The characteristics of a coin determine whether they fall into the investment or collector coin category. Coins can be distinguished by the design, quality, content, mintage, time period of a coin or country of origin. In addition, it is important to take into account the coin condition and the rarity of the coins when adding new coins. Coins are minted in different ways and this affects the quality and rarity of a coin. The most common terms used with coins are: circulation quality, uncirculated, brilliant uncirculated, proof and prooflike.