Ever since the Chinese invented the first coinage around 900 B.C., world governments have created many types of legal tender meant for general circulation and meant to celebrate a person, place, or event. While most of these have been circular pieces of bronze, silver, gold or copper, other governments have used different materials. If you are starting a collection of world coins, then these frequently asked questions and answers may help guide you to the pieces you're looking for.\u003C/p> What are the parts of a coin?\u003C/strong>
Regardless of where it comes from around the world, collectors use some common language to describe them, including:\u003C/p>
Obverse\u003C/strong>: The front. Often called the head.\u003C/li>
Reverse\u003C/strong>: The back. Often called the tail.\u003C/li>
Edge\u003C/strong>: The part between the obverse and the reverse.\u003C/li>
Rim\u003C/strong>: The raised part running clear around its outside edge on the obverse or the reverse.\u003C/li>
Flat\u003C/strong>: Any part that is not designed.\u003C/li>
Legend\u003C/strong>: Any inscription telling where it was made and its worth.\u003C/li>
Portrait or Design\u003C/strong>: The picture.\u003C/li>
Motto\u003C/strong>: Any words used to inspire people, usually with patriotic feelings.\u003C/li>\u003C/ul> What shapes are coins made in around the world?\u003C/strong>
Different governments have made money in a variety of shapes, including:\u003C/p>
Square\u003C/strong>: In an effort to help people with vision problems, each piece of money in Poland has a distinct shape with the PLD 10 being square. Aruba, the Bahamas, India, and Iraq are just a few of the countries which have square money.\u003C/li>
Scalloped edges\u003C/strong>: Hold different pieces of scalloped coinage straight up and down, and you will see there are two different varieties. If it has a point in the middle, then it is called a peak-scalloped coin. Otherwise, it is called a tough-scalloped coin. Countries with scalloped money include Bangladesh, Belize, Egypt, and Hong Kong.\u003C/li>
Triangles\u003C/strong>: Trading on the Bermuda Triangle, the country of Bermuda has issued triangular commemorative coinage. Cooks Island and Australia also have triangular money. Somalia manufactures pyramid-shaped coins designed to pay tribute to geometry.\u003C/li>
Oval coins\u003C/strong>: In order to commemorate the 2000 expedition exploring the sinking of the Titanic, Liberia issued oval money with a picture of the vessel. Embedded in the money is a tiny piece of coal found near the wreckage. Turkey has oval silver money showing wildflowers, while Fiji offers a coin showing a 1920s airship.\u003C/li>
Polygon\u003C/strong>: Great Britain, Ireland, Uganda, Gibraltar, and Barbados all have made money with seven sides. Chile and Hong Kong have each made units with 10 sides.\u003C/li>\u003C/ul> How do you start a world coin collection?\u003C/strong>
The process of starting a collection of world coins from around the globe is simple if you follow these guidelines:\u003C/p>
Select a focus\u003C/strong>: You can choose to focus on money made with a certain composition such as silver, gold, or bronze. Another option is to focus on money from a particular region or in a particular shape.\u003C/li>
Select goals\u003C/strong>: Working toward a particular goal, for example, collecting world coins from every country on the globe will encourage you to know what you need to obtain.\u003C/li>
Select individual items\u003C/strong>: Choose items fitting your collection.\u003C/li> \u003C/ul>","contentType":"SEO_TEXT_BLURB"}]}]},"isSmall":false},{"f":1}]],"t":["b32sI9g"]})
