Scratch
Scratch. An unintended incision or furrow in the surface of a numismatic item by mishandling. Scratches obviously lower condition. Coins and medals should be kept away from all sharp objects to reduce any chance of such scratching.
excerpted with permission from
An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology
For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators
COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON
Roger W. Burdette, Editor