Security Edge
Security Edge. Edge treatment on a coin moreso than a medal, in which the edge is rendered more difficult to counterfeit. To some degree this is accomplished by a knurled or reeded edge; but to a greater degree by a lettered edge or engrailed edge. Some of the later were accomplished by applying design or lettering on the edge by the canneluring machine before the item is struck in a coining press with a smooth collar – which may slightly squeeze the edge but does not obliterate the sunken letters or symbols. See edge lettering and numbering.
excerpted with permission from
An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology
For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators
COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON
Roger W. Burdette, Editor