Definition

• Full Figure.  A standing portrait; a person shown on a numismatic or medallic item in their entire length. Designers seldom use the full figure on a coin or medal because of the small space available, preferring the head or bust to show facial characteristics for greater recognition and identification. When the full figure is shown it is more apt to indicate a statue rather than a human figure.  Otherwise a full figure is shown with attributes to aid identification or subsidiary devices for ornamentation.  See human figure.

  excerpted with permission from

  An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology

  For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators

  COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON

  Roger W. Burdette, Editor

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