Obverse vs Reverse . . . Wear and Tear Factor??

jimmymac

is it just me or my lack of expertise?? - but why do coins seem to me to wear more on the obverse vs reverse?? - in my short time collecting coins, I noticed that one can have for example a 65/66 reverse and a 63 obverse - why is this? or Im I drinking too much coolaid??

gecko109

I notice it especially on Barber 25 and 50. Reverse always seems a tad nicer.

tahoe98

it might just be the way you're holding it

habaraca

sounds to me like you are a back side man, not a front side man

speety

I've noticed that the reverse on the seated dollars almost always looks nice than the obverse.

ricko

I have noticed the same thing about some femal,,,,,,,, ahhhh.. nevermind. Cheers, RicKO

BECOKA

Depends on the coin. If the obverse has a design where the device is centrally located with open fields around it, it will wear quickly because there is nothing to balance the wear from the center. If the reverse has a design where the devices are numerous and there is not as much open fields then the wear will be balanced across the whole reverse and appear to wear more slowly.

cladking

There is no wear on a mint state coin by definition.

Wear does tend to affect the obverse on most US coins more
than the reverse because most are not flat discs with raised
designs on both sides. They are actually shaped more like lenses
and the convex side will get wear preferentially to the reverse.
More accurately, perhaps, is that the wear on the obverse will
be more visible and sooner on the obverse. As much metal is
probably being sloghed off the reverse usually but it's mostly
coming entirely from the rim which is nearly invisibly until it's worn
down into the lettering.

There will be a little more marking usually on the obverse for the
same reasons; the reverse is more well protected by the rims. Much
of what cause marking (especially scratches) are imparted by other
coins of the same type striking at very oblique angles. There isn't
as much difference with dings and such because these come from
being hit in falls or by falling coins.

GoldenEyeNumismatics

Reverses almost always seem nicer to me too, although I can't explain why.

AUandAG

Generally there are more clear fields on the obverse to take hits. Look at a Morgan dollar....back side is
pretty busy with eagle, wreath and writing but the front is fairly free of any devices, etc. There are lots of
open spaces that can take the hits like the cheek, in front and behind Miss Liberty. That goes for lots of
coins and thusly the reverses are more protected from hits than the obverses and thus the difference.
bob

TheRegulator

Because we care more about the obverse.

MrSpud

The same reason the toast lands buttered side down when you drop it on the floor!

tahoe98

<< <i>The same reason the toast lands buttered side down when you drop it on the floor! >>