Has my coin been cleaned?

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by mikenoodle, Jun 20, 2017.

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  1. V. Kurt Bellman

    V. Kurt Bellman Yes, I'm blunt! Get over your "feeeeelings".

    Umm, what is the list of numismatic terms with which there has not been a bone of contention here on CT? We seem to burn more lithium ion battery arguing about terminology than anything else. I blame the ethos in this hobby where EVERYBODY thinks they're qualified to write a book or publish a website, and define things their own way.
     
    V. Kurt Bellman, Jun 25, 2017
    #61 + Quote Reply
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  3. ToughCOINS

    ToughCOINS Dealer Member Moderator

    Depending on how "commercial" the coin looks, that could be very interesting indeed, regardless of whether the coin is a clad or silver proof. If it is still semi-prooflike with some cartwheel luster, that's pretty unusual, but in the case of the 1953, that coin is not even slightly prooflike. I probably wouldn't be able to find it quickly enough to justify looking for it, but if I bump into it one of these days, I'll try to remember to bring it out for photos.
     
    ToughCOINS, Jun 25, 2017
    #62 + Quote Reply
  4. ToughCOINS

    ToughCOINS Dealer Member Moderator


    That could turn into a separate discussion all on its own. It begs the question about the dawn of education, "which came first, the educator or the student?"

    In my mind the first educators were the most serious of students, humbled by the breadth of observations they could conduct and conclusions they could draw on a subject about which there was a dearth of existing information.

    Was it not the same with numismatics?
     
    ToughCOINS, Jun 25, 2017
    #63 + Quote Reply
  5. Insider

    Insider Talent on loan from...

    As I've witnessed over the years numismatic definitions have evolved - some for the better and some...well :bucktooth:.

    Old words like "Cud" and "Double Die" have been updated. Did you know that at one time the ANA defined "Whizzing" as a chemical alteration?:jawdrop::facepalm:

    At the same time, new folks join the hobby an many think they can throw words around in any way without knowing what they mean to educated numismatists who came before. We had a marine on CT (still here?) who thought he could do that and argued about it.

    Back then and now, experts in their field of collecting revise or "coin" new terminology. In the 1970's members of the certification service in DC were constantly making up terms to describe something they saw under a microscope. Ever hear of "spider web crystals."

    The reason for conformity of terms is that two collectors far apart can understand what the other is talking about. Educated numismatists know them and use them properly. And if you need to ask what "properly" means, you may not be one! :smuggrin:
     
    Insider, Jun 26, 2017
    #64 + Quote Reply
  6. ToughCOINS

    ToughCOINS Dealer Member Moderator

    Properly? What's that? :smuggrin: backat'cha.
     
    ToughCOINS, Jun 26, 2017
    #65 + Quote Reply
    Insider likes this.
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