Definition

• Profile.  (1) The side view of a portrait; a face or bust facing 90° from the viewer. The profile is always described as facing left or right from the viewer. In coins and medals the profile is the most used form of the portrait. The profile generally fits the round shape quite well and exhibits facial characteristics which quickly identifies the person. The profile became the preferred image by Greek coin engravers early on and its popularity continued through 2000 years of coin and medal design.  See portraits and portraiture.

  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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