If you are getting into the world of coin investing and numismatics, it is important to learn how to read the different components of a coin. This not only helps you identify a coin and assess its condition, but also makes coin collecting a much more fascinating activity. The more you learn, the more you will begin to notice the differences between all the coins that exist.

In this article, we will help you learn how to read the different parts of a coin, including its obverse, reverse, edge, and inscriptions.

Anatomy of a coin:

First, let's look at the different parts of a coin. Next, we will explain each of them in more detail. The different components of a coin include:

1.   Obverse (front): The front side of a coin, which usually features a prominent design, such as a national emblem or the profile of a notable person.

2.   Reverse (back): The back side of a coin, which usually features a different design or inscription than the obverse.

3.   Device/Bust: A feature printed on the coin, usually an image or portrait of a person.

4.   Edge: The outer rim of a coin, which may be smooth, ridged (grooved lines), lettered, or decorative.

5.   Rim: The raised part of the perimeter of a coin, on both the obverse and reverse sides.

6.   Inscription/Legend: The main text on the coin, which usually includes the name and denomination of the country.

7. Field: Flat area on the surface of a coin that provides a background for the design or inscription.

8. Relief: Designs and inscriptions raised above the surface of a coin.

9. Mint mark: Small letter or symbol indicating where the coin was minted.

10. Mottos: Inspirational phrases, such as “In God We Trust.”

11. Date: The year the coin was minted, usually found on the obverse, but sometimes on the reverse.

12. Designer's initials: The initials of the coin's designer.

What is the obverse of a coin?

Coin collectors can easily distinguish between the obverse and reverse sides of a coin, but for the untrained eye, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two, especially when looking at coins from different countries.

The obverse side of a coin, also known as the face, is the front side of the coin. This side of the coin usually features a prominent design or image, such as:

·   The profile or bust of a notable figure, usually a historical or current leader, monarch, or influential person.

·   A national emblem or symbol representing the issuing country.

·   Inscriptions, which may include the name of the country, the year of minting, the mint mark, the purity and weight of the precious metal, and the denomination.

The obverse is designed to be easily recognizable. The exact design elements and inscriptions that appear may vary depending on the country and the purpose of the coin (e.g., commemorative and circulation coins). There is no definitive rule about what constitutes the obverse of a coin; it is simply a matter of convention.

For example, the obverse of the gold Krugerrand simply features a portrait of former South African President Paul Kruger with the words South Africa inscribed in English and Afrikaans. On the other hand, the silver American Eagle features the design of Lady Liberty with the year of issue of the coin and the mottos “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

What is the reverse side of a coin?

The reverse side of a coin, often referred to as the “tails side” or flip side, usually features a design or inscription that complements the obverse. It may be:

·   A national symbol, monument, animal, or other motif significant to the issuing country

·   Themes or events being celebrated, usually for commemorative coins

·   Inscriptions of the coin's denomination, country name, motto, and mint mark.

Like the obverse of a coin, the reverse varies greatly depending on the coin, and there are no specific rules about which side of a coin is the obverse or reverse. In some cases, a portrait of a person may even be found on the reverse of a coin.

For example, the reverse side of a Britannia gold coin shows a representation of Britannia, the female personification of the United Kingdom, along with inscriptions about the year of issue, weight, and purity. The reverse side of Vienna Philharmonic silver coins shows various musical instruments used by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, along with the name of the coin and the material (silver).

What are devices on a coin?

The term “device” on a coin refers to the primary design elements that are embossed on the field of the coin. These can include portraits, symbols, animals, or any other image or writing that is part of a coin's design. The term “device” is essentially another way of describing a feature of a coin's design.

Devices are found on both the obverse and reverse sides of a coin and are usually surrounded by the field, the flat area of the coin's surface that is not part of the raised design. Devices protrude from the raised field (see below) to add a tactile aspect to the coin's surface.

Some countries require by law that certain symbols appear on all their coins. For example, coins minted by the United States Mint must include the following symbols:

·   An emblematic impression of liberty on the obverse of the coin, as well as the year of issue and the inscription 'LIBERTY'.

