The E-Sylum:  Volume 8, Number 13, March 27, 2005, Article 8

COINS KNOWN BY THEIR REVERSE DESIGN

Last week, Steve Woodland asked about coins known by
their reverse design. Several readers chimed in with their
thoughts. First was James Higby, who emailed his suggestions
shortly after the issue was published Sunday night. He listed
the following U.S. coin types:

1. Chain cent
2. Wreath cent
3. Lincoln Memorial cent
4. Two-cent piece
5. Three-cent piece (both types)
6. V nickel
7. Three dollar gold piece

I'm not sure if I would agree that coins known by their
denomination should count, even though the denomination
is on the reverse. But others included these as well.
Denis Loring added the $4 "Stella," but this unusual word
appears on the reverse, so I'll agree there. David
Gladfelter writes: "How about the Eagle?". I would agree
with this one as well, but don't think the quarter-eagle,
half-eagle or double-eagle denominations count, since
they all picture exactly one eagle. The $50 "Half Union"
patterns wouldn't count either, since the word "Union"
does not appear on the coins.

Denis and Tom DeLorey endorsed the 1793 Chain Cent
and 1793 Wreath Cent, and Tom added the "Wheatback"
Cent.

Ken Berger adds: "Another coin known by its reverse is
the Peace Dollar, since the word Peace appears on the
reverse."

Mark Borckardt adds: "how about every State Quarter
issued to date?"

Michael Schmidt cited several of these, and added the
Trade dollar, noting that "the design isn't mentioned but the
denomination is unique and found on the reverse."

Paul Schultz adds: "This may be more common in ancient
coins, where the more interesting design can be on the
reverse, while the obverse often has some random god,
goddess, or emperor. Athenian Owls (tetradrachms with
Athena on the obverse) and Corinthian pegasi (staters with
Athena on the obverse) come quickly to mind, but a large
portion of the ancient coinage is more distinctive on the
reverse than the obverse. Of course, this assumes that the
obverse is the "heads" side of the coin, while the reverse
would be the other design side. Those who would define
obverse and reverse more technically as coming from the
hammer and anvil dies could form a different conclusion.

A final note--V nickels preceded Buffalo nickels, and may
have set a precedent for calling nickels by their reverse
design. [Until the Jefferson nickel came along -Editor]
With liberty on such a large portion of U.S. coinage, it
really makes more sense to refer to a distinctive reverse
design feature, rather than some variation of liberty for
the obverse."

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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