Numismatic Terminology

[lara4228]

This past week there has been a lot of activity regarding lamination, peels and the associate like.

It was slightly debated, but further discussed the technical definitions of "Lamination" and "Delamination"

Since the technical terminology seems more fitting as a "Delamination" (separation into constituent layers) rather than "Lamination" (bonding of metals) for what we know to be a 'lamination', how does one move this motion forward to our hobby 'officials' to have this technical error labeled properly?

Lara

[jcuve]

I'm not sure one can have an effective change on the numismatic lexicon. Look at how many terms are used for Machine Doubling or those who still call Doubled Dies double dies. It's a good thought. Maybe someone will have an idea or two.

[coop]

Misuse of words happen all the time:
CAM : May be a cameo or an Close AM cent
Cud : Still used by some to denote die chips


Depending on the site, they get familiar with terms used all the time. Keeping a term for a long time may still not be accepted by all.

Go with the terms the experts recommend. When in doubt check other sites to see what is used before making up a term that just a few may know. I know I've adjusted my thinking many times and will probably have to do so as time goes on. Let's see what time provideds for us. Not be in a hurry to make our own determinations. If they catch on, great. Shot down, well sometimes it takes time.

[Steven]

Here are some definitions. There are probably several more out there.

http://en.mimi.hu/numismatic/delamination.html

http://en.mimi.hu/numismatic/lamination.html

[lara4228]

Jason, I understand what you are trying to say, but those who are calling 'Doubled Dies' "Double Dies" are those who are not very well versed with the terminology we use in numismatics.

What I'm trying to portray and effectively correct, change for the record, is the technical proper usage of defining an "error" coin.

One that has separated has not 'laminated' it has 'delaminated' I suppose, another way of looking at coins and the proper usage of these 2 words are:

All Lincoln cents that are composed of primarily copper alloy material are laminated.
All Lincoln cents that have a piece of the material peeled away, either with the peel attached or not, are delaminated.

[lara4228]

oops! 2 replies while I was typing!

[1sgret]

Dual (meaning) terminology has been around for years and someone always comes up with something else to use to describe something that has been around for ages. IMO, I do not think a standard will be set in my life time that will be determined to be correct and acceptable by everyone in the coin collecting field.

Just go back and look at old reference books, literature, and write-ups describing coins.

[jcuve]

Lara I see your point. I would agree delamination as well other terms could be updated and reconsidered, I just don't know how you're going to change a term used for years and years. People get ingrained in their ways and don't like change.

My only suggestion is to write an op-ed in a trade journal and bring the issue up and see what happens.

[mustbebob]

The generally accepted saying for this anomaly over the years has been 'Lamination error'. This definition takes into account anything having to do with with the separation of layers from the coin.

[Rollem]

oops! 2 replies while I was typing!

Lara you may have "delaminated" your post LOL

Interesting post

[1sgret]

Lara you may have "delaminated" your post LOL

Interesting post

Now that might be the correct verbage!!!! Just Kiddin!!!!

[Maineman750]

I like Bob's use of "lamination error"..it should satisfy everybody and does not redefine a word. At best, none of us should scold the other over use of lamination or delamination or we will be right back here again.

[lara4228]

Roger! Correct-a-mondo! Which was why this thread was started. Because the slight debate on the other thread.

I know I as well as others, have been "corrected" in our numismatic terminology usage. And as Jason said in his first post, when someone says "double die" they often get corrected (and very quickly) to steer them in to saying "doubled die".

So generalizing, assimilating and assuming is NOT always accepted within this hobby field. Heck the term "delamination" was attempted to be corrected the other day.

Another point, in a hobby such as this one, technicality is of the utmost importance. Everyone here drills and thrives on exactness, precision and accuracy of coins (or inaccuracy if one is into varieties and errors). Thus, it is almost insulting and contradicting to this field, that a grading company and other numismatic officials, would be deemed OK using a technically incorrect term to describe and label an 'error'.

[foundinrolls]

Many experts will use both terms interchangeably. I prefer "delamination error" as that is more accurate. I usually use delamination error when I refer to such an error but I will occasionally slip back into the older. less accurate description.

Terminology is one of my
pet peeves".....The use of the word Variety, for example is almost always used incorrectly.

As an example....a 1960 D Small date cent is a Variety. A Variety is a planned design modification.

A 1960 D Small Date cent RPM is a "Die Variety".....the RPM being a distinct anomaly on the die.

Anyway:-)

Many of us debate the use of certain terms all the time and the terms are based upon who has what book in print at the time:-) Some folks are very reluctant to change words that they've used for the past "X" number of years even though certain areas of numismatics have matured over time.

Have Fun,
Bill

[coop]

RPM's and doubled dies are "Die Varietys.