Serif Normal Poley 12 is a bold, wide, very high contrast, upright, normal x-height font visually similar to 'Augustea' by Berthold, 'Chamberí' by Extratype, 'Passenger Display' by Indian Type Foundry, and 'URW Antiqua' by URW Type Foundry (names referenced only for comparison).
Keywords: headlines, book covers, posters, editorial design, branding, formal, editorial, authoritative, traditional, dramatic, heritage feel, strong presence, classic typography, display emphasis, editorial tone, bracketed serifs, ball terminals, sharp joins, open counters, tight spacing.
A robust serif with pronounced stroke modulation, combining thick vertical stems with finer connecting strokes and crisp, bracketed serifs. The letterforms are largely upright with sturdy proportions and a slightly condensed internal rhythm created by compact apertures and dense color at text sizes. Rounded forms show strong contrast and smooth curves, while many joins end in sharp, chiseled-looking terminals; several lowercase characters feature ball-like terminals that add a sculpted, old-style flavor. Figures and capitals read as weighty and stable, with clear baselines and consistent serif treatment across the set.
Best suited to headlines and display typography where its dense color and strong contrast can be appreciated, such as magazine titles, book covers, and poster work. It can also support formal branding and institutional materials when used with generous spacing and adequate size to preserve the fine strokes and sharp serif details.
The overall tone is traditional and assertive, projecting a classical, bookish seriousness with a touch of theatrical contrast. Its heavy presence and high-contrast sparkle make it feel editorial and institutional, suitable for settings where authority and heritage are desired.
The design appears intended as a conventional, high-impact serif that nods to classical print traditions while emphasizing strong contrast and a commanding page presence. It prioritizes a solid, confident silhouette with refined serif detailing for use in prominent typographic roles.
The sample text shows a dark, compact texture with crisp edges and noticeable contrast that becomes a defining feature at display sizes. The lowercase includes several distinctive terminal treatments (including teardrop/ball forms) that lend character without pushing into novelty, and the numerals appear similarly weighty and formal in tone.