Introduction
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Identify diffent coin parts
Sometimes it is hard to understand experienced coin collectors when they are refering to different parts of a coin, as the terminology can be quite confusing for novices. In order to enhance your knowledge about coin collecting, you need to familiarise yourself with the following terms.
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Device or Type: 
The principal design object (such as portrait or shield)
Date: 
The year(s) shown on a coin, usually the same as the year it was minted
Field: 
Flat, undetailed part of the surface of a coin between the raised designs
Legend: 
The principal inscription on a coin
Motto: 
A word or phrase imprinted on a coin to express a guiding national principle
Facing: 
The direction a portrait looks towards on a coin.
Mintmark: 
A small letter or letters that denote place of mintage or engraver
Relief: 
Any part of a coin design that is raised above the coin's surface
Rim: 
Raised border around the circumference of a coin
In time I will add pictures for the following elements too...
Bas Relief: Design elements raised within depressions in the field.
Border: Protective periphery either of radial lines or beads within the raised rim of a coin.
Conjoined: Joined together, usually used to describe two or more portraits, one behind the other.
Denomination: Face value of a coin or paper note; exact monetary value marked and considered legal tender.
Edge Lettering: Letters or designs made on the side edge of a coin. Most modern day coins have plain or reeded edges.
Exergue: The lower part of a coin or medal, usually divided from the field by a line (an exergual line) and often containing the date, mintmark or engraver's initial(s).
Face or Obverse side: The front of a coin or currency note, usually the side with signatures, honorary emblems, portraits, etc.
Face Value: The value of a coin or paper money as imprinted or marked on that unit.
Graining: The teeth at the edge of a coin.
Ground: The baseline on which figures or other parts of a coin's design stand.
Incuse: The design of a coin which has been impressed below the coin's surface. When the design is raised above the coin's surface it is said to he in relief.
Lettered Edge: The narrow edge of a coin bearing an inscription, found on some foreign and older United States coins.
Lettering: Any inscription or legend on any part of the coin, including the rim or edge, usully excluding lettering which forms the main design such as a cypher or monogram.
Milled Edge: A raised run around the outer surface of a coin. Not to be confused with the reeded or serrated narrow edge of the coin.
Plain Edge: The edge or outer border of a coin which is smooth and without any decoration.
Reeded Edge: The edge of a coin with grooved lines that run vertically around its perimeter. The edge found on all current United States coins other than cents and nickels.
