Altered Surfaces: Surfaces of the coin have been "doctored" or changed by chemicals or other non-natural additives or by mechanical means in an attempt to make the coin more attractive or obtain a higher grade.
Bent: The planchet has been bent due to circulation or misuse.
Chopmarked: This is typically seen on Trade dollars and it was a mark issued by Asian vendors and banks to assure the coin was genuine and had the correct weight to be used for trade. Chopmarks are a dig or "chop" in the surface of the coin.
Cleaned: Cleaning is when a coin undergoes a procedure of treatment which removes dirt, verdigris, or sediment from its surfaces that affects the flow-lines of the metal itself. Cleaning changes the natural luster of the coin. The term also includes the process of applying chemicals or abrasive agents to a coin to remove toning or to alter the coloration of the coin's exterior.
Cleaned and Retoned: See "Lightly Cleaned/Cleaned". After the cleaning, the coin has been artificially re-toned to give the surfaces a more pleasing appearance. Re-toned coins, while most often very pretty, are considered altered to the numismatist.
Corroded: The result of oxidation on a coin's surface. The surface of the coin has pits or roughness due to natural causes and incorrect storage. Once a coin is corroded the surfaces are permanently damaged.
Damaged: Any deep scratch, cut or mark on the coin. Damage can occur naturally from mishandling or intentionally in the the form of graffiti or staple scratches.
Edge Damage: There is evidence of damage to the rims that may not be visible once the coin is in a slab holder.
Environmental Damage: The surfaces of the coin have been damaged due to use and/or poor, long-term storage. Environmental damage creates a rough or pitted appearance on the surfaces.
Ex-Jewelry Piece: This is a designation used when the coin, from rim damage or extreme polishing, is determined to have been used in a bezel or other form of jewlery.
Graffiti: A man-made addition, usually initials or an "X", scratched or carved into the surface of the coin.
Holed and Plugged: When a hole has been drilled in the coin at one time to be used as jewelry, and then the hole is later filled.
Lacquered: This is mostly seen on copper pieces and is when a chemical is applied to the surfaces to make the coin glossy in order to make the appearance of luster. Lacquered coins are damaged as the lacquer can not be removed.
Light Corrosion: The result of oxidation on a coins surface. The surface of the coin has light evidence pits or roughness due to natural causes and incorrect storage. Once a coin is corroded the surfaces are permanently damaged.
Light Scratch Obverse: See "Scratched/Lightly Scratched."
Light Scratch Reverse: See "Scratched/Lightly Scratched."
Lightly Cleaned: Cleaning is when a coin undergoes a procedure of treatment which removes dirt, verdigris, or sediment from its surfaces that affects the flow-lines of the metal itself. Cleaning changes the natural luster of the coin. The term also includes the process of applying chemicals or abrasive agents to a coin to remove toning or to alter the coloration of the coin’s exterior.
Lightly Scratched: Noticeable scratches on the surfaces of the coin. Lightly Scratched is designated when the scratches do not deter greatly from the appeal of the coin. Also, “Light Scratch Obverse” and “Light Scratch Reverse” will be designated to direct the collector of the location of the scratch.
Planchet Flaw: This term refers to an area of missing metal (also called a fissure) on a finished coin that indicates the planchet struck was flawed.
Polished: A strong cleaning that brings about a false "luster" to the surfaces. Polished coins were most notably used in coin jewelry and have a very bright, unnatural appearance.
Questionable Toning: This term is used when the graders agree that the toning on the coin is unnatural and has more-than-likely been created by a non-natural source. Many chemicals and storage options are used to create unnatural or questionable toning.
Repaired: This term is used when a flaw in the coin has been noticeably worked upon. A common repair is to lightly “fill” the cheek or highpoints of a coin with putty to cover scratches or slide marks.
Rim Damage: Cuts and dings along the rim of the coin. The are generally caused by storage/transport in bags and from the coin being dropped when in circulation.
Rim Filed: There is evidence that the rims have been filed in some manner as to disguise or remove evidence of prior rim damage.
Scratched: Noticeable scratches on the surfaces of the coin. Lightly Scratched is designated when the scratches do not deter greatly from the appeal of the coin. Also, “Light Scratch Obverse” and “Light Scratch Reverse” will be designated to direct the collector of the location of the scratch.
Surface Residue: There is a foreign substance remaining on the surface of the coin. Often this substance is laquer, or wax which was applied decades ago whenn different coin preservation techniques were employed.
Tooled: This designation is used when there are noticeable marks made from a tool. An example would be using a jeweler’s file to “carve” or “tool” along the devices to make a coin appear to have more relief than it should. Tooling is a form of permanent alteration and is considered a form of damage.
Whizzed: When a coin is treated with a wire brush or tool that leaves microscopic grooves, it falsely gives the coin an appearance of mint frost or luster. Whizzing must always be noted in a grading description and permanently damages the coin.
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