Eagle
[i] USA $10 coin (1795-1933), [ii] USA Gold Bullion coins 1986 onwards as 1oz, ½oz, ¼oz and tenth oz.
Edge
Rim of the coin. May be engraved with words or decorated with patterns.
EIC
Shown on some George II coins indicating the gold came from the East India Company.
Electrum
Naturally occurring alloy, about 75% gold and 25% silver with maybe a trace of copper. Used in ancient Greek coins. The term may also be used for manufactured alloys of gold and silver (green gold).
Elephant and Castle
A small symbol appearing on coins of Charles II, James II, William and Mary, William III, Anne and George I. Indicates the metal came from Guinea (in Africa).
Engraver
The person or engraves the dies from which the coins are made. This term is often used for the designer, although these may be different people.
Error Coins
Coins that have been incorrectly manufactured by a mint. There are many different types of defects that may occur. Some error coins can be very collectable and therefore quite expensive to buy.
Euro
Currency of the European Union (EU). Known as the 'single currency'. Used in Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. Each country may make their own Euro coins. Symbol '€'. Subdivided into 100 cents.
Exergue
The bottom part of the coin, usually where the date goes. May be separated by a line.
Exonumia
Numismatic items (such as tokens, medals, badges, counter-stamped coins, elongated coins, encased coins, souvenir medallions) other than coins and paper money.
List items on:
List items on:
Numismatics is the study of coin collecting and it also has its own language with many words and terms. Our Glossary of Numismatic Terms give the explanation to some of these coin collecting words. To contribute terms please email them to glossary@coinparade.co.uk.