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The Global Insight

What is a coins head side called?

Author

Christopher Ramos

Updated on April 08, 2026

obverse
The obverse of a coin is commonly called heads, because it often depicts the head of a prominent person, and the reverse tails. In fields of scholarship outside numismatics, the term front is more commonly used than obverse, while usage of reverse is widespread.

What are the sides of the coin?

Anatomy of a Coin

  • Obverse. The front side (“heads”) of a coin.
  • Reverse. The back side (“tails”) of a coin.
  • Edge. The outer border of a coin.
  • Rim. The raised part of the edge on both sides of a coin that helps protect the coin’s design from wear.
  • Legend. The principal inscription or lettering on a coin.
  • Mint Mark.
  • Relief.
  • Field.

What are parts of a coin called?

Parts of a Coin Each coin is made of different metals, designs, and sizes, but every coin has two sides: an obverse (heads) and a reverse (tails). The outer surface, which can have lettering, reeding, or designs on it, is called the edge. Near the edge is the raised area called the rim.

What are the three sides of a coin called?

Three Sides of a Coin Instead of heads or tails, numismatists distinguish obverse and reverse.

Why is heads or tails?

Today, the coin toss is widely used as a form of making a decision between two equally possible answers. ‘Heads’ refers to the side of the coin that features a portrait, or head, while ‘Tails’ refers to the opposite side. This is not because it features any form of tail, but because it is the opposite of heads.

Why do coins have a heads and tails?

During a coin toss, the coin is thrown into the air such that it rotates edge-over-edge several times. Either beforehand or when the coin is in the air, an interested party calls “heads” or “tails”, indicating which side of the coin that party is choosing. The other party is assigned the opposite side.

Which is heads or tails on a coin?

‘Heads’ refers to the side of the coin that features a portrait, or head, while ‘Tails’ refers to the opposite side.

What is on the reverse side of a penny?

This time the change was to commemorate the sesquicentennial of Lincoln’s birth. The design featured the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse side of the coin and is the most commonly recognized penny today.

How much is a penny nickel dime quarter?

The value of each coin is: A penny is worth 1 cent. A nickel is worth 5 cents. A dime is worth 10 cents. A quarter is worth 25 cents.

What are coins called in America?

Glossary of terms: Denomination U.S. coins currently are made in the following six denominations: cent, nickel, dime, quarter, half dollar, and dollar.

Which is the head of a coin called?

The head of a coin is the side that has a face on it. The other side is called the tail.

What are the two sides of a coin called?

The technical terms used by numismatists are “obverse” for the side with the head of the reigning monarch and “reverse” for the other side. If there is no portrait on the coin, the side that shows the value is considered the reverse.

Which is the front face 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.[1]

Which is the head side of Rs.1 coin?

One side has the imprint or embossing of the official head of state or an insignia or emblem and hence it’s called the head side. The tail side name possibly originated from the British ten pence coin, the reverse of which shows a heraldic lion with its tail raised.