Traits Atlas

Codebook, Minimums, Exceptions

Abraded Wear

Summary: Loss of copper from mechanical action. We’re looking for material missing (chunky marks or gouges), not faint hairline scratches.

Definition: A visible removal of surface metal that interrupts relief or fields with a matte, torn, or scooped texture. Distinguished from patina (chemical color) and residue (added material).

Minimums (council guidance):

Single thin scratch ≠ notable (unless grossly extensive across large areas).
Peripheral-only marks have a higher bar.
Meets threshold when: one giant peripheral gouge or two chunky peripheral gouges; field gouges that clearly remove metal also qualify.

Exceptions:

Light, isolated hairlines or cleaning scratches (even if prominent) → under threshold.
Color-only changes without metal loss → classify under Patina, not Abraded.
If abrasion is the source of vandalism, the coin can be labeled Vandalized and also Abraded.

Cent #1184 – Abraded Minimum (chunky mark present) — Cent #1184 – Minimum

Cent #592 – Abraded Heavy — Cent #592 – Heavy

Abrasion Types (Minimum)

Cent #275 – Giant peripheral gouge — Cent #275 – Giant peripheral

Cent #32 – Two chunky peripheral marks — Cent #32 – Two chunky peripheral

Cent #108 – Field abrasion with metal loss — Cent #108 – Field abrasion

Threshold Guidance (for reviewers)

Meets: 108, 1184 (minimums), 275 (1 giant peripheral), 32 (2 chunky peripheral).
Higher bar / often under threshold if peripheral-only: 327, 19.
Under threshold (scratchy but not enough): 347, 446; also 1315, 190.

Intensity Scale

Light: one clearly chunky abrasion or equivalent metal loss in a limited zone.
Notable: multiple chunky abrasions or one giant peripheral gouge; relief impact evident.
Heavy: abrasion dominates the read of the coin; broad fields/devices visibly missing metal.
Note: If facial features are largely abraded away, consider the separate trait Faceless.

Version 1.0