Homepage / Bullion Investment Basics: Coin Anatomy

Last Updated on 03/01/2025

Bullion Coin
Anatomy

A bullion coin's anatomy is no different from other coins.

The Three Sides of a Coin

Everyone's flipped a coin and called "Heads" or "Tails." In terms of a coin's anatomy, "Heads" is the "Obverse" side of the coin, and "Tails" is known as the "Reverse" side.

Unless otherwise specified, the subject used to describe a bullion coin's anatomy is the 1oz. American Eagle Platinum Bullion Coin.

The Free Bullion Investment Guide has over 100 bullion coin pages; all are narrated using the terminology found on this page.  (Ex: American Eagle Silver Bullion Coin)

Obverse Side

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Reverse Side

Edges

The edge of a coin is commonly referred to as its third side. There are various types of edges that can be found on coins.

Reeded / Serrated Coin Edge

Lettered Edge

Plain / Smooth Edge

Grained Edge

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Bullion Coin Anatomy
- Breakdown -

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Field - The flat area of a coin’s surface that doesn’t have any design or inscription.

Rim - raised outer perimeter that sits on the edge of both sides of a coin.

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Edge - The edge is the very outer border of a coin. Edges can be lettered, plain, reeded, or grained.

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Portrait - Found on the obverse side of the coin. Common portraits include presidents, monarchs, and Lady Liberty.

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Legend - Usually found at the top of a bullion coin, often referred to as the coin’s inscription.

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Relief - raised art/design on the surface of a coin's field

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Motto - Coin lettering or inscriptions: ex, "In God We Trust" and " "E Pluribus Unum."

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Purity & Weight - States the coins' weight and the purity of the precious metal in the coin.

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Face Value -

The legal tender value of a coin inscribed on the face of a coin.

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Year of Issue - Indicates the year a coin was minted or issued.

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Designers Initials - The initials of who designed or engraved the coin.

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Mint Marks

Mint Marks on other
Bullion Coins

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Enhanced Anatomy
American Eagle Platinum
Bullion Coin

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Obverse

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Reverse

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