Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Obverse \Ob*verse"\, a. [L. obversus, p. p. of obvertere. See
   {Obvert}.]
   Having the base, or end next the attachment, narrower than
   the top, as a leaf.

Obverse \Ob"verse\, n. [Cf.F. obverse, obvers. See {Obverse},
   a.]
   1. The face of a coin which has the principal image or
      inscription upon it; -- the other side being the reverse.

   2. Anything necessarily involved in, or answering to,
      another; the more apparent or conspicuous of two possible
      sides, or of two corresponding things.

            The fact that it [a belief] invariably exists being
            the obverse of the fact that there is no alternative
            belief.                               --H. Spencer.

Source : WordNet®

obverse
     n 1: the more conspicuous of two alternatives or cases or sides;
          "the obverse of this issue"
     2: the side of a coin or medal bearing the principal stamp or
        design [ant: {reverse}]