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noun

fido

Fido (noun) means In coin collecting: a coin that was struck incorrectly at the mint, making it unusual and often more valuable to collectors. Example: “The dealer paid extra for the fido because of its off-center strike.”

noun
1
In coin collecting: a coin that was struck incorrectly at the mint, making it unusual and often more valuable to collectors.
"The dealer paid extra for the fido because of its off-center strike."

How to use fido

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA mis-struck or flawed coin that collectors prize precisely because of its defect.

Memory tip

This is a niche numismatics term, not the classic dog name — context makes the difference clear.

Trace the full origin ↓

Word forms

fidos plural

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Fill the gap

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The dealer paid extra for the _____ because of its off-center strike.

Etymology

From an acronym for "freaks, irregulars, defects, oddities," coined by coin collectors in the 1960s.

· First attested 1960

Class of 1960 fido joined the language around 1960.
See the full Class of 1960 →

Rhymes for fido

See all rhymes for fido →

Frequently asked questions

What does “fido” mean?

The word “fido” means in coin collecting: a coin that was struck incorrectly at the mint, making it unusual and often more valuable to collectors. In plain terms, a mis-struck or flawed coin that collectors prize precisely because of its defect.

How do you use “fido” in a sentence?

Here is “fido” used in a sentence: “The dealer paid extra for the fido because of its off-center strike.”

What part of speech is “fido”?

“Fido” is a noun.

Where does the word “fido” come from?

The word “fido” dates back to around 1960. From an acronym for "freaks, irregulars, defects, oddities," coined by coin collectors in the 1960s.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial