Numismatic definitions
Like most fields of expertise, numismatics has its own lingo. Find the numismatic definition of a term by entering it in the field below.
Gold
Precious metal atomic symbol and numismatic abbreviation Au, from the Latin Aurum, used as a coinage medium from the seventh century BC until the present day. The purity of gold is reckoned in carats or a decimal system. Thus British gold sovereigns are 22 carat or .916 fine. Medieval coins were 23.5 carat or .995 fine, and some modern bullion coins are virtually pure gold, denoted by the inscription '.999'. Canadian maple leaves are now struck in 'four nines' gold and bear the inscription '.9999'.
