Glossary of Numismatics - F

F

Face Value

Value that is written on a coin. For example, an American 1 cent coin has a face value of 1 cent. A collectable coin or bullion coin is usually worth many times its face value.

Fantasy

Generally a representation of a rare or never issued coin.

Field

Background area of a coin not used for a design or inscription.

Filler

Coin that is very worn and/or damaged, but may still be included in a collection if it is a Key Coin.

Fineness

Purity of precious metal content expressed in terms of one thousand parts. 90% is expressed as .900 fine. The purest gold bullion coin is .99999 fine.

Flan

Blank metal piece before striking, also called a planchet or blank.

Fleur de coin (FDC)

Coin of exceptionally high quality, where quality is determined not just by wear of the coin in circulation but also by the wear and artistic quality of the dies from which it was minted. These factors are crucial for ancient coinage where variability was higher than in modern mints. See also Grade.

Flip Strike

An error caused by the coin flipping over after being struck, and then struck a second time. Each face of the coin will have a "ghost" of the opposite face.