Coin Terminology
All About Collecting
Coin Terminology
History of
Australian Coins
Denomination
The monetary value inscribed on the coin.
Blank
A round piece of metal from which the coin is struck (also known as a planchlet).
Edge
The outer part of a coin, usually at right-angles to the main two sides of the coin.
Effigy
A side-on portrait or profile of someone important – like a King or a Queen (also known as a bust).
Legal Tender
Coins and notes that are issued by a government as official money.
Mintmark
Some coins display a letter or symbol to identify where they were made. The Perth Mint’s mintmark is 'P'.
Obverse
The 'heads' side of the coin which usually portrays an effigy of someone important.
Relief
The part of a coin's design that is raised above the surface (opposite of incuse).
Reverse
The 'tails' side of the coin depicting a symbolic or commemorative design.
Year-Date
The year that is inscribed on the coin (usually the same as the issue date).
Incuse
The part of a coin's design that is pressed into the surface (opposite of relief).
Mintage
The number of coins of the same type that are produced.
Rim
The raised edge of a coin.