Before you start collecting coins, you might study the coin terms first. Here are some basic coin terms.

 

Base metal: a low value metal compared to precious metals such as gold, silver or platinum. Today’s coins are considered as base metal coins because they are mainly composed of copper and nickel.

 

Commemorative: A coin issued by government to honor a special event or person. 

 

Double eagle: It is designated for US gold $20 coin between 1849 and 1932.

 

Eagle: it is designated for US gold $10 coin between 1795 and 1933. 

 

Half Eagle: it is designated for US gold $5 coin between 1795 and 1929.

 

Quarter Eagle: it is designated for US gold $2.50 coin between 1796 and 1929.

Mintmark: A m ark on a coin’s surface indicating the mint at which the coin was struck. For US coins, P for Philadelphia, D for Denver, S for San Francisco, and W for West Point. 

 

Proof coin: coins produced for collectors. They are produced from specially polished die and planchets and receive more than one strikes in coining press.  

 

Here are some double eagle coins for sale on eBay.