Glossary of Numismatics - A

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Adjustment

The filing down of a blank to the correct weight before striking, shown by file marks. File marks are often still visible on the surface of a coin even after being struck.

Alliance coinage

Coins minted by two or more state governments in conjunction. The Euro coins would be an example of this.

Alloy

Homogeneous mixture of two or more elements, where the resulting compound has metallic properties. Common coin alloys include cupro-nickel (copper and nickel) and bronze (copper and tin).

Altered Date

False date put on a coin to defraud collectors, usually to make it appear more valuable. Such alterations are often easily spotted with the aid of a magnifying glass.

Anepigraphic coin

Coin without an inscription. Many ancient coins used only a simple picture of an animal to show value or weight.

Annealing

Process of heating and cooling metal in order to relieve stresses. This is often done with coin blanks to make the metal less brittle before striking.

Assay

Test to ascertain the weight and purity of a coin.

Attribution

Identifier of a coin such as date, mint, denomination, or variety.