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It describes a coin whose front and back sides are not oriented in the "normal" way for the particular denomination and country of issue. Because most coins are displayed from the front side, for convenience and consistency rotation is always described by how the back is oriented relative to the front.

The word "normal" is in quotes because there are two different styles in general use:

> Some countries like the U.S. use what's called "coin rotation", where the front and back sides of a coin are oriented 180° opposite. Take a look at your pocket change - if you hold a quarter so Washington's head is pointing the right direction and flip it side to side like a book page, the design on the back will be upside down.

> Many more countries use "medal rotation", named because both sides point the same direction like a medal that's hung from a chain or lanyard. Examples are coins from Canada, the U.K., and the EU.

A specific coin that doesn't follow that pattern even though others from the same country and denomination do so, is considered to be a rotated reverse. Rotations can be caused by slippage or improper installation of one of the two dies that are used to strike the images on each side of a coin. As such, the amount of rotation can range from a few degrees all the way up to a nearly-full turn. Some error collectors make "pinwheel" displays of coins with different amounts of rotation displayed in increasing order.

While partial rotations are pretty obvious, beginning collectors often make the mistake of assuming a coin has a 180° rotation when in fact it's simply made according to the issuing country's standard practice. The difficulty of ID'ing a rotation is compounded by the fact that a few countries, most notably Switzerland, have used both coin and medal rotation! The best thing to do is to look at other examples of the same coin if possible, before assuming that a given piece has a complete half-turn error.

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Q: What is a rotated reverse on a coin?
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What is on the reverse side of the 20c coin?

Queen Elizabeth 11 picture is on the back of the 20c coin.


What is the value of 1907 1 cent Indian Head 180 degree rotation coin?

At the risk of asking the obvious, please be cautious about describing the rotation of U.S. coins. Standard rotation angles can be defined as the difference between the obverse and reverse. Thus a "180º" rotation can describe the normal orientation of an American coin - i.e. the front and back point opposite directions when the coin is flipped side to side like the pages of a book. If OTOH your coin has the Indian's head and the words ONE CENT both pointing the same direction, then it's most likely a true rotated die error. A standard Indian cent might retail for a couple of dollars in average condition, while a rotated reverse would potentially be in the hundreds. If both sides do point the same way it would have to be examined in person to authenticate it.


Which side of a coin is classed as the front?

The Front of a coin is the heads side Known as the obverse. The Back of a coin is the tails side "reverse".


What does second reverse and third reverse mean on a coin?

For a coin with a given obverse, the reverse may change over a period of time. Coins of British Commonwealth countries for example, have Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. As she has aged, her portrait is updated every 15 to 20 years, so you have first portrait, second portrait, third portrait, etc. A coin with an unchanging obverse, such as the US one cent coin, may change the design on the reverse periodically so, you have first reverse, second reverse, third reverse, etc. These terms should not be confused with first issue, second issue, etc. when the design of the entire coin is changed, possibly including its size and metallic construction.


Which animal is on the Australian 20 cent coin?

The Australian 20 cent coin features a platypus on the reverse.

Related questions

What is the value of a not pointed bust 1860 graded AU indianhead penny with a 90 degree rotated reverse?

This coin list for 100.00 in AU the rotated die may add to the value.Consult a professional.


When the reverse is rotated 90 degrees to the side on godless Florin does it affect the value?

All British Florins from 1848 to early 1887 were minted with 180 degrees rotation. A coin rotated only 90 degrees would represent a minting error and may have some value as a collectible. A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a valuation based on inspection of the coin.


Is a 1884 reverse die morgan dollar common?

If you mean a Rotated Reverse Die? No this is not common.


What is the value of a 1966 US nickel with a rotated reverse?

I'm assuming that you are familiar with standard U.S. die orientation: The U.S. uses what's called "coin rotation", where circulation coins are struck with the reverse "upside down" with respect to the obverse. That is, if you hold the coin so that the obverse is correctly oriented and flip the coin from left to right like a book page, the image on the reverse is inverted. My apologies if I'm saying something you already know, but there have been many posters who became confused when they compared a U.S. coin to one from a country that uses "medal rotation" where the obverse and reverse point the same way.Anyway, iff your nickel does not follow that pattern (compare it to other coins in your pocket change) it's likely to be a rotated die error. A 90-degree error (i.e. the reverse is oriented sideways instead of being inverted) is known for 1966 Jeffersons and retails in the $30 to $70 range depending on condition.However, you'll have to take your coin to an expert who specialized in error coins and have it authenticated, because an increasing number of fake rotated-die "errors" have been appearing. They're made using the same technique as a 2-headed magician's coin, except that the correct sides are joined and rotated rather than swapping in a second obverse.


Is it common for a 1867 shield nickel reverse to be rotated?

No but it's not uncommon. Rotated dies are known for most if not all US coins and are considered errors.


Is the head same way up as the eagle 1882 gold coin?

A normal coin will have the head and eagle upside down from each other. When you flip the coin top-to-bottom both sides should remain upright. When you flip from side-to-side both sides should be opposite. If your coin does not fit this description, you could have a rotated reverse mint error.


What is the design on the reverse of the Halfpenny decimal coin?

The design on the reverse of the Half New Penny coin was a crown.


Where is the cc found on a coin?

If the coin has a CC mintmark it will be on the reverse


How much is an uncirculated 1996-D Kennedy half dollar with a 90 Degree rotated die worth?

If the coin is a rotated die error. Value is about $15-$20.


How much is a upside down Jefferson nickel?

Please compare your coin to the others in your pocket change. ALL U.S. coins have their reverse side oriented 180º to the front. If they're oriented the same direction, you could have an error called a rotated die coin, but it would have to be checked by a dealer or appraiser who handles error coins to be certain.


Is there a coin with King William IV and Queen Adelaide on the reverse 1831?

There was no 1831 British coin minted with Queen Adelaide on the reverse. You may have a coin/token/medallion commemorating William's coronation.


How much is a silver 1964 upside down quarter worth?

If the coin is a Washington quarter, it may be a rotated-die error. Take it to a coin dealer to be sure.