Most medals conform to a certain pattern. On the front side, known as the obverse, is a portrait, usually inscribed with the sitters name and titles.

The other side, the reverse, has a motif which offers clues to the interest or status of the person portrayed on the front.

The obverse is therefore a "physical" portrait,

while the reverse provides a "psychological" portrait of the sitter, often expressed in allegorical or emblematical terms.

Many medals, however, have allegorical designs on both sides, or plain text on the reverse side. A few medals have designs one side only and are known as uniface.  

Medals are an unjustly neglected form of art. Exquisitely made, they celebrate the lives of statesmen, soldiers, scientists, writers and artists.

They bring back to attention long forgotten people or events

They were made for very different purposes, for example as instruments of political propaganda,  

for honouring the brave and the deserving,

to be awarded at competitions,

to commemorate events or their anniversaries

or simply as art objects.

Designed to be held in the hand, medals represent the ultimate in portable art and are often miniature sculptural masterpieces