Edge lettering on coins refers to the inscribed letters, numbers, or symbols along the edge of a coin. It can include dates, mint marks, denominations, and more. The use of edge lettering is decorative and functional. It helps prevent counterfeiting by making coins more difficult and complex to replicate and providing space for more information without cluttering the design of a coin.
A Brief History of Edge Lettering on Coins
The practice of adding inscriptions to the edges of a coin was developed as a security feature to combat clipping practices, which reduced the intrinsic value of precious metals in coins. Adding wording, dates, and denominations along the edges of a coin made any tampering related to coin clipping readily visible.
One of the first examples of edge lettering on a coin was the 1662 Kind Charles II 1 Crown coin from Great Britain. The coin featured the regnal year in Latin and “DECVS ET TVTAMEN,” or “An ornament and a safeguard.” Later, edge lettering became more widespread throughout European nations.
Early U.S. Coins with Edge Lettering
Edge lettering on coins began in the United States in the 18th century. The first U.S. coins with inscribed edges were Flowing Hair dollars and half dollars. In 1794, these early U.S. coin issues had “HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT” on the dollar and “FIFTY CENTS OR A HALF DOLLAR” on half dollars. These words were inscribed on the edges, with words separated by decorative elements between the words. This edge lettering continued through the Flowing Hair and Bust dollars.
The use of lettered edges continued until the early 1800s for silver dollars and on half dollars like the Capped Bust half dollar until 1839. Around that time, reeded edges became more common on U.S. coins.
Famous U.S. Coins with Edge Lettering
Edge lettering made a brief return to U.S. Mint coins in 1907 with the $20 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle series. The Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagles were issued from 1907 until 1933 and are the most iconic American coins with edge lettering. These gold $20 coins featured “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the edges, separated by stars. The United States Mint did not issue coins with lettered edges again for almost 75 years.
In 2007, edge lettering made a return to U.S. coins on the Presidential Dollar series, which were issued until 2016. The Presidential dollar series included the John Adams Presidential dollar (link after url is created on publication) and depicted edge inscriptions such as the date, the mint mark of the issuing mint, “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Initially, “IN GOD WE TRUST” was depicted on the edge of the coins, but because of public outcry, the motto was moved to the obverse of the dollars in 2009.
The Native American dollar was first struck in 2009 and features similar edge lettering to the Presidential Dollar series, but some of the Native American dollars have more detail on the edges. For instance, the 2023 Maria Tallchief Native American Dollar features the date and mint mark in addition to E PLURIBUS unum on its edge.
In 2009, the Augustus Saint-Gaudens design was revived with the 2009 Ultra High Relief $20 Gold Double Eagle issue. Like other modern gold coins, these coins were not issued as circulation or business strikes but as collectible coins.
Error Coins and Edge Lettering
Edge letter error coins are highly sought after by some collectors. Missing doubled, and inverted edge lettering can occur during the minting process due to the separate machines used for applying the inscriptions. Coins like the Presidential Dollar and Native American Dollar series sometimes exhibit these errors and many are valued collectibles.
Edge lettering errors are some of the most sought-after collectibles. Due to the separate machinery used for applying these inscriptions, missing, doubled, or inverted edge lettering can occur during the minting process. Coins like the Presidential Dollar or Native American Dollar sometimes display these errors, and some become valued collectibles.
Inscriptions along the edge of a coin played a vital role in the security of historic coinage and today, they serve primarily decorative functions.
