D
Abbreviation for Denarius, the 'd' in £sd (pounds-shilling-pence), for the predecimal British penny.
Debasement
The lowering of the intrinsic value of a coin, usually by reducing the gold or silver content. Monarchs and governments do it to save money (at the peoples expense).
Decimalisation
Moving a currency onto the decimal system (units of 10). The UK decimalised in 1971 so that 1 pound = 100 pence.
Declaration Type
Coins of Charles I that carried the (abbreviated) motto 'Religio Protestantium Leges Angliae, Libertas Parliamenti' thus declaring 'The religion of the Protestants, the laws of England, the liberty of Parliament.
Decus et Tutamen
Latin for 'An ornament and a safeguard'. From Virgil’s Aeneid
Definitive coins
Definitives have the standard designs seen on the majority of official circulating currency. Unlike commemoratives (which are usually one-off designs), definitive designs stay the same for years or even decades.
Dei Gratia
Latin for 'By the Grace of God'. Often abbreviated such as D G Regina (By the Grace of God, Queen) or D G Rex for a King.
Denarius
The standard Roman silver coin. Equivalent to 10 asses.
Denomination
The face value of a coin, e.g. 'One Pound' or '10 cents'.
Designer
Artist or creator of the design of the coin.
Diademed
Describes the head on the coin is wearing a crown or headband as an sign of Royalty.
Die
Metal tool engraved with the design of the coin used to stamp the blank.
Dime
American 10 cent coin.
Domine Dirige Nos
Meaning: 'Lord direct us.' The Motto of London.
Double Eagle
American $20 gold coin (1850-1933)
Double Florin
British coin denominated at 4 shilling (4/-) minted during the reign of Queen Victoria. The were only made from 1887 until 1890, making it one of the shortest lived coins in British history. It is a large coin with a 36mm diameter, just 2mm smaller than a Crown. See Double Florins.
Double Strike
A coin that is struck twice leaving a double impression as a defect.
Dupondius
A brass Roman two-as coin.
List items on:
 | 1887 Queen Victoria Jubliee Head Double Florin Silver Coin £ 28.78 |
 | QUEEN VICTORIA .925 SILVER DOUBLE FLORIN 1888. 36mm DIAMETER. 22.56g RARE COIN. £ 47.50 |
 | 1899 Florin gothic Victoria #E-70 £ 35.00 |
 | Queen Victoria Double Florin 1887 Silver Coin £ 37.10 |
 | 1849 Florin godless Victoria #E-68 £ 65.00 |
 | AN 1889 DOUBLE FLORIN SILVER COIN. QUEEN VICTORIA JUBILEE HEAD. FOUR SHILLINGS. £ 37.75 |
 | 1889 DOUBLE FLORIN COIN QUEEN VICTORIA SILVER ARABIC 1 FINE CONDITION S3923 V232 £ 65.00 |
 | 1889 JUBILEE HEAD, VICTORIA SILVER DOUBLE FLORIN COIN. FOUR SHILLINGS. £ 39.00 |
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Numismatics is the study of coin collecting and it also has its own language with many words and terms. Our Glossary of Numismatic Terms give the explanation to some of these coin collecting words. To contribute terms please email them to glossary@coinsnotebook.com.