whats the worst word in numismatics..

Ok. Heres my `bad word` in numismatics.....

Processed.

It encompasses all coins tempered with in my opinion.

What constitutes processed?
Well, I think its any coin that shows any sign of not looking mostly like it did when it
came out of the coining chamber.

Even those lovely old blast-white Morgans we see sometimes.
No they dont LOOK cleaned but cmon.
How can silver stay untarnished for that many years without some `help`
Not that ALL white Morgans have been dipped,just that MANY have been I,m sure.
Thiose are what I,d called processed coins, along with the obvious AT stuff ofcourse.

My own designation system, would be like this:
A.S.=Altered surfaces,whether by nature (toning) or even slightly subdued luster from a single dipping.
I really think most coins for sell are A.S. coins.

N.S. = Natural surfaces with the coin showing either full mint luster or HONEST wear.
Thats a tough one as some coins are intentionally worked to lower the grade thus giving it more
eye-appeal and saleibility.How to determine `natural wear` as opposed to artifical wear can be a
tough call in many cases I,m sure.

edited to fix typos and to say: I dont recall hearing anyone useing the word `processed` in relation to
a coins condition here. Is it TOO scarey a word to use in the hobby?

The `I made this coin` phrase doesnt bother me as I know what it means in the context of this forum and collecting.

I know it sounds like ` I made this coin,,,with my own hands!!!!`

No ,It only means,`I submitted it from my own collection, and wasnt bought already slabbed`

It only sounds pretentious if taken out of context.