The side of the coin: the name is different

For numismatists it is not a problem to determine which side is called. Actually, this is what they live for. But an ordinary person might just wonder what coins consist of, but do not want to go deep into the jungle of numismatics. And let it be understood that either side of the coins has its own name, its own and unique, and let it be interesting, but to devote a significant part of his life to the search for this knowledge a person is not ready. So we will help each other.

What is a coin?

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

Coin terms

They are unchanged for many centuries. If you follow the numismatic terminology, then the coin has an obverse, a reverse and a root. The main, the central side of the coin (the name of its "obverse"), in Russia was called the eagle, which is completely justified, because the symbol of the power or the image of the ruler was always depicted on the "face" of such a moneymark. Their names were in Russia and other parts of the metal banknotes. So, the reverse side of the coin (the official name of the "reverse") was called a burr. It's not difficult to explain this: a lot of information was minted here , from the face value and the year of manufacture to any embellishments that confused ordinary people who perceived the pattern as a sort of lattice. And let the traditions have changed, and the pattern on the reverse side has become simpler, the side of the coin has retained its name, although it can now play the role of at least an obverse, even a reverse.

A party that is not a party

Remains the edge of the coin. Strictly speaking, it is not a side of this banknote, although it is definitely part of it. The name of the side of the coin sounds like "gurth". Earlier, the "side" was more important than now. On it, certain information was etched; Yes, even the presence of slicing on the edge meant that she was "uncircumcised." Now the practice of cutting off coins is no longer used, in which it seems to have remained the same, but the weight has decreased. "Cutting", but the cut off edge served as a beacon-warning: "the coin is the same, but less and cheaper."

Actually, now the coins no longer carry the semantic load, which was burdened earlier. What's the difference, now has 5 kopecks of its nominal price or not. All these details should be paid attention only in the event that you are dealing with old coins. But! Suddenly on the grandmother's attic there is a chest with ancient coins? Take an interest in numismatics, maybe you are destined to become a millionaire.