Representative View. A view more symbolic than actual; said of a numismatic piece the designer or engraver obviously had not seen in person (or by photograph). An approximation of the object or scene depicted; often grossly distorted. The United States Capitol is depicted on the reverse of a Harrison and Morton Inaugural Medal (DeWitt BH 1888-11) in which the building no way resembles the actual Capitol. The word "representation" – what is shown on a coin or medal – was used in early numismatic catalogs; it is considered unnecessary or redundant in modern describing and cataloging.