face

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

face value

The stated denomination or value of a legal-tender coin.

Federal Reserve Bank Note

Note from $1 to $50 (Series of 1915 and 1918, large-size) and $5 to $100 (Series of 1929, small-size). Each bears the name of a Federal Reserve Bank (bolding imprinted across the center of the face on large-size notes) and a letter designating its district.

Federal Reserve Note

Note from $1 to $10,000 issued in large-size and small-size formats, Series of 1914 to the present day (the standard imprint on all of today’s notes). Each bears the name of a Federal Reserve Bank and a letter designating its district.

field

The background area on a coin’s surface not occupied by a portrait, legend, or other design element.

filler

A coin in worn condition, but rare enough to be included in a collection. Derived from such a coin “filling a hole” until a better example is acquired.

fillet head

A portrait showing the hair tied with a band, generally on the forehead.

fineness

The purity of gold, silver, or any other precious metal, expressed in terms of one thousand parts. A coin of 90% pure silver is expressed as .900 fine.

First Charter Note

Term used to refer to National Bank Notes of the Original Series and Series of 1875.

First Strike

An unofficial term once used to indicate a coin struck shortly after a new die is put into use. Such coins often have prooflike surfaces and resemble Proofs in certain (but not all) characteristics. Polished, previously used dies sometimes also have these characteristics. The term has also been applied by marketers to any of the coins made within the early months of release of a new issue.

fish scale

Nickname for the tiny silver five-cent coin issued in Canada and Newfoundland prior to 1922.

flan

A blank piece of metal in the size and shape of a coin; also called a planchet.

fleur de coin

A French term for an uncirculated coin of exceptionally high quality.

flip

Plastic (usually 2" x 2") coin holder with pockets for two coins.

flyspecks

Tiny dark marks indicative of oxidation on high-grade copper or nickel coins, caused by exposure to moisture droplets.

Fort Worth (Western Facility)

Branch currency facility of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing established in Fort Worth, Texas in the late 19th century. Bills made there are imprinted FW at the face plate number.

Fractional Currency

Paper money in denominations less than one dollar, issued for regular circulation by the United States during and after the Civil War. Specific issue dates range from 1862 to 1875.

Franklin

Nickname for a small-size $100 bill, from the portrait depicted.

frosting

The matte, microscopically textured relief areas of a Proof coin, usually