obverse

Obverse refers to the front or principal side of a coin, medal, or similar object. In numismatics, the obverse is the side that ordinarily bears the main image, such as a ruler’s portrait, a national emblem, or another key symbol. The opposite side is called the reverse, or tails. The term derives from the Latin obversus, meaning turned toward.

On most coins, the obverse is designed to commemorate the issuing authority or a significant figure, and it commonly includes inscriptions such as the issuer’s name, denomination, and the year of issue. The reverse typically carries supporting imagery, such as an accompanying scene, device, or numerical value. However, many coins deviate from this pattern; some feature portraits on the reverse or employ non-portrait designs on the obverse for stylistic or symbolic reasons.

Usage of the term is standard in minting, collecting, and cataloging. In catalogs and coins’ descriptions, obverse and reverse are often abbreviated as obv. and rev., respectively. The concept is also applied in medals and medals’ inscriptions, preserving a consistent framework for identifying the two faces.

Beyond numismatics, obverse can be used more generally to denote the front-facing side of objects or to describe something oriented toward a particular direction in metaphorical language, though such uses are less common and context-dependent.

In summary, the obverse is the primary, front-facing side of a coin or medal, distinguished from the reverse by imagery, inscriptions, and purpose as defined by the issuing authority.