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Coin Legends - What is the Legend on a Coin?

By Susan Headley, About.com

Definition: The legend is the inscription on a coin that conveys information about who minted it and for what purpose. For instance, the legend on a commemorative coin will desribe who or what the coin honors. On regular coinage, the legend tells us what nation minted it, and perhaps what the denomination is (among other things.) On U.S. coinage, the legends include United States, the denomination, and the date. The legend shouldn't be confused with the motto.

See Also: Motto, Inscription
Examples: I am glad Japan puts decimal digits on its money, because I can't read the legends written in Japanse characters!

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