VOCABULARY TERM: BASE LINE

The large diameter of the Cyrus Field Congressional Medal (PE-10) allows for numerous lines of lettering in three styles in its reverse design. The legend at the top is in a double bowed base line. The line of lettering above the exergue symbols is a bowed up base line. There is an undulating base line in the center of the medal. All other lines have horizontal base lines. All these terms are necessary in making an accurate numismatic description in cataloging this medal.

Base Line. An imaginary line indicating the plane for all lettering on a numismatic or medallic design. This appears mostly in a straight line for all inscriptional wording, or in an arc (BOWED lettering) for those in the LEGEND. Infrequently an UNDULATING BASE LINE will be used for lettering appearing in a wave for artistic effect, or too long an inscription to fit the space. An example of several kinds of base lines (undulating, bowed, and straight) appear on the reverse of the City College of New York Medal of 1866 (Julian CM-14), and on the reverse of the Cyrus West Field Congressional Medallion, 1868 (Julian PE-10), both struck by the United States Mint.

Also a horizontal line forming the base of a medallic design, often separating the device from the EXERGUE. The base line is important in determining the horizontal orientation of the design; features like horizon, water line, base of buildings are parallel to this, as is INSCRIPTION lettering. Flag poles, sides of buildings and other vertical lines are, of course, perpendicular to the base line in a linear perspective of the design. Compare listel, register, ground line.

Compare LISTEL, REGISTER, GROUND LINE.

Lettering without use of a base line, or staggered base line exist but are rare. An example is the letting on the obverse of the W.H. Nicholas Medal (issued by the New York Chapter of the American Chemical Society). It was designed by Henry M. Toch who placed the letters in the chemical fumes emanating from heating a retort (from H.B. Wechsler’s painting, Alchemist).
CLASS 02.4

REFERENCE:
O37 {1977} JULIAN.

Bowed. Lettering in an arc. Such lettering usually follows the contour of the item with a base line that is congruent with the edge; however bowed lettering can appear anywhere on the numismatic piece. All LEGEND on a numismatic piece is bowed. See BASE LINE.
CLASS 02.4

Undulating Base Line. A line of lettering appearing in a wave for artistic effect. This usually is a result of extra long lettering to appear on the item. This is particularly a problem for smaller items, like medalets. The heraldic term for this design element is undé. A Grant Medalet of 1868 (Julian PR-42) with four lines on the reverse has the wording “Commander in Chief” undulating but is most dramatic on a large medal (as Julian PE-10). BASE LINE.
CLASS 02.4

References:
O37 {1977} Julian.

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