back

The reverse side of a note, usually called the back, is the paper-money equivalent of reverse used for coins. The other side of a note is called the face. In Treasury records, sometimes obverse and reverse are used, but face and back are preferred by some today.

bagmark

A surface mark, usually a small nick, acquired by a coin through contact with other coins in a mint bag.

barter

The act of exchanging goods or services without the use of coins or money.

base metal

Non-precious metal, such as copper, nickel, aluminum, or steel.

Battleship Note

Numismatic nickname for a Series of 1918 $2 Federal Reserve Bank Note with a battleship printed in green on the back.

beading

Tiny raised dots often found in a circle just inside a coin’s rim.

bilingual

Referring to the inscription on a coin that is in two languages.

billon

A low-grade alloy of silver (usually less than 50%) mixed with another metal, typically copper.

bimetallic

Comprising two different metals or alloys, which usually present a visual contrast.

Bison Note

Numismatic nickname for the $10 Series of 1901 Legal Tender Notes depicting such an animal. Modeled either by Pablo or by a stuffed animal; not the same bison shown on the 1913 “Buffalo” nickel.

bit

A cut piece from a Spanish milled dollar or piece of eight. A bit from the Spanish dollar was worth 12-1/2 cents. Therefore the expression “two bits” refers to a quarter dollar.

black charter

Describes a rare variety of $5 National Bank Note issued in the 1870s, with the bank charter number printed in black (instead of the normal red overprint) as part of the printing plate.

Black Eagle Note

Numismatic nickname for the $1 Series of 1899 Silver Certificates depicting a bold eagle printed in black on the center of the face of the note. Official name of vignette: “Eagle of the Capitol.”

blackout nickels

A World War II nickname given to the tombac-composition five-cent coins of 1942 and 1943 because they tarnished so quickly in circulation.

blank

The formed piece of metal on which a coin design will be stamped.

Blue Book

R.S. Yeoman’s Handbook of United States Coins, edited and updated annually to report current dealer buying prices for U.S. coins.

blundered

Containing an error in the date, legend, or other inscription on a coin, usually created in the completion, alteration, or repair of a coining die.

body bag

The return package for a coin that has been refused by a third-party grading service because it cannot be graded or authenticated.

bourse

The sales room for dealers at a coin show.

bracteate

A very thin medieval European coin with the design impressed on one side, and showing through to the other side.

brass

An alloy of copper and zinc.

Britannia

The Roman name for Great Britain. In Canadian numismatics, often personified as a female in armor and bearing a shield.

brockage

A misstruck coin, generally one showing the normal design on one side and a mirror image of the same design on the other side.

broken bank note

Paper money privately issued during the nineteenth century. Many firms or individuals issuing such currency went “broke,” hence the term.

bronze

An alloy of copper with small parts of zinc and tin.

bullion

Gold or silver in the form of bars, ingots, or plate. This term is also frequently used to designate modern non-circulating precious-metal coins that are generally valued for their bullion content rather than their stated denomination.

bullion coin

A coin minted as a means of holding precious metals as an investment or store of value. Generally not intended for circulation or for commemorative purposes. Bullion coins have legal-tender status. They are given a nominal face value by their issuing authority, although their precious-metal value is much greater.

Bullion finish

The Royal Canadian Mint’s designation for a finish exhibiting brilliant relief against a background of parallel lines. Also called Specimen Finish.

bullion value

The current market value of the precious-metal content of a coin. Fluctuates with the market price of that metal and is distinct from a coin’s face value or numismatic value.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Federal bureau in charge of printing paper money and certain other security items. Successor to the National Currency Bureau (see below). First housed in the Treasury Building in Washington, D.C., then moved to its own building in July 1880, in the same city. Today the BEP maintains a strong outreach to numismatists, including displays at conventions and the sale of sheets and souvenirs. A branch printing facility is maintained in Fort Worth, Texas.

business strike

An Uncirculated coin intended for eventual use in commerce, as opposed to a Proof coin. More properly referred to as a circulation strike.