Glossary - An Introduction to Coin Investing & Collecting

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G

Gem:

An adjective which is typically used by numismatists for any coin which they grade MS-65 or Proof-65.

Gold:

The native metal, commonly alloyed with silver and, to a lesser extent, with copper, in natural occurrences.

Gold dust:

Fine particles of gold, such as those obtained in placer mining.

Gold electroplate:

A thin coating of karat gold is applied to a base metal by electrical current; it must be at least seven millionths of an inch thick.

Gold filled (G.F.):

A product that has a layer of at least 10-karat gold, mechanically bonded by heat and pressure to a base metal.

Gold flashed:

Also gold washed. A thin film of gold applied to a base metal, as in electroplating, but with less than seven millionths of an inch thickness of karat gold.

Gold nugget:

A water worn piece of native gold, usually implying some size, not in minute particles.

Gold overlay:

Also known as gold plate and rolled gold plate. These terms can be used as markings on gold-layered products without a fractional prefix only if the gold weight is at least 1/20 of the total weight of the metals.

Gold plate:

See "Gold overlay."

Gold standard:

The term to designate the monetary standard of a country when all the paper money it issues is based by a gold reserve. The United States abandoned the gold standard in 1934.

Good (G):

Coins which are quite worn but have a discernible date. Design, legends and date are clear, but not sharp.

Grade:

The condition or state of preservation of a coin. One of the main determining factors of value.

Grams:

A unit of weight measurement equivalent to .0322 Troy Ounces.

Grey Sheet:

The Coin Dealer Newsletter.