building a wealth of assets. Coins represent true value – and they ma
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Common Terms: Rare Coin Collecting

Numismatics, the practice of collecting or studying coins, medals, tokens, or other similar items, has its own set of basic terms.

• Obverse: The side of a coin referred to as "heads" is known as the obverse side.
  Reverse: The side of a coin referred to as "tails" is known as the reverse side.
  Third side: The edge of the coin is sometimes called the third side.
  Coin rim: The rim of the coin is the outer edge, which is often raised.
• Legends: The phrases on the surface of a coin are known as legends or mottoes.
• Device: The device is the design. It often features the bust of a person or an image of importance like an Eagle.
• Dies: The metal cutters that engrave the coin designs are known as dies.
• Mint: Coins are struck at a mint. For example: (Denver, San Francisco, Philadelphia & West Point are US mints)
  Mintage: The number of coins that are struck is the mintage.
• Circulation: Coins struck for general use that are in circulation.
• Proofs: Proofs are coins that have been struck with a highly polished die and are sold especially to collectors. Cameo proofs are proofs with a frosted appearance. Proof coins are graded Proof 70, Proof 65, Proof 60, and below. Proof is sometimes abbreviated PR or PF.
• Bullion: Bullion coins are issued by the government and are composed of gold, platinum, or other precious metals.
• Curating: Curating is a method of cleaning that does not harm a coin's surface.