The E-Sylum:  Volume 3, Number 29, July 16, 2000, Article 12

NUMISMATIC MEANINGS 

   Howard A. Daniel III writes: "I like your weekly missive very 
   much.  I do not collect or research United States numismatics 
   but I still enjoy reading your stuff.   There was an article in a 
   recent issue of Coin World about the definition of the word "coin". 
   It was an excellent article and something I think is very lacking 
   in numismatics, which is the proper use and definitions of words. 
   What is a coin?  What is a token?  What is a medal?  Can you 
   make a section of your weekly missive into an area where your 
   subscribers can discuss numismatic definitions?  I will definitely 
   comment and submit my two cents worth to it!" 

   Sounds like a fine idea.  It would be interesting to see which 
   published definitions of the terms our subscribers prefer, as well 
   as what definitions they'd offer of their own.  Since we're all 
   bibliophiles here, let's start with the question of published 
   definitions - which is the most authoritative reference for the 
   definition of numismatic terms? 

   For example, handy to my desk is a copy of the 6th edition 
   of the COIN WORLD Almanac.  The Numismatic Terms 
   chapter lists these definitions: 

   COIN - usually a piece of metal, marked with a device, issued 
   by a governing authority and intended to be used as money. 

   TOKEN - usually a piece of durable material appropriately 
   marked and unofficially issued for monetary, advertising, 
   services, or other purposes. 

   MEDAL - usually a piece of metal, marked with a design or 
   description, made to honor a person, place, or event; not 
   intended to pass as money. 

   While we're on the subject, can anyone tell us who authored 
   the COIN WORLD Almanac Numismatic Terms chapter? 
   And on which references it was based? 

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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