A-E

ACID TEST: A means of determining the fineness of gold through the use of nitric acid and aqua regia

ACTUAL GOLD CONTENT: The amount of gold that exists in an object when all the alloys have been subtracted

Ag: The chemical symbol for silver

ALLOY: A mixture of two or more metals. Metals such as silver, nickel, copper and zinc are frequently mixed with gold to improve its hardness and/or change its color.

AMERICAN EAGLES: Products of the U.S. Mint, and since their debut in 1986 have become this country's most popular gold bullion coin. Struck in a traditional coinage alloy of 91.7% pure gold (22 karat), each size contains a full measure of pure gold, plus additional silver and copper as alloy.  

ASSAY: An analysis of a metal used to determine its purity. A series of assays can be run to determine the alloys in the metal as well.

Au: The chemical symbol for gold, which is derived from "aurum" the Latin word for gold.

AUSTRALIAN DRAGON: The current (year 2000) version is the "Year of the Dragon." Each coin comes individually encapsulated in a square plastic case. Australia's Lunar Calendar series began in 1997 as a 'premium' priced .9999 bullion coin.

AUSTRALIAN KANGAROO: Australia's gold Nuggets (now Kangaroos) were introduced in 1986 as a .9999 fine bullion coin. Each year the design is changed, since 1989 with various portraits of kangaroos. Coins come individually encapsulated in a square plastic case.

AUSTRIAN Philharmonic: Austria's .9999 gold Philharmonics came out in 1990, and quickly became Europe's most popular gold bullion coin. They picture the Weinar Philharmonic building on the obverse, with musical instruments on the reverse.  

AVOIRDUPOIS: The system of weights and measures commonly used in the U.S. and Great Britain in which 16 oz. = 1 pound. It is used for most solid objects except precious metals and gems. One avoirdupois ounce equals 28.35 grams or 437.50 grains.

BASE METAL: Also known as pot metal, is a mixture of non precious metals. It is frequently used as a base for gold-filled, gold plated or rolled gold plate coverings.

BLANK PLANCHET: A plain metal disc made for coinage, which has not yet been struck with an obverse, reverse or edge design.

BRITISH SOVEREIGN: British gold Sovereigns were struck worldwide at the height of the British Empire. Each is 91.7% pure (22k) and contains .2354 troy ounce of pure gold. Condition of these pre-1928 coins we offer is Extra Fine to Almost Mint.

BU: "Brilliant Uncirculated", used to describe a coin in new condition.

BULLION COIN: Precious metal in the form of a coin, which trades at a price close to spot. In other words, it has little or no numismatic value.

BULLION: Gold which is 995 fine or better. The term has also come to be used to describe 1. Gold coins which closely follow spot gold and have little or no numismatic value (such as restrikes) and 2. The form in which metal is shaped such as bars, ingots or wafers. The most commonly traded gold bullion pieces among individual investors in the United States weigh 10 oz. or less.

BUSINESS STRIKE: The strike used by the mint to manufacture coins for everyday use. This differs from a proof strike.

BUST: The head, neck, shoulders and upper chest of an image generally found on the obverse (front) of a coin.

CANADIAN MAPLE LEAFS: Modern bullion coins by the Royal Canadian Mint. Canada's gold Maple Leafs are from the Royal Canadian Mint, and were the first .999 pure gold bullion coin (as opposed to a bar or ingot) when released in 1979. Today, they are struck to an even finer purity of .9999  ("four nines," or 99.99% pure gold).

CARAT: (with a "c") A measurement of weight, which is generally used in reference to gems. It is equal to about 3.086 grains Troy or 0.2 grams. It is not to be confused with KARAT (with a "k"), which is a measurement of the fineness of gold.

Chinese PANDA: China's Panda gold coins began in 1982 as the first 'premium' priced .999 bullion coin featuring a different panda portrait each year. They became hugely popular as collectibles by the late 1980's. Each coin is individually sealed in a vinyl pouch at the China Mint.

CENTENARIO: See Mexican Peso

CENTRAL DEVICE: The main design found on either side of a coin.

Coin of the Realm: A legal tender coin issued by a government, meant for general circulation.

Coin: A stamped piece of metal of a known weight and fineness issued for commerce.

COMEX: One of the world's major commodities futures exchanges where gold and silver are traded. The Comex is in New York City and is a division of the New York Mercantile Exchange.

COMMEMORATIVES: Legal tender coins or medallions usually minted of gold or silver to commemorate themes, events, places, or people.

CORONET: A small crown or tiara worn by Liberty in some of the early U.S. coins.

Cu: The metallurgical symbol for copper.

DEVICE: A design found on a coin. Frequently it is the bust or profile of a person who symbolizes a particular country at a particular time in history or a country's coat of arms or insignia.

DIE: An engraved metal object used to strike or stamp the design on a coin.

DOUBLE EAGLES: U.S. $20 gold coins used as legal tender 1850 –1933. Double Eagles contain .9675 oz. of pure gold. Early $20 coins had the portrait of Miss Liberty’ s profile on the obverse. From 1908-1933 they had Augustus St. Gaudens’ standing Liberty design. This design was appropriated, with modifications, for the various sizes of the modern gold Eagle bullion coins.

EAGLE: U.S. $10 face value gold coins used as legal tender 1795-1933. They contain .4837 ounces of pure gold, also the generic term for the modern bullion coins issued by the U. S. Mint since 1986.

EDGE: The side of a coin, which may be reeded, lettered or plain.

Gold Star Jewelry and Coin Company is open Monday through Saturday 11:00 AM until 6:00 PM. We're located at 7048 N. Clark Avenue, Chicago IL 60626; Phone: 773.942.6556.

Come in and see us . . . You'll be glad you did!