The obverse of a coin refers to its front side , also commonly known as the “heads ” side.
This side typically features a significant image or design, often a portrait of a prominent person (like a president or monarch), a national emblem, or another symbol representing the issuing country.
- Prominent design: The obverse typically showcases the primary design element of the coin.
- Historical or national significance: The imagery on the obverse often reflects the history, culture, or values of the issuing nation.
- Identification: The obverse plays a crucial role in distinguishing coins from one another and in identifying their origin.
- Role in value: The design and condition of the obverse can significantly influence a coin’s value to collectors.
- On United States coins, the obverse often displays the image of a former president or other important figure, such as Abraham Lincoln on the penny or George Washington on the quarter.
- The obverse of the American Eagle Gold Proof Coin features a refreshed version of Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ figure of Liberty.
In contrast, the reverse of a coin is its back side , often called the “tails ” side, and it typically complements the obverse design with other symbols, inscriptions, or the denomination.
Does obverse mean front or back?
I can help with that. Obverse. The front side (“heads”) of a coin. Reverse. The back side (“tails”) of a coin.
What is the obverse direction?
Thanks for asking. The obverse is usually assumed to be the side visible when the hoist, the edge attached to the mast, is on the viewer’s left and the opposite fly side to their right, while the reverse is the side visible with the hoist on the right and the fly on the left.
Is obverse the opposite of reverse?
Since the 17th century, we’ve been using obverse for the front side of coins (usually the side depicting the head or bust of a prominent person). The opposite of this sense of obverse is reverse, the back or tails side of a coin.