When you first begin collecting old coins, you’ll find there’s a good deal of terminology to learn; but you don’t need to know every coin term to appreciate collecting. Hawaiian Islands Stamp & Coin in Honolulu can help de-mystify the world of coin collecting and some of the more unfamiliar terms that go along with it. As the area’s local experts in coin and stamp authentication, they know the phraseology you’ll need to get started. Check out their list below.  

1. Numismatic

Numismatic comes from the Latin word, numisma, which means “coin.” These old coins are ones that hold more value than the material they are made of—such as gold coins—and collectors have the most interest in them. This type of coin doesn’t have to be rare; typically, they are part of a set minted over a certain period of time or are associated with an event.

2. Grading

Coin grading is the process of assessing the wear on a coin to help with appraisals. Not every coin is created the same—even coins in the same mint and set can have different die characteristics that change their value. A coin appraiser will assess a coin’s overall wear in relation to its mint to determine its overall value.

3. Mint Mark

A mint mark is a tiny stamp on the coin that states where that coin was manufactured. In the United States, mint marks include: D (Denver mint), O (New Orleans mint), P (Philadelphia mint), S (San Francisco mint), and W (West Point mint).

4. Error Coins

Like at many manufacturing facilities, mint production can often produce coins with slight mistakes. These are called error coins, and while they are not necessarily rare or valuable, they are very interesting pieces in any collection.

5. Rarity Number

Appraised old coins are assigned a rarity number, which indicates how rare that particular coin is. Numbers are between zero and 10, with 10 being the most rare and zero being the least.

Whether you’re just beginning your old coin collection or you’ve been collecting for years, head to Hawaiian Islands Stamp & Coin to expand your collection. Their experts have been working with old coins and stamps since 1973. Call them today at (808) 531-6251 and visit their website for more information.