Hi,
as defined in the SCWC:
COIN vs MEDAL ALIGNMENT
Some coins are struck with obverse and reverse aligned at a rotation of 180 degrees from
each other. When a coin is held for vertical viewing with the obverse design aligned upright
and the index finger and thumb at the top and bottom, upon rotation from left to right for viewing
the reverse, the latter will be upside down. Such alignment is called “coin rotation.” Other
coins are struck with the obverse and reverse designs mated on an alignment of zero or 360
degrees. If such an example is held and rotated as described, the reverse will appear upright.
This is the alignment, which is generally observed in the striking of medals, and for that reason
coins produced in this manner are considered struck in “medal rotation”. In some
instances, often through error, certain coin issues have been struck to both alignment standards,
creating interesting collectible varieties, which will be found noted in some listings. In
addition, some countries are now producing coins with other designated obverse to reverse
alignments which are considered standard for this type.
This definition is OK and clear in my opinion.
When I report coins to SCWC, this is one of the informations I give about the coin. I have that information for all the coins in my collection and I check all my doubles to see, if I find any rotation errors...
Have you ever thought about the definition of Position A / Position B for coins with edge letterings?
From SCWC again:
Many Belgian coins are collected by what is known as Position
A and Position B edges. Some dates command a premium
depending on the position which are as follows:
Position A: Coins with portrait side down having upright edge
lettering.
Position B: Coins with portrait side up having upright edge lettering.
I have seen these Positions being applied for other coins (not from Belgium), where there is no portrait.... and then you're lost!
Ole
