As a magazine editor with a deep-rooted interest in numismatics, I’ve always been captivated by the distinctive appeal of diverse coin designs. One unique feature that often gets overshadowed by some of the more apparent aesthetics is the art of edge lettering. The beauty, narratives, and symbolism behind these inscribed words etched into the sides of modern U.S. coins give them a singular charm that deserves greater recognition.
Edge lettering is an engraving technique used on the edge of a coin—an area sometimes referred to as the “third side.” This method emerged long before our time and continues to be employed on certain modern US coins. From an aesthetic point, edge lettering offers a distinctive charm; it adds an intriguing layer to the coin, like an obscure hidden message that only a truly passionate collector might appreciate.
The inclusion of edge lettering on coins serves multiple purposes. The most evident is to help prevent the clipping and shaving of gold and silver coins—a commonplace fraudulent practice dating to ancient times. This practice served to devalue the shaved coins while allowing the unscrupulous individual to melt down the shavings into a sizable profit.
Another intriguing aspect of edge lettering is its depiction of essential information about the coin. Things like the coin’s denomination, mint year, and mintmark exhibited on the edge can keep the obverse and reverse designs uncluttered, thereby enabling greater creativity in design.
A contemporary coin most known to feature edge lettering is the presidential dollar coins series, issued from 2007 to 2016. This series prominently featured incused edge lettering—letters driven into the coin’s surface as opposed to being raised. The inscriptions include “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” the mint year, and the mintmark. This bountiful use of edge lettering on modern coins gives these pieces an exceptional charm and makes them highly sought-after in the numismatic world.
Notably, the Sacagawea Dollars, and more recently the Native Americans Dollars coins, also exhibit edge lettering. These coins, beginning their journey in 2000, would only adopt edge lettering in 2009. Along with the inscriptions “E PLURIBUS UNUM”, mintmark and year of minting, they also bear the message, “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
Yet it is crucial to mention that edge lettering isn’t without its challenges. The process requires an exceptional level of precision to ensure the inscriptions are uniform, consistent, and correctly positioned. It’s a laborious and meticulous procedure that necessitates expertise, adding further to its rarity and allure.
In the vast world of numismatics, the art of edge lettering on modern US coins indeed stands as a uniquely charming facet. It’s an extraordinary blend of craftsmanship, complicated engineering, and interesting historical narratives that combine to elevate the coin beyond a mere piece of currency—it makes it a true collector’s treasure.
Many of the modern U.S. coins featuring edge lettering provide intriguing pieces of history, imbued with stories from our past and presented with the sophisticated elegance that only such exquisite craftsmanship can realize. This beautiful mélange of historical narration and exceptional artistry is what truly defines the unique charm of the edge lettering on modern U.S. coins.
So, as we meander through our numismatic journeys, let’s pay homage to these hidden gems. Let’s take a moment to admire not just what lies at the coin’s face value but also those modest and meaningful inscriptions etched around the periphery, whispering fascinating tales from our past.
And rather than simply concluding, let’s instead make a proposition: next time you come across a modern US coin, take a moment to truly observe it. You may discover that the thrill of numismatics encompasses far more than merely collecting coins—it’s also about appreciating the rich and intricate stories these small pieces of metal carry within them.
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