Glossary

Numismatic terms

Coin alignment

The designs on each side of the coin are aligned such the top of one design is in line with the bottom of the other design.

Fish-tailing

The appearance of curve-based letters rather than flat based letters in coin legends due to metal flow.

Hub Doubling

Doubling of coin details causing by double-striking during coin production. Hub doubling can be detected by sharp, distinct edges between the details of the strikes.

Machine Doubling: Doubling of coin details caused by double-striking during die production. Machine doubling can detected by slight elongation of details characterised by a smooth graduation between the details of each strike.
Medal alignment: The designs on each side of the coin are aligned such the top of one design is in line with the top of the other design.
Novodel: Official back-dated restrike of a coin.
Patina: The thin layer of oxidation on the surface of a coin; sometimes used to describe the toning.
Patrix die: A die with a relief design. It can be used to produce working dies.