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Dictionary of Coin Collector Terms and Definitions:

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Information about New Presidential Dollar coins:

~Unusual Edge Letters on Dollars

~US mint press release.

~Production Schedule of Dollars to be released

~Legislation Authorizing Presidential Dollars in 2007

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"A Glossary of Coin Collecting Words and Definitions"

Locate the meaning of coin dealer and numismatic words.

COIN COLLECTOR WORDS

that start with the letter

" M "

matte

- describes a coin's surface. A matte finish often appears to be slightly grainy or has a slight "sandblasted" texture or appearance. A different coin's finish not often used on modern day coins, was most modern coins have a smooth finish or brilliant like background. The Buffalo gold proof 1 ounce coins first issued in 2006 exhibit a Matte finish. See the 2008 Buffalo fractional gold coins for modern day examples.

matte proof

- matte proof coins are special proofs that have a grainy "sandblasted" look on the surface. Matte proof coins were sometimes made in the early part of the 1900's. Normal proof coins have a mirror like brilliant surface.

medal

- an object made of metal that resembles a coin. Often medals are made or given to recognize a person, place, or occasion. Medals have no stated value and are not intended to circulate as money. Sometimes a medal may have intrinsic value

(bullion value). Difference between a coin and medal is that a coin must be minted by a government and have a stated value.

medium of exchange

- something accepted by people as having a certain value that is used to exchange or trade. Often coins and paper money are used as mediums of exchange, but it can be anything.

mercury dime

- nick name for the US 10 cent pieces made between 1916 and 1945. Although originally called the Winged Liberty Head dime, the name "mercury" dime caught on with the public when it was compared to the Roman god "mercury".

milky

- describes the appearance on the surface of a coin. Usually a whitish area that is sometimes found on silver coins. The appearance is that of a milk color stain. Sometimes called a milk spot.

milled edge

- coin production process that produces the edge of the coin.

mint

- place where coins are produced (manufactured). The U.S. Mint produces most coins for the U.S. government in Philadelphia and Denver. Mint facilities in San Francisco and West Point are used to produce some of the Proof and commemorative coins. Normally mints produce coins under government authority. Example - Perth Mint produces coins for the country of Australia. However, private mints may also produce medals and coins for small independent countries which can not afford their own coin minting facilities.

mint luster

- a frosty, satiny, unique shine found on uncirculated and high grade coins. Mint luster gradually disappears as a coin receives wear and sometimes when toning or tarnishing takes place.

mint mark

- a small letter on a coin that identifies which of the U.S. Mints the coin was produced at. Some other coins will also use mint marks to distinguish the specific minting facilities where their coins are struck. A US coin with no mint mark means it was usually minted at the Philadelphia US mint.

mint proofing piece

- ingots of high purity gold used by the mint to mix with and melt together with gold that was less than 90% pure. The purpose of melting it with less than pure gold was to bring up the gold content to .900 fine, in order for the gold to be made into coins. Mint proofing pieces were also used in making batches of silver bullion a higher purity. In the 19th century the US government mints served as places where gold and silver could be exchanged for paper money and coins. Often the mint did their own refining and production of coin blanks. Because some bullion was less than pure when exchanged the mint had to mix batches along with mint proofing pieces to get the proper purity before producing coins out of the metals. Very few of these original mint proofing pieces have ever reached the collector market. Sometimes also called a "proofing piece". See related terms "proof gold" and "proof silver". Thanks to Numismatic News coin magazine for some of this information.

mint set

- a complete set of coins produced by a particular mint (contains one of each denomination). Mint sets usually contain "uncirculated" non-proof coins. Click here for US mint set production numbers. During the years 1965, 1966 and 1967 the US government minted "Special Mint Sets" of coins to sell to collectors.

mint state

- uncirculated

mintage

- the number of coins produced (the quantity made for that country, date, mintmark, and type of coin)

Morgan dollar

- United States silver dollar made during some of the years 1878 to 1921. Originally called the "Liberty Head" silver dollar. It developed the nickname "Morgan" dollar after the US mint engraver George T. Moran, who designed it.

morgan coin

- this term was used to identify "Barber" dimes, quarters and half dollars minted in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Although designed by Charles E Barber these Liberty Head silver coins were not designed by Morgan. (Morgan designed the silver dollar.) Because they circulated at the same time as the Morgan Dollar and had some similarity in features to the Morgan dollar, people often incorrectly called them "morgans". By the mid-1900's this term was no longer in use.

motto

- a saying, phrase, or principle sometimes found on a coin. Example: "In God We Trust", and "E Pluribus Unum"-meaning: Out of many, are one

MS69

The attribute "MS" is an abbreviation for "mint state". The numbers that follow (in this example 69) indicate the quality of the coin. The quality numbers run from 1 to 70, with a 70 being an absolutely prefect coin. See related topic- "PR69". Suggested reading - What is the difference between a proof and uncirculated coin?

mylar

- a brand name for a clear trademark polyester material used to store coins. Similar to clear polyester film. Often cardboard 2x2 coin holders have a clear mylar window in the center of them.