Anatomy of a Coin
Hover over the words below too see a description
The main words on a coin.
Also known as the inscription
The flat area of a coin's
surface that is not raised
and doesn't have any
design or inscription.
Clean fields on a rare
coin can raise the grade.
The raised edge on both
sides that runs completely
around a coin. The design
helps protect a coin's
design from wear, and
makes coins easier to stack.
The main design element
on the coin such as a bust
of a person. Also known
as the portrait. On South
African rare coins these
portraits are normally of presidents.
The monetary value
of the coin.
Often called the “third
side” by some. The edge
can be plain (smooth),
reeded, ornamented,
or have letters
embossed into it. The
edge is not the same
as the rim - the coin
rolls on its edge.
An inscription that
has special meaning
in the country.
Did you know
The 1898 Single “9” is the most important African coin. Sold by Rare Coin Investments.
Understanding "No Grade"
Don't get caught out!
A guide to the states of condition that can cause a coin to be rejected for NGC certification.