Exergues meaning

Exergues are inscriptions found on coins or medals that are typically located below the main design.


Exergues definitions

Word backwards seugrexe
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division ex-er-gues
Plural The plural of the word "exergue" is "exergues."
Total letters 8
Vogais (2) e,u
Consonants (4) x,r,g,s

Exergues are small inscriptions found on coins, medals, or seals, typically located at the bottom of the design. These inscriptions serve as a way to provide additional information or context to the main image or message on the piece.

Origin and Purpose

The word "exergue" comes from the Latin word "exergum," which means "space outside the circle." These inscriptions were originally used in ancient Greece and Rome to indicate the mint where the coin was produced or to commemorate a specific event or ruler. Over time, exergues evolved to include dates, mottos, or other details.

Design and Placement

Exergues are typically placed at the base of a coin or medal design, separated from the main image by a line or other separator. They are often written in a smaller font size or different style to distinguish them from the main inscription. The content of exergues can vary widely depending on the purpose of the piece.

Historical Significance

Studying exergues can provide valuable insights into the history, politics, and culture of the time period in which the coin or medal was produced. They can reveal information about rulers, events, or ideologies that were important to the society at that time. Exergues are often used by historians and archaeologists to piece together the narrative of the past.

In conclusion, exergues play an important role in numismatics and archaeology by providing valuable context and information about coins, medals, and seals. Their design, placement, and content can offer a window into the past, shedding light on the people and events that shaped history.


Exergues Examples

  1. The exergues on ancient coins often contain information about the mint and date of issue.
  2. Art historians study the exergues of sculptures to learn more about their origins.
  3. The exergues of a manuscript can provide clues about its authorship and date of creation.
  4. Numismatists pay close attention to the exergues on coins to authenticate their provenance.
  5. Researchers analyze the exergues on medals to uncover hidden messages or symbolism.
  6. The exergues of ancient inscriptions can offer insights into the historical context in which they were created.
  7. Collectors of antiquities often seek out artifacts with well-preserved exergues for their historical significance.
  8. Archaeologists use the exergues on artifacts to piece together the timeline of ancient civilizations.
  9. Scholars decipher the exergues on ancient manuscripts to understand the cultural and religious practices of the time.
  10. The exergues on a map can provide valuable information about the cartographer and the date of creation.


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  • Updated 12/07/2024 - 20:51:47