Side of the coin: the name varies

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Side of the coin: the name varies
Side of the coin: the name varies

Video: Side of the coin: the name varies

Video: Side of the coin: the name varies
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For numismatists, it is not a problem to determine which side is called what. In fact, that's what they live for. But an ordinary person may simply be interested in what the coins consist of, but at the same time, one does not want to go deep into the wilds of numismatics. And let it be clear that any side of the coins has its own name, its own and unique, and although it is interesting, a person is not ready to devote a significant part of his life to the search for this knowledge. Let's help each other.

coin side name
coin side name

What is a coin

Of course, any modern person can easily answer the question "what is a coin." Roughly speaking, this is a metal circle that has some value, and some symbols are depicted on it, which confirm this value. But everything is not so simple. The most important thing is that the coin is a full-fledged banknote, only not made of paper (parchment,papyrus), but from a more durable material. Because it has volume, it has two surfaces, each of which is referred to as the "side of the coin." The name given to them in different nations is again different, but this does not change the essence. Most often, coins are made round, but square, hexagonal, strange shapes (in our opinion), with holes, "ears" and other additions that are incomprehensible to us are known. However, in all countries, the name of the front side of the coin "obverse", the back side - "reverse" and the side - "edge" remains constant.

Coin Terms

They haven't changed for centuries. If you follow the numismatic terminology, then the coin has an obverse, reverse and edge. The main, central side of the coin (its name is "obverse") in Russia was called an eagle, which is quite justified, because on the "face" of such a banknote, either the symbol of the state or the image of the ruler was always depicted. Other parts of the metal banknote also had their names in Russia. So, the reverse side of the coin (the official name is "reverse"), was called tails. It is not difficult to explain this: a very large amount of information was minted here, from the denomination and year of manufacture to all sorts of embellishments that confused ordinary people who perceived the pattern as a kind of lattice. And even though traditions have changed, and the pattern on the reverse side has become simpler, the side of the coin has retained its name, although now it can play the role of even an obverse, even a reverse.

the name of the side of the coin
the name of the side of the coin

The side that is not a side

The edge of the coin remains. Strictly speaking, it is not a side of this banknote, although it is definitely a part of it. The name of the side of the coin sounds like "edge". Previously, the "sidewall" was more important than it is now. Certain information was etched on it; Yes, even the presence of cutting on the edge meant that it was “uncircumcised”. Now the practice of cutting coins is no longer used, in which it seems to have remained the same, but the weight has decreased. The “rifled” but cut edge served as a warning beacon: “the coin is the same, but smaller and cheaper.”

name of the face of the coin
name of the face of the coin

Actually, now the coins no longer carry the semantic load that they were burdened with before. What difference does it make now whether 5 kopecks has its nominal price or not. All these details should be paid attention only if you are dealing with old coins. However! What if there is a chest with ancient coins in your grandmother's attic? Take an interest in numismatics, maybe you are destined to become a millionaire.

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