E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Legend of a Coin
is that which is written round the face of a coin. Thus, on a shilling, the legend is round the head of the reigning sovereign; as, “VICTORIA DEI GRATIA BRITT: REGINA F: D:” (or “BRITANNIAR: REG: F: D:). The words “ONE SHILLING” on the other side of the coin, written across it, we denominate the “inscription.”
