§ of the Terms Used to Define the Various Parts of a Coin

The front or face of a coin is called the obverse. Obv.

The back is called the reverse. Rev.

The principal device or object represented on a coin is called the type.

The area or space between the type and the circumference is called the field.

The lower portion of the area of a coin beneath the type and separated from the rest of the field by a horizontal line is called the exergue. Ex.

Small objects represented either in the field or the exergue as adjuncts to the main type are called symbols.

Portions of a coin which are sunk below the level of the surface are said to be incuse.