Edge design of Russian and Soviet coins of the XVIII-XX centuries is very diverse. Its repeated change, the simultaneous issue of coins with different edge designs at different, and sometimes even at the same mint, gave rise to some confusion, both in understanding this issue and in the content of some catalogs. Very often, the creators of catalogs did not pay due attention to this issue, which led to numerous errors and inaccuracies. It is necessary to clarify the importance of accurate knowledge of the types of edge design on Russian coins. In addition to identifying new varieties, this knowledge significantly helps in some cases to identify fakes, replicas and copies. This chapter provides types of edge design on Russian and Soviet coins. The numerical designation of the edges is preserved in accordance with the generally accepted in the domestic numismatic literature.

0 - Smooth edge. On coins of the 18th century, there is often a smooth edge, decorated very poorly. Apparently, these coins were not beaded at all, which makes it possible to single them out as a special group of coins with an unformed edge, however, due to the traditions of Russian numismatic literature, we will not do this, but will only limit ourselves to pointing out their existence.

The edge pattern is formed by oblique lines with a slope
to the right. Ruble 1778 SPBL

The pattern of the edge is formed by dots (on a part of the circulation of small change silver coins of 1861 of foreign minting) or dashes inclined to the left on a smooth field.
a) 10 kopecks 1861 SPB

B) 20 kopecks 1852 SPB-PA

The edge pattern is formed by vertical lines. 5 kopecks 1876 EM

Until 1805 inclusive, it was made in raised type, starting from 1807 - in depressed type. Coins with dates before 1807 with an indented edge inscription are replicas or fakes. The content of edge inscriptions is given in the corresponding sections of the catalog.
a) The inscription is made in raised type. Ruble 1727

B) The inscription is made in indented type. Ruble 1825 SPB-PD

The edge pattern is formed by convex lines intertwining in the form of an oblique grid. It has many varieties in size, slope and shape of the mesh weave. On copper nickels of 1723, inside the cells of the grid, there are convex shamrocks,
a) 5 kopecks 1723

b) 5 kopecks 1725 MD

The drawing of the edge is formed by oblique lines with an inclination to the left. Poltina 1777 SPB-0L

The edge pattern is formed by rectangles made up of two corners. On the edge there is also a miniature made of metal, which has a device for attaching to clothes. With the help of symbolic images and inscriptions, indicates qualifications, official position, belonging to scientific, public, religious or other organizations or associations.

The edge pattern is formed by convex rings with convex dots inside them. small bargaining chip 1535-1991 coinage; the name comes from the image of a rider with a spear. one). Silver K. - Russian coin of 1535-1718, minted on standard wire scraps; 2). Copper coin - first minted in 1655-1663, then intermittently in 1704-1917; 3). K. USSR - copper (1924-1925), bronze (1926-1957), brass (1961-1991).

8a - Patterned edge of the third type. In old catalogs, it is not separated from edge No. 8. The edge pattern is formed by horizontally arranged ovals convex along the contour. 2 rubles 1724

The pattern of the edge is formed by convex oak leaves arranged horizontally. Ruble 1725 SPB

The pattern of the edge is formed by trefoils convex along the contour, located horizontally. Ruble 1735

The pattern of the edge is formed by convex leaves of a complex outline, arranged horizontally. 2 kopecks 1795 M-M

The edge pattern is formed by depressed alternating stars and dots on a smooth field. Jubilee ruble 1970

The pattern is formed by alternating sections of smooth and ribbed edges. 2 rubles 2000 SPMD "Leningrad"

Ribbed edge with two indented inscriptions "TEN RUBLES", separated by asterisks. 10 rubles 2000 SPMD

Missing edge numbers belong to coins for the national outskirts of Russia and are not considered.

What is a edge should be explained only to novice numismatists. Experienced collectors are aware that it is worth paying attention not only to the obverse and reverse, but also to the edge - the edge of the coin. The application of notches to the surface is carried out in various ways. Often, an error in applying corrugations or inscriptions can lead to the fact that the value of the exhibit will increase by tens or even hundreds of times compared to the face value.

