What is a coin used for?

A coin is a small object, usually round and flat, used primarily as a medium of exchange or legal tender. They are standardized in weight, and produced in large quantities at a mint in order to facilitate trade. They are most often issued by a government. Coins often have images, numerals, or text on them.

What are the parts of a coin?

Before you start collecting coins, it’s important to learn basic coin terminology, including the parts of a coin and the different finishes. In addition to the terms below, review more in the Coin Term Glossary. The front side (“heads”) of a coin. The back side (“tails”) of a coin. The outer border of a coin.

How does a coin work?

Once Congress passes a law, the Mint’s work starts and the coin is born. Coins are like tiny art pieces that fit in your pocket. Coins show people, objects, or symbols. They also include text called inscriptions. Learn about the parts of a coin. To design a coin, a Mint artist draws a sketch of what they want the coin to look like (1).

What does a coin look like?

They are most often issued by a government. Coins often have images, numerals, or text on them. The faces of coins or medals are sometimes called the obverse and the reverse, referring to the front and back sides, respectively.