Die Axis
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Die Axis - refers to the relative positioning of the obverse and reverse designs on a coin, token or medal. Historically, until the last few centuries, most "coins" were issued with the sides at 180° to each other. That is, the reverse is inverted to the obverse. This is known as "Coin Alignment" and continues to be observed by some coin issuing nations such as the USA. However, most countries in recent times now align the reverse 0° or 360° (upright) to the obverse. This is known as "Medal Alignment".
In the Columbia farthing series, #6 (E+5/0°) is the only piece with medal alignment listed. As of October 2008 a second, #16 (K+10/0°) has been reported.
Always use the obverse as the starting point.
Placing the piece between a finger at 12 and thumb at 6, turn it around to
view the other side (reverse).
After turning your piece around, which way is the REVERSE pointing.
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Medal alignment |
Coin alignment |
Four aspects of coin which do not show up in an image are, axis, diameter,
weight, and to a lesser extent these days, the edge.
Where a description of a coin does not mention the die axis, it is assumed
that it has the standard axis for that piece. Pieces having the opposite axis
can be rare varieties.
Experience tells us there is always exceptions to the rule.
Medal alignment (en medaille) or Coin alignment are two terms where there
should be no confusion.
Arrows are often used in catalogues, the first arrow is the obverse.
For error coins "degrees" give an accurate positioning. (each 30°
= 1 hour). Other words used are rotation, orientation, straight (reverse)
and upset (reverse).
When querying a seller and you receive a response - the back is down. This should tell you the seller knows very little about numismatics.