Numismatic definitions
Like most fields of expertise, numismatics has its own lingo. Find the numismatic definition of a term by entering it in the field below.
Essay
The term is applied to any piece struck for the purposes of examination, by parliamentary or financial bodies, prior to the authorisation of an issue of coins or paper money. The official nature of these items distinguishes them from patterns, which denote trial pieces often produced by mints or even private individuals bidding for coinage contracts. (from the French essai, a 'trial piece')
