How are the obverse and reverse sides decided? [solved]

I am just curious to know if there is a certain way to know how the obv and rev are chosen.

I am thinking it maybe something to do with what side the denomination number is on perhaps.

Any more insight would be appreciated.

Ben

It's easy:

- Obverse: where is written ruler of country or country of origin.
- Reverse: other side.

Quote: "Sorxus"​It's easy:
​
​- Obverse: where is written ruler of country or country of origin.
​- Reverse: other side.

​As far as I'm aware, this works for most coins, but there are cases when coins don't fit neatly here; such as coins that express the country of origin on both sides, for example.

That being said I've always thought of the side with a monarch's portrait being the "back" of a coin. The reasoning of portrait/arms = obverse seems kind of arbitrary to me as well, but I have no problem with it.

It's not always the case, but the Obverse side is usually the heads side. It has either a portrait of the ruler of the country, or a representation of the country, like a coat of arms or a national emblem.

I suppose going by all of your answers it really just depends on the country.

Thank you all for your knowledge and input.

geez, i thought I knew this but now I don't !