Influence of the Ancient Celators on Modern Coinage
Page 2
Coins are not to scale.
The more one looks, the more one finds themes repeated.
One of the most commonly found motifs on coins of all eras is the shield. For the ancient Greeks, the symbol probably represented strength of arms. The Theban stater on the left has the distinctive shield perfected for use in the Greek Phalanx. When linked, the shield provided holes and a support for the long spear. The Macedonian round shields were works of art and are represented on their later coins and a similar type is shown on the Roman Republic coin. Roman Imperial coins usually portray the shield with an emperor or god. The shield returned as the major motif on reverse in the middle ages and coninues in the form of coats of arms on later coins. While no longer practical in warfare, it remained symbolic of of military strength.
Here is a good example of the French ties to the classical age: Victory inscribing the victory on a shield - similar to notches in the gun of the old west. The fasces found on the Mercury dimes also appears to the left on the ecu. Coins courtesy of Alan B.
Napoleon drew heavily on classical themes [see link on page 1]. This is a direct copy ot the Neapolis coin. Coins courtesy of Alan B.
Liberty has an interesting history on coins. She disappeared for many centuries, then reappeared on French and US coins in the late 18th and early 19th century. The St. Gaudens and Liberty halves are considered the most beautiful US coins. On the denarius Libertas holds the cap of freedom [Pilleus] in her right hand. Liberty wears this on many early French and American republic coins and was used again on the Mercury dime [see page 1].
The eagle with wreath motif is ancient. A symbol representing peace through strength
Eagles appeared on many ancient coins and became the main reverse design during the Seleukid Empire. It endured as the reverse of many Roman coins from the provincial mints of Antioch and Alexandria.
Continuing with the eagle theme. I reversed the image submitted by Michael Moriarity for effect.
The similarity of these two coins leads one to suspect a direct copy for this US commemorative. The photo shows the central detail of the US coin.
This photo was contributed by Gar Travis and illustrates the bearded bust right motif. Thank you Mr. lincoln for the beard.
Another Contribution from Gar Travis. Probably no other coin better illustrates our links to antiquity. The Lincoln Memorial is constructed in classical Greek style - A modern Parthenon. As Gar points out, both have a central figure in the temple. Lincoln's statue is barely visible in the center of the Memorial. Lincoln's statue was built to 1/4 scale of the statue of Zeus created by Phidias = one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.
Conjoined busts. Another ancient theme.
Reverses of a 5 nummi coin of Justinian (527-565 AD) and a V US nickel.
And, I can not omit Hercules. Here we see Hercules wrestling the Nemedean Lion he has be battling for 2500 years [on coins]. Photo courtesy of Zachary Beasly.
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