Edge of coins

History

The edge of the coin appeared for the first time on banknotes in ancient Rome. Notches on the surface of the metal were applied manually, which led to a change in the shape of the money. As a result of such procedures, they did not have a round shape. It is difficult to say why notches were applied to the rib, the process was carried out manually and took a lot of time and effort. But such a solution did not protect banknotes from fakes and counterfeiters, since the notches were applied manually and it was not difficult to repeat the pattern again.

After the minting of money, it was carried out without applying corrugations, inscriptions or drawings on the edge of banknotes. The technology was forgotten until the 16th century.

At the beginning of the 16th century, the technology of notching the surface of ecu coins was revived in France. Now, patterns and inscriptions were applied to money using coinage machines. As a result, the authorities managed to reduce the number of fakes and counterfeiters.

But the drawing was applied to the edge only of those copies that had a large denomination. Thus, the ecu minted in gold from 1577 is a good example of one of the first edges.

Today, patterns are applied to banknotes not only to reduce the number of fakes, but also to help people with low vision. For example, a coin with a face value of 1 dollar and 1 euro. In Europe, different notches and patterns are applied to money with different denominations so that people can recognize the coin with the help of touch.

In Russia, everything was a little different - the relief was applied obliquely on the rubles of the 18th century. After that, samples of silver or copper began to be applied to the rib. Then some more changes took place with the rubles:

1. 1810 the designation of ligature weight appeared.
2. 1886 - the designation of pure metal appeared.
3. 1886 - began to mint the names of the monarchs.

Edge inscription of the beginning of the 19th century. differs in that depressed letters appeared on the edge, instead of convex ones.

Varieties

The pattern of the edge may be different, it may also be completely absent. It all depends on the denomination of the banknote and other characteristics.

Edge of old coins

A smooth edge is a complete absence of a corrugated surface. The edge is smooth, found in most banknotes of small denominations. Such coins do not need to be protected from counterfeiting, and there is no point in decorating such specimens. It is found in 1 kopeck, 5 and 10 kopecks, as well as 50 kopecks since 2006. In addition, the same feature has 1 euro cent.

The notch along the entire length of the rib is found only in a coin with a face value of 2 euro cents.

A ribbed edge can be found on 10 rubles, corrugations are applied to the metal in turn. Twelve sections of 5–7 corrugations, between which there are smooth sections.

There is also a drawing on the surface of the metal in the form of a rope or cord.

Banknotes with an inscription are rare; an indented or convex inscription, the face value of a coin or other information is applied to the metal. In Soviet times, it could be found at the ruble and fifty dollars. Now the inscriptions are applied to 1 US dollar and 1 Ukrainian hryvnia.

The mesh edge resembles notches on metal in the form of a cord or rope that runs along opposite sides of the coin.

The pattern is rarely applied, thus decorating banknotes, which are minted in a limited edition. In this case, the image on the edge can be different.

The combined view implies the application of several types of edge to the metal at the same time. It can be found on commemorative coins, a combination of a pattern is found on bimetallic 10 rubles over a ribbed edge, an inscription is also applied to the metal. For 2 euros, you can find areas with a different number of corrugations, which alternate with a smooth surface. And also in this group can be attributed 10 rubles with electroplating, minted from steel.

There are several more types of notches on the surface of metal money:

• intermittently chopped;
• with slanted notches.

The first type of registration can be found on 1 euro, on 2 and 3 rubles from Russia and 50 kopecks from Ukraine.

Notches made at an angle to the left adorn the rib of 10 yuan.

The corrugated surface of the edge helps numismatists determine the value and value of the coin, but often collectors are faced with fakes. Wanting to sell an unremarkable copy, the sellers are deceiving. In this case, you should pay attention to the relief: it is difficult to fake the inscriptions, but if you take a closer look at the exhibit, you can find saw cuts on the metal surface, indicating a fake.

Everyone knows that each coin has two surfaces, popularly known as "heads" and "tails", as well as a third surface - "edge". These designations are quite universal for most Russian coins, on one side of which an eagle is depicted. But for collectors, such designations are not enough, since there are often coins where there is no eagle. For example, modern penny coins, where George the Victorious is depicted instead of an eagle.

To avoid confusion, the concepts of "obverse" - the front of the coin and "reverse" - the reverse side of the coin were introduced. As a rule, the obverse can be identified by the following features, in descending order of importance: a portrait of the head of state, the state emblem, an inscription with the designation of a country or a bank. As with any rule, there are also exceptions, but most coins fall under this rule. Once the obverse is defined, the reverse can safely be called the reverse.

