A Quest for Reason - using "Issue Variety" in lieu of "Variety"

[willbrooks]

It makes sense to have "varieties" as a general all-inclusive term, and then have subsets such as "die varieties," "issue varieties," etc. I'm not certain that "issue variety" is the best thing to call them, however. How about "design varieties?" (Even though some of their implementations may not have been 'by design.') Then you have more subsets under design varieties such as "transitional design varieties," "mint mark varieties," and so on. Eventually you end up with nice specific subsets like error-ref does, which I like because they are specifically descriptive and unambiguous. Those terms aren't for everyone's general use; just those that delve that deeply into it. Joe collector just has to learn that there are many subsets of "varieties."

[jfines69]

I agree with the terminology aspect... It is good to know that when discussing an issue the correct terminology is used by all parties so that it is understood what the individuals are talking about... That said... Would it not be better to specify a design variety instead of issue variety... It can even be branched out to indicate changes in mint marks; MM design variety, coin obv and rev change; Obv design variety, Rev design variety: I know I am no pro at coin collecting so feel free to tear my comments up... LOL!!!

[mikediamond]

I'm actually a stickler for correct terminology and I sometimes provide refresher treatments in my column:

http://www.coinworld.com/Articles/ViewArticle/terms-uniface-and-indent-carry-oddly-specific

[enamel7]

I am a stickler also. That's why I try to remind the new members sometimes. Not too much or I'll appear to be a pest. That reminds me. Don't go to t-net and tell them it's a cent not a penny. They will give you some time off for that.
Gilbert

[seal006]

I have always considered "variety" as the broad term that incompasses all. I then break it down using the terms "die variety" for doubled dies and RPMs. Then I use the term "design variety" for things like WAMs, CAMs, RDVs, ans small/large dates. Maybe I am just being simple minded, but it has worked for me when I explain our niche' to others.

[willbrooks]

So, when are we going to stop calling them RPMs and start calling them RMMs like they should be called?

[coppercoins]

I suppose I'll just drop the issue...but I thought it was a good idea.

[jallengomez]

Chuck,

I can see your point and desire for clarity, but I think you're fighting for a popular interest in taxonomy on one hand, and against the momentum of the zeitgeist on the other. Hell, we can't even get Ebay to give us a "varieties" category.

[liveandievarieties]

I think it's a good idea too Chuck. The hobby absolutely needs the sticklers like you, literally to keep the hobby focused in a direction sometimes. There IS a right and wrong term for nearly everything, and that's important.

I think that I sparked a secondary debate on a slightly different facet of the subject and the thread may have veered as a result. As for regularly assessing our specialized vernacular, there's a real need for that, I don't think many could disagree. My comments were to the effect that using the precise term verses a correct term isn't a priority to the majority of the collecting public. But yes, important for there to be concise terms.

And anytime I disagree with someone, it's not a matter of disrespect, but rather respect for a contrasting view and discussion.

[ray_parkhurst]

Chuck...I thought we had this discussion about a year or a year and a half ago and you agreed to support "Design Variety" to describe minor but intentional changes to the design. "Issue Variety" sounds confusing to me...Ray

[coppercoins]

I shall point you back to my post from yesterday.

Like I said, the idea came to me yesterday, because the word "issue" matches best. Nobody else seems to support it, so I'll drop it. Done.

[seal006]

I guess we are all just a bunch of old dogs.

[BadThad]

I like the idea, it helps define the hobby a little more but is yet easy to use. Just put it into your next book. That should help move it along.

[Brad]

I think it is a good idea. Use it on Coppercoins and it may catch on. I will try to use it, but I still say "pennies" sometimes so....

[coppercoins]

I use "pennies" all the time. It's the generally accepted term for the one cent coin, just like "nickel" is for the five cent coin. We also don't say, "I need another quarter dollar for the coke machine".