Coin Glossary

You can find most popular coin collecting phrases in this coin glossary.

Coin Glossary

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incuse - the part of a coin's design that is pressed into the surface. Opposite of relief. Example: the $2 1/2 and $5 Indian US gold coins are incuse design. Rather than the design being raised up off of the surface of the coin, it is pressed into the metal. See "reeded edge" and "lettered edge" ingot - see "bars"

Ike dollar - see Eisenhower dollar

inscription - the words stamped (written) on a coin

intrinsic value - the value of the precious metal that a coin is made of. Often called "bullion value".  Not to be confused with "face value".

investment grade - used to indicate a high grade of coin that might make a good investment.

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Coin Collecting News
07/11/2025
Dollar coin that debuted earlier this year celebrates Michigan's auto history
A new $1 coin for Michigan as part of the U.S. Mint's Innovation Dollar series celebrates the auto assembly in the state. more info

07/11/2025
10 Years After Cheyenne Coin Shop Double Murder, Trial To Begin
Trial begins with jury selection Monday a decade after the brutal July 20, 2015, murder of two men at The Coin Shop in the downtown district of ... more info

07/08/2025
Michigan coin dealer who gambled $5.1M at casino sentenced for stealing from customers, owes $433K
Former Flying Eagle Coins owner Matthew J. Burton received 23 months to 10 years in prison and must pay $433,500 in restitution to nine victims across Michigan. more info