Edge is called the edge of a coin, which can have a different relief from smooth to a specific pattern or inscriptions. Often, various notes are made on the edge, such as weight, metal fineness, the initials of the minzmeister (head of the mint), the year the coin was reissued, and other designations. If the obverse and reverse of two coins are no different, and their edges are different, it is very likely that one of them costs much more than the other.

On the obverse and reverse of the coin, you can recognize 1 ruble of 1984 with the image of Pushkin, dedicated to the 185th anniversary of the poet, performed by Proof. But not everyone knows that there are two types of this coin: a remake (that is, a coin made in an additional circulation in 1988) and an old-made (original coin made in 1984). Their main difference is in the edge inscription. On the edge of the old-fashioned inscription: * ONE RUBLE * ONE RUBLE *, on the edge of the remake - * ONE RUBLE * 1988 * H *. The estimated cost of the old-made, at the time of writing, is 1600 rubles, the cost of the remake is 650 rubles

The main part of the coin, which is essentially a collectible, is the relief that forms the pattern. The drawing includes all the details of the relief of the coin, both convex and concave. That part of the coin that remains flat against the background of the relief is called the field of the coin. According to the wear of the relief and the field of the coin, its safety (state) is judged. Certain types of coins are issued in a special edition for collectors with improved relief chasing and a polished, mirror-like field. Such coins are called Proof (proof).

The details of the relief of the coin are of great importance. If you take coins of the same denomination and the same year of issue, such that with a cursory glance you can’t see the differences between them, and with a more detailed examination, barely noticeable differences are found, you can say with confidence that you have varieties of the same coin in your hands. Sometimes the cost of a rare variety can be ten times higher than the cost of the most common variety. In addition, errors and coin marriages are quite common, which also has a demand in the numismatic market.

The images show the reverses of two Soviet rubles of 1924, which at a cursory glance seem to be completely identical. However, it is not. A closer look reveals differences in the details of the relief. Namely: the coin on the left has a long pipe, rectangular windows, fingers are collected. The coin on the right has a short tube, square windows, fingers spread apart. It would seem insignificant differences, however, 1 ruble 1924 with square windows is much less common and the price for it can reach 30,000 rubles, while the price of 1 ruble 1924 with rectangular windows is 3,000 rubles. Prices shown are indicative at the time of writing.

Kant is an important part of the coin, which, in addition to the aesthetic function, also has a completely practical one. Due to the fact that the edge rises above the rest of the relief, it protects the pattern from premature erasure. The edging comes in various thicknesses, which can also be used to identify varieties of coins.

Two varieties of 1 ruble 1997 MMD. The coin on the left has a narrow edging (does not cover the petal of the plant), on the coin on the right the edging is wide with a ledge (covers the petal of the plant). The cost of a coin with a narrow edging is about ten rubles. A coin with a wide edge was sold at auction for 8,100 rubles in 2014.

In addition to all of the above, many coins often have various markings, such as the designation of the mint, or the initials of the mintzmeister. These details are usually only visible at sufficient magnification. Do not underestimate these details, since coins produced at different mints can differ in price by tens or even hundreds of times.

Both coins - 5 kopecks 1791. The initials KM are minted on the obverse of one of them. The cost of such a coin in 2014 is 14,000 rubles. The initials EM are on the second coin. The cost of this coin in the same year is 52,500 rubles, despite the fact that the safety of the coin is worse.

Latest auction prices for coins in Russian rubles

A photo	Description of the coin	G	VG	F	VF	XF	AU	UNC	proof
	5 rubles 1903 AR from 14,448 to 435,453 rubles.	-	-	-	-	14 448	14 479	15 388	435 453
	5 kopecks 1791 EM from 218 to 3,251 rubles.	-	-	218	472	724	1 141	3 251	-
	5 kopecks 1791 KM Petrov: 0.5 rubles from 1,841 to 5,742 rubles	-	-	-	1 841	2 679	4 754	5 742	-
	1 ruble 1997 MMD wide edging wide piping from 2,808 to 4,469 rubles.	-	-	-	4 469	3 288	3 571	2 808	-
	1 ruble 1997 MMD from 5 to 149 rubles.	-	-	-	-	5	10	149	-
	1 ruble 1924 PL windows square windows from 3,600 to 30,100 rubles.	-	-	3 600	17 894	18 660	-	30 100	-

What are the structural elements of a coin? Gurt - what is it? What is a bead? What types of edges exist in numismatics? You will find answers to all these questions in our article.

