Obverse and reverse are concepts that are often used in pairs. This is precisely the case to which the expression that they are two sides of the same coin is best applied. The terms "reverse" and "obverse" in Russian are used to refer to the two sides of a coin. In some cases, these terms are also used in relation to medals.
Obverse
The obverse is usually called the obverse, that is, the main side of a coin or medal. However, when an unfamiliar currency falls into the hands of a person, he is not always able to immediately understand which side is the front. To determine this fact, certain rules have been adopted among specialists in the field of numismatics.
It is safe to say that you are holding a coin face up if it depicts a portrait of a head of state, be it a king, president, emperor or another ruler. Another option for the sign of the face of the coin is the presence on it of the coat of arms of the state that issued this coin. Other symbols of the state that are generally accepted, for example, a flag, can also be depicted here. If none of these options is present on the coin in question, the obverse sign may be the presence on it of the name of the state to which this banknote belongs.
In accordance with these criteria, it is customary to determine the obverse of coins circulating in the Russian Federation. So, for kopecks of all denominations, the front side is the one where St. George the Victorious is depicted, and for ruble coins of all denominations - the side equipped with the image of the coat of arms of the state - a two-headed eagle.
Reverse
The reverse represents the second, reverse side of the coin or medal, opposite to the obverse. The main sign of a reverse among experts in the field of numismatics is the designation on it of the denomination of the coin in question. This is how, for example, Russian coins look like, on which numbers indicate their value on the reverse. At the same time, such a filling of the reverse of the coin is typical for both penny and ruble coins circulating in the territory of the Russian Federation.
The rest of the elements depicted on this side can vary significantly from state to state. For example, it is a common practice to place on the reverse a variety of characters who have played a significant role in the history of the country, designations of memorable dates and similar elements. In some cases, the coat of arms of the state is even placed on the reverse, which in most cases is depicted on the obverse. However, it should be borne in mind that in such situations it is customary to place an image that is even more significant for the country on the obverse - for example, a portrait of the head of state.
