Coins may be small, but there’s a lot of history behind them and effort that goes into producing them. As technology has developed over the years, coin manufacturers have enjoyed a higher standard of production quality. Many mints take pride in their coins’ designs and quality. In order to be taken seriously as a numismatist—or a person who studies and collects coins—you need to familiarize yourself with the terminology used to describe the components of a coin.
Most coins, sovereign and private, contain eight basic components. Knowing the names of these components allows you to speak with other coin collectors and dealers. It may also help you understand the historical and financial significance of your investment. Let’s take a detailed look at each of these coin components.
Obverse
The obverse is the front side of a coin, often referred to as the “heads” side. This is because many coins feature a portrait on the obverse; and if not a portrait, the main design will be located here. It’s also common to find the date of minting on this side.
Reverse
Sometimes called the “tails” side, the reverse is the backside of a coin. There’s usually a secondary design located here, often accompanied by at least one motto or inscription.
Field
The field of a coin is generally considered the background. It refers to the flat, empty portion of the coin’s surface that was not raised during minting. It typically does not contain a design or inscription.
Device
A coin’s device is the image or design present on each side. This may consist of a portrait, a landscape, an animal, or any other number of designs. Many devices have relief, which means they are vertically raised from the field. This gives the device more dimension.
Legend/Inscription
The legend, also called the inscription, is comprised of the coin’s main lettering. These inscriptions give us important information like the legal tender value and the coin’s metal content. While the term “legend” focuses on key information, an inscription may also include a motto. This is a word or phrase that is meant to inspire, such as “LIBERTY.”
Mint Mark
This is the letter or symbol that identifies where the coin was minted, though not all coins have a mint mark. Mint marks have been around since ancient coins were struck, serving as a form of quality control. Current US mint marks are typically found near the date, and they include:
- D for Denver
- P for Philadelphia
- S for San Francisco
- W for West Point
Rim
The rim is the raised edge that runs around each of the coin’s faces. Why is the rim raised? The rim protects a coin’s design from wearing down, and it makes coins easier to stack and store.
Edge
The edge refers to the outer border of a coin. There are four types of edges, which include:
- Plain: A smooth, unmarked surface
- Reeded: Marked with evenly spaced vertical lines
- Lettered: Marked with lettering
- Decorated: Marked with a decorative pattern
Now that you’re equipped with a working knowledge of coin components, it’ll be easier for you to communicate with other enthusiasts. This is especially helpful when buying or selling coins to dealers or individuals. Looking to add to your coin collection? The Canadian Silver Maple Leaf is a popular choice for both investors and collectors.
Are there other terms to describe coins that you use regularly? We’d love to hear the terms you use to describe your collection!
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