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About the Author: Ken Bressett
Kenneth Bressett has been a leading voice in numismatics for over 60 years. He has served as the editor of the authoritative Red Book since 1962. He received the ANA Medal of Merit, the Ferran Zerbe award, and was elected to the National Numismatic Hall of Fame. He has authored dozens of published works on ancient coins, paper money, English, and United States coins.
Coin Terminology For Beginners
Familiarity with the terms listed below will help you to communicate better with other coin collectors.
Here are the main elements of a coin:
The front side (“heads”) of a coin. Generally, the side with the date and principal design (NOTE: the new 50 State Quarters® are a major exception because their date is on the reverse).
The back side (“tails”) of a coin.
The outer border of a coin, considered the “third side” (not to be confused with “rim”). Edges can be plain, reeded, lettered or decorated. See examples below:
The raised edge on both sides of a coin (created by the upsetting mill) that helps protect the coin’s design from wear.
The principal inscription or lettering on a coin.
A small letter or symbol on a coin used to identify where a coin was made. Current United States mint marks are Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), San Francisco (S), and West Point (W).
The part of a coin’s design that is raised above the surface.
The flat portion of a coin’s surface not used for design or inscription.