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Welcome to our

COIN COLLECTOR's ABBREVIATIONS

and Acronyms Section

Here you can look up those abbreviations that coin dealers and experts are using. Find out the meanings by clicking on the links below.

Ideal for beginning coin collectors and experienced numismatists. We think you will find these lists helpful in learning the lingo of the coin collecting hobby.

Abbreviations starting with letters

E-F

EF

- "Extremely Fine" or in some locations the term "extra fine" is used for this coin grading term. An EF coin is a high grade, but circulated coin. It should show light traces of wear, particularly on the highest features of the coin. Most details of the coin's design should be evident and well defined. EF is better than a VF (Very Fine) or F (fine) grade, but falls under AU (About Uncirculated) in the grading scale.

F

- "Fine" is a coin grade indicating a medium amount of wear. A Fine coin will fall in the grading scale above Good or Very Good, but less than

Very Fine or EF.

FBL

- "Full Bell Lines" - term used to indicate how well detailed a US Franklin Half Dollar is. The Liberty Bell makes up the reverse design on Franklin halves. Lines go across the bottom of the Liberty Bell. These lines may not be completely visible all the way across due to the nature of where they occur on the coin. Even uncirculated coins may or may not show these bell lines. If the lines are full and complete all the way across, the coin may be considered by many numismatists as having "Full Bell Lines". The is term is primarily used when discussing a nice uncirculated coin. High pressure (of the dies) when striking the coin along with die wear (really the lack of wear on the die) are necessary for the appearance of full bell lines on a newly struck coin. Full bell lines are difficult to find on some years and mint marks, thereby making them scarce and more expensive in high grades. Some grading services will add FBL to their certified labels when grading a Full Bell Line Franklin half dollar.

FH

- 'Full Head' - Term used with US Standing Liberty QUARTERS to indicate that the coin is extremely well struck. Liberty's head on this coin is one of the highest points on the surface. Even many uncirculated coins don't show a fully detailed head (helmet). Full Head uncirculated Standing Liberty quarters for some dates are scarce and bring higher prices than those without full head details.

FS

- 'Full Steps' - Jefferson nickel lovers know that the reverse side of the nickel for many years features a Jefferson Memorial building design. This design shows the steps leading up to the memorial building. These steps may not show completely in most uncirculated coins minted before 2004, because they are near the center of the coin and the metal may not flow into those small details when the coin is minted. Additionally a worn die may cause the small features of the steps to be faint or not complete. Like FH and FSB coins a magnifying glass is often needed to see if all the steps are there and fully struck. If so, the uncirculated nickel may deserve the term Full Steps, or FS.

FSB

- 'Full Split Bands' - Mercury Head US Silver dimes minted between 1916 and 1947 may receive the attribute FSB, Full Split Bands. On the reverse of the dime are some horizontal bands that hold the 'sticks' together. These sets of "bands" are visible, and when fully struck they are separated and rounded. FSB indicates that the bands are fully struck and fully separate. Only well struck coins will exhibit this. Full Split Band uncirculated mercury head silver dimes are rarer than normal band coins. Some dates and mint marks FSB mint condition dimes will sell at a premium if truly FSB.

Abbreviations & acronyms

Additional information on the meanings of some of these coin abbreviations can be found in our COIN TERMS & DICTIONARY Section.

Dictionary of Coin Collector Terms & Definitions:

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