CASTING DEFINITIONS:

Contemporary Cast
A specimen that was cast around the time the design was created and in the first generation of production (during the lifetime of the artist). 

Early (or Old) Cast
A specimen that displays characteristics of age but was made with molds taken from earlier models.

Late Cast
A specimen made with molds taken from later models, probably cast in the 19th to early 20th century and usually showing a foundry production number.

Modern Cast
A specimen made during the later 20th century or during the 21st century.

Note: Each time a cast is taken from a prior model, the size shrinks a little bit and these measurements can also be indicators of a plaquette’s age.

GRADING DEFINITIONS:

Extremely Fine
Specimens in this grade have been handled but do not show any obvious signs of wear. Apart from a few minor scratches, their condition is more or less as it was when first cast.

Very Fine
Specimens in this grade show wear limited to the high spots and while other details remain clear.

Fine
Specimens in this grade show noticeable signs of wear over the entire surface. On high spots, fine details might be entirely worn away.

OTHER DEFINITIONS:

Obverse
The face or “heads” side of the specimen.

Reverse
The reverse or “tails” side of the specimen.

Exergue
The area on the lower portion of a design, beneath a horizontal line, that separates the principal design of the specimen from other elements such as lettering or related symbols.