4 encased cents, reverse of indian head, off center, horseshoe and a vulcanite encased

Definitions

Reverse of Pan-Am Dust Pan - relief image of buffalo

Purpose

The purpose of this page is to standardize the terms used regarding encased coins as well as define those terms. Below is a list of terms used by encased coin collectors, as opposed to encased stamp collectors. These terms are subject to redefinition and obsolescence. If you feel a definition is incorrect or used inclrrectly please contact me or join the Encased Newsletter and put your definition in front of other collectors. This is a work in progress and subject to change.

Encased Coin Terms

Encased Coin - An encased coin is traditionally a cent (penny) or any coin that has been placed in an aluminum (or other material) encasement (ring, washer or casement). The encasement is then stamped with "motto" such as KMANGB typically on the obverse side. The stamping fixes the coin in place by the action of the stamping. At the same time the "inscription" is stamped on the reverse.

The "Motto" KMANGB (KEEP ME AND NEVER GO BROKE) / IBGL (I BRING GOOD LUCK)

Reverse with the inscription "COMPLIMENTS OF / E.M. Crawford PROP. OF / BAE HIT / SYCAMORE, OHIO"
Encasement, ring, or casement - the aluminum or other material that encases the coin. Traditionally aluminum, seen in steel, brass, copper and plastic.
Inscription - the message or advertisement that is stamped on the reverse of the encasement.
Obverse side - This is the side of the encased coin with a portrait or head on it which trditionally contains a "motto" such as KEEP ME AND NEVER GO BROKE (KMANGB).
Reverse side - This is the tails side of the coin and the accompanying inscription.
Celluloid Encased - This is a coin that has an image and legend printed on celluloid, a plastic compound. They only show one side of the coin and are frequently referred to as Celluloid Button Encased

A 1904 Celluloid Button encased

Plastic Encased - the encasement is injection molded plastic. Color and shape vary, but horseshoe is a common plastic encasement.

Typical Plastic encased coin. Frequently with a keychain

Vulcanite Encased - Vulcanite is a hard rubber/plastic compound. It is molded to hold the coin and the reverse traditionally has an image and inscriptio or motto. The coin only shows on one side and usually the heads side of the coin. First seen at the Pan-Am Expo in Buffalo, N.Y, 1901.

Vulcanite encased cent from Pan-AMerican Expor 1901. The Picture and the motto are printed on paper and glued to the vulcanite encasement.

Offset Encased - An offset encased is one that has the coin inserted in the encasement close to one edge instead of centered in the ring. First seen at the Pan-Am Expo in Buffalo, N.Y, 1901.

Note that the Obverse has "Good Luck" as the motto and reverse has an inscription