I'm in the process of re-organizing my database of coins and was wondering is there a book that is considered "the source" when it comes to "official" names of coins, both US and foreign coins? Would the Standard Catalog of World coins fit the bill? Or is really more of a personal preference? For US Mint issues I use the name that comes on the packaging. But for coins like uncirculated American Silver Eagles I've seen people use American Silver Eagles, American Eagles, American Silver Eagle Bullion. Just wanted to ask and see what others collectors use or have discovered. Thanks!!!
The American Eagle comes in three different metals - silver, gold or platinum. Since these would be considered adjectives describing the American Eagle, it should correctly be called the Silver American Eagle or Gold American Eagle or Platinum American Eagle. Some people call it by other names, but we still know what they mean. Yes, the Red Book of United States Coins would be best for US coinage. Chris
I believe the proper name is cent regardless of the size. The technical name for the nickel is actually Five Cents, not nickel, although I don't know anyone who doesn't refer to them as nickels. A good baseline is to look at what is actually on the coin. It's not foolproof though. Most of the descriptions are added by hobbiest or the general public (as in the Mercury dime) for ease of description, however the US Mint has trademarked "America The Beutiful Quarter Series" and they may have trademarked Statehood Quarter as well although everyone I know refers to them as State Quarters. For world coins it can be a little harder to figure out, especially if they don't have it written in English. I use WorldCoinGallery.com as a baseline. (I have also contributed a few images to the Gallery, so...Plug alert!! )
Well, I'm not a lawyer, ha ha! However the exception to this is the Coinage Act of 1792 which mandated the coining of a "half cent", "cent", "disme", "half disme", "quarter dollar", "half dollar", "dollar", "quarter eagles", "half eagles", and "eagles". The Act named the coins and defined their values. These coins (the ones that still are in production) still carry a form of these terms established by law. The "nickel" is the only coin apart from the Cent that uses the word "cent".
