What is a Coin Rim- A Quick and Easy Guide!

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What is coin rim?

Is it an important part of a coin? Or can it be glossed over and forgotten?

And what are the common errors related to this part of a coin, regular or precious metal one?

Learn it right below!

Here’s an awesome quiz about coin rims. Take it after you’ve read my guide for the best results.

What is a Coin Rim- A Quick and Easy Guide!
What is a Coin Rim- A Quick and Easy Guide!

What is a Coin Rim (Meaning and Definition)

A coin rim is the raised border surrounding a coin, providing a protective barrier for the design and enhancing its visual appeal.

Coin rim appears on both the obverse and reverse sides, creating a defined edge that sets it apart from the coin edge. Coin rim’s primary function is safeguarding the coin from wear and tear that results from constant handling and contact with other surfaces.

Upon hand examination most coin rims presents themselves as thick, solid frames, often unembellished.

However, some classic coins feature decorative elements, such as denticles, a small, tooth-like protrusions along the rim. These additions elevate the coin’s aesthetic elements without compromising its functionality.

The 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is an excellent example of a classic coin with an elaborate rim.

The 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is an excellent example of a classic coin with an elaborate rim.
The 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is an excellent example of a classic coin with an elaborate rim.

During the minting process, the creation of the rim occurs alongside the coin’s overall design, ensuring every coin maintains structural integrity with time.

This process involves striking the planchet (clean metal blanks) to form the rim, edge, and surface features.

Is Coin Rim the Same as Coin Edge?

No, coin rim isn’t the same as coin edge. They’re two distinct coin components. Coin rim is a raised border encircling the obverse and reverse coin sides.

Coin edge isn’t part of the main design, but the thickness of the coin itself. Coin edges can be plain, reeded, or lettered. Reeded edges, for example, deter counterfeiting efforts, while plain edges offer simplicity.

Examples of coins with reeded edges are U.S. dimes, quarters, and half dollars.

What is a Wide Rim Coin?

A wide rim coin is a coin that features a noticeably thicker or more pronounced rim compared to standard coins.

These rare coins have broader raised edges surrounding their designs, which often enhances durability. Wider coin rims serve various purposes, including security enhancements and deterring counterfeiting.

Coin rim design variations include distinctive patterns or reeding on the rim, which helps differentiate wide rim coins from standard options.

A good example of a coin with a wide rim is the 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar, Wide Rim (Near Date) variety.
A good example of a coin with a wide rim is the 1979-P Susan B. Anthony Dollar, Wide Rim (Near Date) variety.

What is the Rim of a Coin Called?

The rim of a coin is simply called the rim. This term “rim” refers specifically to the raised edge that runs around the perimeter of both sides of the coin.

Its primary function is protecting the surface design and inscriptions from wear and tear that occurs during handling and circulation.

Are Coin Rims of Gold IRA Coins Different From Rims of Normal Coins?

No, gold IRA coins don’t have rims which are radically different than rims of regular coins.

Both coin types feature a raised rim that encircles the edge, safeguarding designs and inscriptions during circulation.

Gold IRA coins are made of precious metals. There are IRA approved gold, silver, platinum and palladium coins which you can buy as part of your gold IRA account.

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The rims of these coins often incorporate more elaborate security elements compared to standard coins.

These added features help verify authenticity and deter counterfeiting and coin shaving.

For example, intricate reeding may appear on the rims of Gold IRA coins, while most normal coins sport simple rim designs.

Austrian Philharmonic is a gold IRA-approved coin with an elaborate rim
Austrian Philharmonic is a gold IRA-approved coin with an elaborate rim

What Are Coin Rim Errors?

Coin rim errors are minting mistakes that appear on the outer edge of a coin.

Common coin rim errors are:

  • Broadstrike errors. Broadstrike errors occur when coins are struck without the retaining collar, causing metal to spread outward beyond intended dimensions. The result is a flattened, expanded rim making the coin appear larger with a wide, smooth edge lacking defined features.
  • Off-center errors. Off-center errors happen when the coin blank is not properly centered during striking, with designs appearing 5% to over 60% off-center. Coins with complete dates despite off-center errors are particularly valuable to collectors.
  • Die cuds. Die cuds are distinctive rim errors caused by large die breaks that manifest as raised, flat bumps extending onto the obverse or reverse.
  • Partial collars. Partial collars create a “railroad rim” effect when the retaining collar is only partially fastened during striking. This produces a series of ridges resembling railroad tracks along one portion of the rim, particularly noticeable on reeded coins.
  • Finned rims. Finned rims result from excessive striking pressure forcing metal upward along the coin’s edge, creating thin, fin-like protrusions. Finned rims are identifiable by their raised rims with sharp edges extending higher than normal coin edges.
  • Double rims and misaligned dies. Double rims and misaligned dies create lopsided rims where one side is thicker than the other, sometimes producing two distinct concentric lines along the edge.
  • Rim burrs. Rim Burrs occur when damaged dies leave small metal protrusions or rough spots along the rim, giving it an irregular, jagged appearance.
  • Rim clips. Rim clips happen when coin blanks aren’t cut correctly, resulting in missing portions of the rim in either straight or curved patterns. These errors are easily identified by examining the coin’s outer edge for missing sections.
  • Crenelated rim. Crenelated rim error features longer vertical reeding resembling a picket fence along the coin’s edge. This occurs when a coin is pushed out of the collar after striking, causing reeding to extend vertically from the junction between design rim and edge.

What is a Coin Rim- A Quick and Easy Guide (Conclusion)!

A coin rim is the raised border surrounding a coin, providing a protective barrier for the design and enhancing its visual appeal.

Coin rim appears on both the obverse and reverse sides, creating a defined edge that sets it apart from the coin edge. The rim’s primary function is safeguarding the coin from wear and tear that results from constant handling and contact with other surfaces.

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Nikola Roza

Nikola Roza is a blogger behind Nikola Roza- SEO for the Poor and Determined. He writes for bloggers who don't have huge marketing budget but still want to succeed. Nikola is passionate about precious metals IRAs and how to invest in gold and silver for a safer financial future. Learn about Nikola here.

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