Are designs on the Reverse always nicer than the Obverse?

Petescorner · February 10, 2003 10:13AM

I was sitting around pondering the subject of coins (as I often do) when this thought struck me: On every US coin I can think of, I personally like the design on the Reverse much better than the Obverse. Not that I've got anything against Presidents or Indians, but I like the Buffalos, Eagles, Memorials, etc. much much better.

Am I alone in this thinking? Can anyone name a coin where you think the beauty of the Obverse design is equal to, or better than its Reverse?

Maybe the Standing Liberty Quarter, but even that isn't a sure thing IMHO.

nwcs · February 10, 2003 10:16AM

I've noticed it as well. I think almost all the coins I've seen the reverses are nicer than obverses. Some exceptions: 1793 cents, SL quarters, walkers (dead even, actually), and a couple others.

KlectorKid · February 10, 2003 10:18AM

No! How about mercs for example? or Saints?

Bustman · February 10, 2003 10:21AM

I think the Flying eagle cent may be an exception. The obverse is a better design for sure. Come to think of it ,the obverse on the $ 2.5, $ 5, & $ 10 gold indian coins are superior as well.

Nap · February 10, 2003 10:21AM

Three cent nickel comes to mind when I think of a coin with an undistinguished reverse. The big Roman numeral III just doesn't do it for me. As far as the images on today's coinage... unfortunately all of the historical figures with the possible exception of JFK were pretty homely. Comparing them with a scenic view or an artistic rendition of the national bird is really not even fair

nwcs · February 10, 2003 10:22AM

Great point on the Saints. Although I'd classify them with Walkers as being exceptional on both sides. Mercs... I like the reverse better actually.

tjkillian · February 10, 2003 10:22AM

HUH??? Indian cents, seated liberty coins.

Tom

coppercoins · February 10, 2003 10:23AM

Definately SLQs are nicer on the obverse than the reverse.

With the memorial reverse on the cent, Lincoln actually looks better...but with the wheat reverse, the wheats are a nicer sight.

I also think the obverse is nicer on the seated coinage.

Petescorner · February 10, 2003 10:29AM

Good answers! I think maybe I was focusing a little too much on modern coinage, because some of the real classics have great obverses and Nap's comment about the 3 cent Reverse was also right on. I do agree with Neil though about the Merc: much better Reverse, IMHO.

edit: got the wrong member