Collector & Reseller Glossary

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

34 terms in Coins & Currency starting with “P” · page 1 of 1

1. pairCoins & Currency
   When discussing coins, a pair refers to two specific pieces that are being sold or traded together as a set. This pairing can be intentional, such as two matching mint marks, two coins from the same year, or two coins th
2. pairingCoins & Currency
   This term refers to the practice of grouping related items together, often in a set or a matched pair, when selling collectible coins. For instance, pairing two coins from the same mint year or pairing a coin with its co
3. paper conditionCoins & Currency
   This refers to the physical state of paper currency, such as banknotes, and is a critical factor in determining its market value for collectors. Collectors assess various aspects, including crispness, presence of folds,
4. paper currencyCoins & Currency
   This refers to banknotes, which are paper or polymer representations of a nation's legal tender. For collectors and resellers, the condition of the paper is paramount, as wear, tears, or discoloration significantly dimin
5. paper currency gradeCoins & Currency
   This refers to the condition and quality assessment applied specifically to banknotes, which are a form of paper currency. Unlike metal coins, paper money is judged on factors such as crispness, the presence of folds, cr
6. paper errorCoins & Currency
   This refers to a mistake made during the printing or production of a banknote, such as a misspelling, an incorrect serial number sequence, or a printing plate flaw. These errors make the note unique and deviate from the
7. paper errorCoins & Currency
   This term refers to a specific type of minting error where the paper used in the backing or surrounding material of a coin, or sometimes the coin itself if it has paper elements, shows a defect. These defects can include
8. paper gradeCoins & Currency
   This term refers to the condition and quality of paper currency, such as banknotes, rather than metal coins. For collectors, the paper grade dictates the overall aesthetic appeal and historical integrity of the note. Hig
9. paper mintageCoins & Currency
   This term refers to the official production run or the number of units printed for a specific banknote or paper currency issue. For collectors, the mintage figure is a primary indicator of scarcity. Lower mintage numbers
10. paper varietyCoins & Currency
    This term refers to subtle differences in the printing, paper stock, or design elements of a banknote or paper currency. These variations, which might include shifts in ink color, paper texture, or minor engraving errors
11. PCGSCoins & Currency
    PCGS stands for Professional Coin Grading Service, a leading third-party company that assigns a numerical, standardized grade to coins to certify their condition and authenticity.
12. PCGS gradeCoins & Currency
    This refers to a professional grading service, most commonly PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), which assigns a numerical grade to a coin based on its condition. The grade reflects the coin's preservation, includi
13. PCGS gradingCoins & Currency
    This refers to the professional authentication and grading services provided by third-party companies like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service). These services meticulously examine a coin's condition, assigning it a
14. PCGS slabCoins & Currency
    A PCGS slab is a tamper-evident, protective holder provided by Professional Coin Grading Service, a leading third-party grading company. When a coin is encapsulated in a slab, it signifies that a professional expert has
15. perforationCoins & Currency
    This refers to the small, precisely punched holes found along the edges of certain types of paper currency or collectible items, such as banknotes or stamps. For coin collectors, this term is less common, but when applie
16. PF gradeCoins & Currency
    This designation refers to a specific grading standard for coins, indicating a Proof-like finish. Coins graded as PF are meticulously struck and polished to achieve a mirror-like luster on the fields and sharp, well-defi
17. plain edgeCoins & Currency
    This refers to a coin where the outer rim, or edge, is smooth and uniform, lacking any decorative features, reeding, or lettering. Many modern circulating coins feature a plain edge, while older or commemorative pieces o
18. planchetCoins & Currency
    This term refers to the blank piece of metal before it is struck into a coin. It is the raw material from which the final numismatic item is created. For collectors and resellers, the condition and quality of the planche
19. platingCoins & Currency
    This refers to a thin layer of a different metal applied to the surface of a coin, often to enhance its appearance or protect the underlying metal. Plating can be gold, silver, copper, or other materials. For collectors,
20. population rarityCoins & Currency
    This refers to the estimated number of examples of a specific coin that are known to exist in the current market or in circulation. It is a crucial metric for collectors because scarcity directly influences desirability
21. pre-colonialCoins & Currency
    This term refers to coinage minted before the arrival of European colonial powers in a specific region. For collectors, pre-colonial pieces often represent unique cultural artifacts, showcasing indigenous artistry, metal
22. preservedCoins & Currency
    This term describes the physical condition of a coin, indicating that it has been kept in a state that minimizes wear, damage, and environmental degradation since its minting or acquisition. It suggests the coin retains
23. private mintCoins & Currency
    A private mint refers to a coin struck by a private entity or a non-governmental mint, as opposed to one produced by a national or official mint. These coins are often produced for collectors, specific numismatic groups,
24. private saleCoins & Currency
    This refers to a transaction where a buyer and seller agree to exchange items directly, bypassing established auction houses, dealer storefronts, or large online marketplaces. It is a common method for collectors to acqu
25. proofCoins & Currency
    A proof coin is a specimen struck under highly controlled conditions, typically using specially prepared dies and planchets to achieve an exceptionally high level of detail and luster. Unlike standard circulation coins,
26. proof coinCoins & Currency
    A proof coin is a specimen struck under extremely high pressure and with specially prepared dies and planchets to achieve a mirror-like finish on the fields and frosted details on the devices. These coins are intended fo
27. proof errorCoins & Currency
    A proof error refers to a minting mistake that occurs specifically on a proof coin, which is a high-quality, specially prepared specimen coin intended for collectors. These errors can range from die cracks, off-center st
28. proof finishCoins & Currency
    A proof finish refers to a specific, high-quality minting process used for collectible coins. These coins are struck using specially prepared dies and blanks, often resulting in an extremely smooth, mirror-like field and
29. proof plateCoins & Currency
    A proof plate refers to a master die used by mints to create extremely high-quality, mirror-like specimens of a coin before mass production. These plates are used to strike proof coins, which are characterized by their f
30. proof setCoins & Currency
    A proof set refers to a collection of specially minted coins that have been produced using a high-quality, mirror-like striking process. These coins are designed for collectors and feature extremely sharp details, brilli
31. proof specimenCoins & Currency
    A proof specimen is a coin struck using special dies and processes designed to produce an exceptionally high-quality, mirror-like finish on the fields and frosted details on the devices. These coins are typically produce
32. proof strikeCoins & Currency
    A proof strike is a specific minting process where the coin is struck using specially prepared dies and blanks to achieve an extremely high level of detail and a mirror-like finish on the fields, often with frosted devic
33. proof varietyCoins & Currency
    A proof variety refers to a specific, often rare, variation found within a coin that has been struck using the proof minting process. Proof coins are highly polished, mirror-like specimens intended for collectors, featur
34. ps gradeCoins & Currency
    This refers to the Professional Sports Guaranty grade, a grading service used primarily for sports memorabilia, but sometimes applied to high-value collectible coins to denote a specific level of preservation and authent