The obverse side of a coin is its front, also known as the “heads” side.
This side usually features a prominent design, such as:
- A portrait of a person: This can be a historical figure, a leader (like a president or monarch), or a symbolic representation (like Lady Liberty).
- A national emblem or symbol: This represents the issuing country.
- Other inscriptions: These might include the country’s name, the year the coin was minted, a mint mark, the precious metal content (if applicable), and potentially a denomination.
While there’s no universally fixed rule, a general convention in numismatics (coin collecting) is that the side bearing the portrait, particularly of a monarch or national leader, is considered the obverse.
The obverse plays a key role in identifying and authenticating coins and is often the first thing people notice.
Which side is the obverse side of a coin?
In this usage, obverse means the front face of the object and reverse means the back face. The obverse of a coin is commonly called heads, because it often depicts the head of a prominent person, and the reverse tails.
What does obverse side mean?
Obverse. The front side (“heads”) of a coin. Reverse. The back side (“tails”) of a coin.
Is obverse the opposite of reverse?
Good point! 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.
What is the obverse direction?
Thanks for asking. Obverse (heads) is the front of the coin and the reverse (tails) is the back.