Collector & Reseller Glossary

What the jargon actually means — and what it does to resale value. 3,212 terms across 12 categories.

10 terms in Coins & Currency starting with “O” · page 1 of 1

1. obverse strikeCoins & Currency
   The front side of a coin, often featuring the portrait of a ruler or a national emblem, is known as the obverse. The strike refers to the impression made on the metal during the minting process. A strong, clear obverse s
2. off-center strikeCoins & Currency
   This refers to a coin where the design elements are not perfectly centered on the coin's flan during the minting process. The image or lettering appears noticeably skewed or shifted to one side. For collectors, this is a
3. off-center varietyCoins & Currency
   This refers to a coin where the design elements, such as the portrait or lettering, are not perfectly centered within the flan or coin blank. It is a manufacturing anomaly, meaning it occurred during the minting process
4. off-metalCoins & Currency
   This term refers to coins that are not made from precious metals like gold or silver. Instead, they are struck from base metals such as copper, nickel, zinc, or aluminum. For resellers and collectors, the material compos
5. original packagingCoins & Currency
   This refers to the factory-sealed or original protective casing in which a coin was initially sold or issued. For collectors, this is a significant indicator of provenance and completeness. When a coin retains its origin
6. original wrapperCoins & Currency
   This refers to the packaging, blister card, or original protective casing in which a coin was initially sold or issued. For collectors, the presence of the original wrapper is a significant indicator of the coin's proven
7. over strikeCoins & Currency
   An overstrike is a mint mark or design applied to an existing coin, usually by stamping or engraving, after the original coin has been struck. This process is often done to commemorate an event, denote a specific region,
8. overageCoins & Currency
   This term refers to the amount of metal or material that exceeds the standard weight or specifications for a particular coin or bullion piece. In numismatics, an overage can sometimes indicate a minting error or a specif
9. overdateCoins & Currency
   An overdate refers to a minting error where the date stamped on a coin is incorrect, typically showing a later year than the coin was actually struck. These errors are highly sought after by specialized collectors becaus
10. overstrikeCoins & Currency
    An overstrike is a second mint mark, design, or inscription applied to an existing coin after it has been struck. This is typically done to denote a change in government, currency, or to commemorate a specific event. For