Coin edges

The edge is the curved surface of a coin that extends around its entire circumference. Edges may be plain or may receive a design during the minting process. Historically, designs were introduced to discourage counterfeiting and clipping, the practice of shaving off unnoticeable amounts of precious metal from the coin, for personal gain.

The table below lists a range of basic types used in the Numista catalogue to describe the edges of coins and exonumia. Novelties and more specialised types are not included in this list.