Coin and its components

Every person almost daily deals with paper bills and coins. But how often do you carefully examine and study the contents of your wallet? But numismatists have turned this occupation into the meaning of life. And they can be understood! After all, any coin, despite its tiny size, contains so many interesting things!

The very word "coin" comes from Latin. This is the oldest means of payment, which has a certain shape (most often round), weight and dignity. Coins are made, as a rule, from metal (nickel, bronze, aluminum, etc.). But there are exceptions. Any coin consists of four structural elements:

• Obverse - the front side (it shows the nationality of the banknote).
• Reverse - reverse side (denomination is shown here).
• The edge is the side surface of the coin.
• Kant (edge ​​or shoulder) - a raised edge that protects the pattern from premature wear.

The coins contain a huge amount of information. Most often, the coat of arms, a portrait of the ruler (monarch), the name of the country and the bank, the denomination, as well as thematic drawing.

Gurt is...

Now let's take a closer look at what a edge is. This word, by the way, has another meaning. So, according to the explanatory dictionary of Vladimir Dahl, a herd is a herd of livestock (sheep, goats, cows or poultry), which is led to slaughter or for sale. From him came the verb "to crowd" - to drive cattle into one pile.

The edge of a coin is, in simple terms, its lateral edge. The term comes from the German word Gurt, which translates as "belt".

The edge of a coin can be smooth or corrugated, decorated or unshaped. Quite often it contains an ornament, some inscriptions or marks. Experienced collectors are familiar with one rule: if the obverse and reverse of two identical coins are absolutely identical, but the edges are different, then this may mean that one of the banknotes can cost much more than the other.

By the way, professional numismatists always pick up a coin exclusively by the edge, so as not to leave their prints on its flat surfaces.

A small digression into history

The edge of the coin appeared for a reason. The minters invented it for two purposes: firstly, to protect the product from damage (cutting or filing), and secondly, to protect money from counterfeiters (forging a edge is a very laborious process).

All herds were smooth at first. Only at the dawn of the 16th century in Western Europe was a special machine designed to apply various patterns and ornaments to this element. Fifty years later, the French learned to put inscriptions on it.

To date, there are two main ways to design a herd:

• on the lead machine;
• with the help of the so-called coinage in the ring.

What were the herds of tsarist Russian rubles? Initially, they were made out with an oblique notch. From the end of the 18th century, they began to indicate the sample of the metal, and from 1810 - the weight of the coin. An interesting feature: until the beginning of the 19th century, all letters and numbers on the edges were convex, and later they were already depressed.

Edge types

There are eight main types of coin edges:

• smooth;
• corrugated (see photo below);
• intermittently corrugated;
• mesh;
• with an inscription;
• with lacing (oblique strokes);
• with a continuous longitudinal cut;
• with ornament (usually floral).

The smooth edge is the most common type on low denomination coins. Corrugated, intermittently corrugated, as well as variants with inscriptions are less common. The remaining types of the element we are considering are even more difficult to find on coins.

At the beginning of the XVI century. in Europe, a machine for applying patterns on the edge appeared. In the second half of the XVI century. in France, a detachable ring was invented for applying inscriptions to the edge. The first edge inscription appeared on French gold ecu in 1577. In Russia in the second half of the 18th century. the edge of rubles was processed with an oblique notch. Since 1798, the fineness of the metal began to be indicated on the edge of the coin, since 1810 - the ligature weight of the coin, and since 1886 - the content of pure silver in it and the initials of the mint masters. Since the beginning of the XIX century. on the edge they began to mint depressed letters instead of raised ones. There are two main ways to obtain a decorated edge - embossing in a ring and using a neckline machine.
In order to prevent "damage" (sanding or cutting) of coins made of precious metals, as well as to make it difficult to make fakes, most of the coins of the 18th - 20th centuries. it was subjected to gurching, that is, it received a special design of the side surface (edge).
On coins of 1709 - 1917. there are six main types of such design: a ribbed edge, a cord-like edge, a mesh edge, a dotted edge, a patterned edge and an edge with an inscription (the first four types can be called edges of a simple pattern). Corded, dotted and patterned edges, as well as edges with inscriptions, have fundamentally different varieties. A smooth, regular cylindrical edge with a cleanly machined surface should also be referred to specially designed edges.

