Glossary of Numismatic Terms

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eagle: A gold $10 coin of the United States.

edge: Often termed the third side of a coin, it is the surface perpendicular to the obverse and reverse. Not to be confused with rim. Edges can be plain, lettered or milled (reeded or with some other repetitious device.

Educational notes: The Series 1896 $1, $2 and $5 silver certificates are called Educational notes because of the allegorical and educational themes of the vignettes. Replaced in 1899 with a new series.

electrotype: A copy or reproduction of a coin, token or medal made by the electroplating process.

electrum: Naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver used for early coins of the Mediterranean region.

elongated coin: An oval medalet produced by a roller die using a coin, token or medal as a planchet usually a cent.

encapsulated coin: One that has been sonically sealed in a plastic holder, especially by a third-party grading service.

encased postage stamp: A postage stamp encased in a metal, plastic or cardboard frame and intended to be used as small change.

error: A coin, token, medal or paper money item evidencing a mistake made in its manufacture.

essai; essay: In paper money, a print made to test a design; analogous to a trial strike in coinage. See also Proof.

exergue: (Pronounced "EXsurge") Area on a coin generally below the main design area, often site of date.

exonumia: A broad category of nonmoney, non-legal-tender numismatic items, including tokens, medals and badges. An economist is a specialist in exonumia. See also legal tender.

experimental pieces: Struck from any convenient dies to test a new metal, new alloy or new denomination; those testing a new shape; those testing a standard metal for a new denomination; and those representing changes in planchets for the purposes of combating counterfeiting.

eye appeal: The quality of a coin's attractiveness, distinct from any quantifiable measure of condition.