Tell you what, I get a kick out of the sophisticated terms, phrases, and flowery language often used in Coin Collecting. Here are few, can you think of any examples? "The scratch on the obverse of the half has apparently gone thru the dermis and into the epidermis affecting the appeal but not the R-factor..." "This MS-67 1963 Lincoln Head Cent is considered by Senior Numismatists to be far more esoteric than the others..." "Lady Liberties' metal flows from the center outward, splashing against the rims and dazzling the surface with drops of swirling luster. You will be hypnotized and lost in the world of long ago when you purchase..."
coin words................... that's just a way to try and justify a higher price for the coin...........hype run amuck!
In the first two examples, the words are just used wrong. Lol. The third is just ridiculous. I haven't been mesmerized by metal flow since.... :-D I always find myself using the word "exergue" and only afterwards reasing that I was the only one who knew what it meant.
You should recognize the numersous attemps of people everywhere to isolate their hobbies or professions. Ever talk to an RN. Note right there I said RN since everyone knows who that is in the medical profession. And in the Nuclear Industry there is also a multitude of terminology where people want to distinguesh themselves from society. My neighbor is a mechanic and uses terminology that sounds just made up. I've a relative that is a house rebuilder and I have to watch that TV show "This Old House" to understand him.
This is an exceptional thread, sure to please the most discerning numismatist. All legends fully visible, ebony and gun-metal blue seemingly floating on fields of cumulus grey. A few scattered distortions serve as pedigree markers, but do not detract from the overall eye appeal. (I've been reading a few too many auction catalogs !!!) :headbang:
From Heritage #442 Summer F.U.N. auction cat. #442, 2007: 1909-SVDB MS-66RD ICG " The 1909-S VDB cent was widely hoarded at the time of it's release, and even Mint State coins are available to collectors. Carl Herkowitz, in a November 1995 article in The Numismatist, elaborates on this situation: " "The vast majority of the 484,000 minted were pounced upon like no other United States coin and kept as centerpieces, as trophys. A Virtual flood tide of citizens from all walks of life seized these talismens from circulation in a half-century long frenzy, and relatively few pieces were lost to the rigors of chance. " " "This Premium Green Red specimen displays beautiful copper-gold luster with hints of light green undertones and occasional blushes of light crimson. The strike is exquisite, bringing crisp definition to the design elements. Close scrutiny with a glass reveals no mentionable abrasions or spots. Unbelievable technical quality and aesthetic appeal."
Whoa !!! That has the absolute greatest word, which should never be left out of a truly great writeup - "talisman". They'll ward off evil !!!
i have worked for the largest empire in retail for yrs. the marketing terminology has become very descriptive especially in regard to the color of clothing. make it as interesting as possible (or just confuse the heck out of the populace). look at coin auction catalogs throughout history, especially before grading standards were published. many are just hilarious and you really never new what you were getting when it came in. no photos and no standards. thank God that we don't have to worry about coin descriptions and especially grading any more......and after all, when you saw the above coins being described...you agreed w/ the assessment didn't you?????????? well, great topic and off to search for a brilliant semi-proof morgan w/ irridescent overtones reminiscent of a sunset in tahiti on a moderately humid, partly cloudy evening............................plus a gorgeous epidermis!! and i don't know what "exergue" means either... nice post............steve
LOL , Great post Bonedigger , one of my all time favorites , original russet surfaces , meaning ugly black toning . rzage
I was mesmerized once back in the 60's by metal.. Oh wrong subject. exergue. Now there is a word you don't see everyday.. or any day for that matter.
Now here is a coin which has to be seen to be believed. The dove gray/champagne/blue/russet/powder blue/golden brown/deep green coloring with booming luster will make any rainbow ashamed and Crayola Crayons hide their head. Miss Liberty is so frosty she's cool to the touch...
Great descriptions, but how many do you think, really mean, "This coin doesn't look that great so we made up all these fancy descriptions to make you think it does"?
And it's not just the pharses used, it's the actual terminology used in different hobbies or professions. Not sure but I think someone said there is an actual dictionary of terminology for coins on the PCGS web site. I 've seen some abbreviated forms of this but I'd just rather stick to English.
Bonedigger , How about a description of that 23-S cent in the other thread , your pretty good at it . BTW did you ever think of going into sales . rzage
This spectacular historic specimen would have fooled John Wilkes Booth on his dastardly night of infamy. Oh, if only Victor Brenner could have intervened. This important coins irredesiant colors flow smartly (almost militarily) and evenly from aqua-marine to gold to rainy morning blue/grey to plum and finally exploding into a cheerful magenta across his etched craggy face. The unlunar like surfaces of this artifact belay it’s place in respective Numismatic circles. This is no oven potato concoction but a piece of Americana in miniature. This coin is one of a kind and it can be yours...
