Question: What is a “generic” coin? I have seen this term used several times.
Answer: “Generic” is a term popular in investment circles for an inexpensive member of a certain design type. For example, among Morgan silver dollars, a coin called “generic” would be one that sells for at or near the lowest price of any in the series and would include such issues as 1879-S, 1880-S and 1881-S. Among bronze Indian cents, “generic” coins would include issues from the first decade of the 20th century. When basic prices are listed for a design type without regard to specific varieties within the type, these are sometimes called “generic” prices.
