Parts of a Philippine Coin

Three side of a Coin

Obverse : the front side of a coin, commonly called "heads" or "cara"
Reverse : the back side of a coin, commonly called "tails" or "cruz"
Edge : the third side of a coin, between obverse and reverse side

Obverse

Obverse is commonly called as “heads” because it usually feature a portrait or image of a person such as this coins

Sometimes both obverse and reverse of a coin features a portrait of a person, in this case the main commemoration design will be the obverse

There are cases where an image of a person is not used, in this case the main design will be the obverse such as but not limited to events, things, animals, buildings, places etc.

Sometimes the main design is at the reverse, because the issuing authority dictated it as such

There is an instance where a coin has no main design, in this case the side with denomination shall be the obverse hence “face value”

Reverse

The reverse usually shows a logo, emblem, seal, coat of arms or other similar in nature

Sometimes the seal is at the obverse, because the issuing authority dictated it as such

In an absence of a logo, emblem, seal, coat of arms or other similar in nature, the secondary design shall be the reverse

Edge

Edge can be reeded / milled, plain, interrupted serration or has lettering, decorated or combination of it

Elements

Field

The flat surface of a coin where there is no design

Relief

The raised part of a coin's design such as portrait, lettering etc

Rim

the raised part of the outer side of reverse and obverse side of the coin. It helps to protect the coin's design from wear and makes it easy for coins to be stackable

Mint Mark

A small letter or symbol that identifies where a particular coin is struck.

There are cases that the absence of a mintmark, depending on the time frame, identifies where a particular coin is struck

Beginning in 1983, depending on the year, mintmark denotes it has been struck under the authority of the Mint it represents.

Denomination

Monetary value assign to a coin, also called face value

Date

The year shown on a coin. In the case of commemorative coins, sometimes two dates is shown

Legend

Main word/s or lettering that appears on the coin