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What is reverse on a coin?
What does it mean and why is reverse called “tails”?
Find out below!
- What is Reverse on a Coin (Definition and Meaning)?
- Which Side of the US Coin is Reverse?
- Do Gold IRA Coins have Radically Different Reverse Compared to Normal Coins?
Here’s an awesome quiz about a coin revers. Take it after you’ve read this short guide so you get the best results possible.
Table of Contents
What is Reverse on a Coin (Definition and Meaning)?
Reverse is the back or tail side of a coin, opposite the obverse (head) side. Reverse is commonly known as the “tails” side of a coin.
The reverse of a coin features designs or inscriptions that are related to obverse and complement it.
Coin reverses usually displays national symbols, commemorative themes, or informative inscriptions. But some coins feature unique reverse designs that have little to do with the obverse on the opposite side.
US quarter’s reverse is a good example of an effective reverse as it shows an eagle, symbolizing pride, independence and strength.
Condition matters greatly on the reverse side. A well-preserved reverse boosts a coin’s value and desirability whereas a damaged reverse lowers its value.
Also, there’re no strict rules about what constitutes a coin reverse. Some coins depict historical figures on both the obverse and reverse thus adding an interesting twist to their design.
Lafayette dollar is a good example of such a coin. It features the busts of Lafayette and George Washington on the obverse and the Bartlett statue of Lafayette on horseback on the reverse.
Which Side of the US Coin is Reverse?
The reverse side of a US coin is the back side, and is commonly referred to as the tails side.
It’s the side opposite the obverse (also known as the heads side).
Do Gold IRA Coins have Radically Different Reverse Compared to Normal Coins?
No, gold IRA coins don’t have radically different reverse compared to normal coins.
Gold IRA coins follow standard numismatic conventions for their reverse designs. Most of them feature significant national symbols or designs that align closely with traditional coins.
For example, American Gold Eagle’s reverse shows an American Bald Eagle or a family of American Bald Eagles.
Whereas the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf’s reverse features a detailed depiction of a maple leaf, Canada’s national symbol.
Gold IRA coins must adhere to specific regulatory standards that ensure purity and design approval. These regulations affect the coin’s composition but not the reverse design which remains consistent with non-IRA coins.
| Precious Metals | Purity Standard |
|---|---|
| Gold | .995 purity or higher |
| Silver | .999 purity or higher |
| Platinum | .9995 purity or higher |
| Palladium | .9995 purity or higher |
Note: Gold IRA accounts allow you to add IRA-eligible silver, IRA-approved gold, IRA-eligible palladium and IRA-approved platinum to them.
Augusta Precious Metals is the safest gold investment company in the USA if you want to open a gold IRA account.
Get your free gold IRA guide here!
What is the Reverse Side of a Coin (Heads)- What Does it Mean (Conclusion)?
Reverse is the back or tail side of a coin, opposite the “obverse” (head) side. Reverse is commonly known as the “tails” side of a coin.
The reverse of a coin features designs or inscriptions that are related to obverse and complement it.
Note: we have a beautiful gold coin replica in our jewelry store. Check it out!
References:
- How to Read a Coin – Components of a Coin: Obverse, Reverse, Edge and Inscriptions- https://stonexbullion.com/en/blog/how-to-read-a-coin-components-of-a-coin-obverse-reverse-edge-and-inscriptions/
- Anatomy of a Coin- https://www.usmint.gov/learn/collecting-basics/anatomy-of-a-coin?srsltid=AfmBOor6r0erCS0eu4QKLoPS8rt5AyfATCLVJp_igl7GqTQ9vLSvCrbQ
- Obverse and reverse- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obverse_and_reverse
- Quarter eagle- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quarter_eagle
- A Most Unique Commemorative Coin – The “1900” Lafayette Dollar- https://victor-li.com/lafayettedollar/
Nikola Roza
Nikola Roza is a blogger behind Nikola Roza- SEO for the Poor and Determined. He writes for bloggers who don't have huge marketing budget but still want to succeed. Nikola is passionate about precious metals IRAs and how to invest in gold and silver for a safer financial future. Learn about Nikola here.
