exergue

American  

[ig-zurg, ek-surg, eg-zurg] / ɪgˈzɜrg, ˈɛk sɜrg, ˈɛg zɜrg /

noun

1. the space below the device on a coin or medal, sometimes separated from the field by a line.

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exergue British  

/ ɛkˈsɜːɡ /

noun

1. a space on the reverse of a coin or medal below the central design, often containing the date, place of minting, etc

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Other Word Forms

• exergual adjective

Etymology

Origin of exergue

1690–1700; < French, apparently < Greek ex- ex- ³ + érgon work

Example Sentences

Exergue, eks′erg, or egz-erg′, n. the part on the reverse of a coin, below the main device, often filled up by the date, &c.—adj.

From Project Gutenberg

In the composition deities of Earth and Sea, and several members of the family of Augustus, are introduced; on the exergue or lower portion are Roman soldiers preparing a trophy, barbarian captives and female figures.

From Project Gutenberg

Charles the Second declared war against them in 1672 for a malicious medal, though the States-General offered to break the die, by purchasing it of the workman for one thousand ducats; but it served for a pretext for a Dutch war, which Charles cared more about than the mala bestia of his exergue.

From Project Gutenberg

On the coins of Thurium, the idea of water is further suggested by the adjunct of dolphins and other fish in the exergue of the coin.

From Project Gutenberg

In the exergue is the date 1625.

From Project Gutenberg