Sometimes there are coins that have a smooth edge instead of the edge design approved for them. Such coins appeared for the following reasons: if the coin is a working sample of new, just approved (or not yet approved) stamps; if the coin was minted without recolouring, and the original coin had a smooth edge; if, for some reason, the coin circle fell on minting, bypassing the lead machine, i.e., when the coin actually represents a manufacturing defect. In addition, there are quite numerous specimens of 5 ruble coins, rubles and 50 kopeck coins with a smooth edge, dated 1896 - 1899, the reason for the appearance of which has not yet been clarified. All of the above-mentioned coins with a smooth edge are described in the catalogs as independent varieties, with the exception of coins in which the lack of an edge design is caused by an undoubted manufacturing defect. Strictly speaking, all coins made by re-minting without re-peeling can also be attributed to manufacturing defects, however, the presence of too many such coins indicates that re-peeling was excluded from the production cycle when re-minting coins periodically and deliberately in order to save money and time (although this was a prerequisite for re-minting), especially since the designed edge of the original coin, even being non-standard for a coin of a new sample, could successfully continue to fulfill its protective function.

Images of coins in the catalogs are given in stamp links, where the stamp of the front side was taken as the basis. In simple terms, the coin lies face up.

ABOUT- Smooth edge.

1 - Cord-shaped edge with notch inclination to the right. The edge pattern is formed by oblique lines with a slope
to the right.

2 - Dotted edge. The edge pattern is formed by dots (on a part of the circulation of silver coins only in 1861 - minted in France) or dashes inclined to the left on a smooth field.
a) 10 kopecks 1861 SPB

3 - Ribbed edge. The edge pattern is formed by vertical lines. 5 kopecks 1876 EM

4 - Edge inscription. Until 1805 inclusive, it was made in raised type, starting from 1807 - in depressed type. Coins with dates before 1807 with an indented edge inscription are replicas or fakes. The content of edge inscriptions is different.
a) The inscription is made in raised type. Ruble 1727

B) The inscription is made in embossed font

5 - Mesh edge. The edge pattern is formed by convex lines intertwining in the form of an oblique grid. It has many varieties in size, slope and shape of the mesh weave. On copper nickels of 1723, inside the cells of the grid, there are convex shamrocks

6 - Cord-shaped edge with a notch slope to the left. The drawing of the edge is formed by oblique lines with an inclination to the left.

7 - Patterned edge of the first type. The edge pattern is formed by rectangles made up of two corners. There is also a minzmeister sign on the edge. 5 rubles 1903

8 - Patterned edge of the second type. The edge pattern is formed by convex rings with convex dots inside them. Kopek 1728

8a- Patterned edge of the third type. In old catalogs, it is not separated from edge No. 8. The edge pattern is formed by horizontally arranged ovals convex along the contour. 2 rubles 1724

9 - Patterned edge of the fourth type. The pattern of the edge is formed by convex oak leaves arranged horizontally. Ruble 1725 SPB

10 - Patterned edge of the fifth type. The pattern of the edge is formed by trefoils convex along the contour, located horizontally.

15 - Patterned edge of the sixth type. The pattern of the edge is formed by convex leaves of a complex outline, arranged horizontally. 2 kopecks 1795 M-M

18 - Patterned edge of the seventh type. The edge pattern is formed by depressed alternating stars and dots on a smooth field. Jubilee ruble 1970

19 - Patterned edge of the eighth type. The pattern is formed by alternating sections of smooth and ribbed edges. 2 rubles 2000 SPMD "Leningrad"

20 - Patterned edge of the ninth type. Ribbed edge with two indented inscriptions "TEN RUBLES", separated by asterisks. 10 rubles 2000 SPMD

Coins with a cord-shaped edge are known, on which one half of the edge has a pattern 1 , and the second half drawing 6
The grinding of such coins was carried out with a set of hurtal instruments composed of two semi-sets.

Missing edge numbers belong to coins for the national outskirts of Russia and are not included in our catalogs.