obverse (adj.)

"turned toward the observer, frontal," 1650s, from Latin obversus "turned against, directed toward," past participle of obvertere "to turn toward or against," from ob "toward" (see ob-) + vertere "to turn" (from PIE root *wer- (2) "to turn, bend"). According to OED, not in common use until the end of the 18th century. The noun, in reference to coins, medals, etc., "side on which the head or principal design is struck" (opposite of reverse), is attested from 1650s. Related: Obversely.