·   A figure or representation of an eagle on the reverse, as well as the mottos 'IN GOD WE TRUST' and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' and an inscription of 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'.

What is the edge of a coin?

The edge of a coin is the outer rim or perimeter that surrounds its circumference. It can have various characteristics depending on the design and minting process used:

· Smooth: A smooth, uninterrupted edge with no details.

·   Ribbed: also known as a serrated or milled edge, this is a series of evenly spaced vertical ridges or grooves surrounding the circumference of the coin. The ribbed edge is the most common edge design, originally used to make it obvious if small pieces of precious metal had been scraped off, reducing its weight. The Canadian Maple Leaf gold coin is an example of a coin with a reeded edge.

·   Letters: Some coins have inscriptions on the edge or raised letters that may include the coin's denomination or the name of the country. This is known as a “lettered” or “lettered” edge. The French franc coin features an inscription on the edge with the words “DIEU PROTEGE LA FRANCE.”

·   Decorative: The edge of a coin may also feature patterns, symbols, or decorative designs. The Austrian krone coin features an edge with a decorative inscription of a crown.

What is the edge of a coin?

The edge is the raised part of a coin that runs around its circumference and forms a boundary between the field and the edge. This helps to frame the design elements while also protecting the coin's designs from wear by providing a raised barrier around the perimeter. The edge of a coin can vary in thickness, width, and style depending on the design and minting process.

What is the legend or inscription on a coin?

The coin's legend, also known as the inscription, is the textual part of the coin's design. Legends can appear on the obverse and reverse of the coin, as well as in the field. They include all the important information about the coin, such as:

·   Name of the country

·   Denomination or face value

·   Year of issue

·   Slogans

·   Name and title of the monarch or head of state at the time of minting.

For example, the legend on the Australian kangaroo coin includes:

· AUSTRALIAN KANGAROO (name of the coin)

· 2023 (year of issue)

· 1 oz of 999 silver (weight and purity of the metal)

· Elizabeth II 1952 - 2022 (name and years of reign of the monarch)

· Australia (name of the country)

· 1 dollar (denomination).

What is the relief of a coin?

The relief of a coin refers to all the raised elements of its design that protrude from its field or flat surface. These can include images, inscriptions, or other decorative details. The relief is what gives the coin its three-dimensional appearance and can vary in height and depth depending on the coin.

The design of the relief can affect the value of a coin. For example, coin collectors and numismatists often seek out “proof” coins that have a mirror-like polished relief that retains its original appearance longer and makes the coin more valuable.

What is the field of a coin?

The field of a coin is the flat background surface that surrounds its raised elements (i.e., embossed designs and inscriptions). It provides contrast and makes the raised elements more prominent and eye-catching. The field of a coin is usually smooth and unadorned so that the embossed designs can stand out clearly. It is essentially the background of a coin that makes everything else more visible. Despite its flat, featureless nature, a coin's field is still important to numismatists and collectors, and any scratches or damage will affect its value.

What is a coin's mint mark?

A coin's mint mark is a small letter or symbol that indicates where the coin was produced. They are usually placed in small letters in an inconspicuous place within the coin's design. Some coins, such as the South African Krugerrand and Chinese Panda coins, do not usually have a mint mark.

Different coin surfaces and finishes:

In addition to the different parts of a coin that we have seen in this article, another important element to consider when reading a coin is its surface and finishes.

When it comes to adding an image to the surface of a coin, two methods are used: relief and intaglio. We have already discussed relief earlier in this article, which is the most common method used for coins. This method involves raising the elements of the design above the field of the coin. The other method, intaglio, is less common. This method does the opposite of relief and presses a design into the surface of the coin so that it appears below the field. The American Indian Head coin is a rare example of an intaglio design.

Coins can also feature special finishes that help enhance the design features of a coin. There are two main types of finishes:

1. Brilliant Uncirculated: Abbreviated as BU, this is the most common finish you will find on most coins today. These are coins in mint condition, showing no signs of wear from circulation. They have an original, bright shine and luster.

2. Proof: Proof coins are the highest quality coins, made specifically for collectors. They are struck multiple times with specially polished dies to create a mirror-like finish on the fields with frosted reliefs.

By StoneX Bullion