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The E-Sylum: Volume 28, Number 13, , Article 14
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LINGUISTS ABOLISH OBVERSE AND REVERSE

David Pickup passed along this important announcement on coin terminology. The Newman Portal will update Dick Johnson's Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Terminology appropriately. -Editor

  Important announcement for April from the
Annual Programme Reform in Linguistics For Ordinary Old Language

Obverse-Reverse Lincoln Cent It has been decided to abolish the well-loved terms “obverse” and “reverse” for coin sides. It was felt that these words are unclear and not up to date enough. In addition, “obverse” is too strange. What does “ob” mean and “verse” is to do with poetry. “Reverse” is negative and not upbeat.

In future coins will have a “front” and “back” as these words are clear, modern and positive. The sides are easy to distinguish as back is the other side to front and front is other side to, well you guessed it, back. (Don't get us started on “heads or tails”!)

  Obverse-Reverse Heads Tails

So please keep up to date and enjoy April 1st!

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Wayne Homren, Editor

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To submit items for publication in The E-Sylum, write to the Editor at this address: whomren@gmail.com

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