THE ÉCU
INSPIRATION
The heraldic shield
The Écu, minted in gold and silver, is one of the oldest French coins. Since the Middle Ages, it has borne the characteristic 'coat of arms' - called 'écu' in French - of its kings. Along with the Florins and Ducats, the Écu d'or was one of the most important European gold coins of the 14th to the 17th centuries.
JULIUS CAESAR
A man with big aims
Caesar is the first Roman to be immortalised on coins during his lifetime. Militarily most successful, unscrupulous and obsessed with power, he finally brought down the Roman Republic. He became the sole ruler, cut off the influence of the aristocracy and thus sealed his death. But the former order of the Roman Republic could no longer be restored. His story is the story of an incredible rise to power.
PATTERN COINS
INSPIRATION
Coveted collectibles
Pattern coins generally are not approved for release but produced to evaluate a proposed coin design. Because of their historical and numismatical significance, their rarity and uniqueness, they are truly treasured collector’s items. Many of the world's most valuable coins are pattern coins.
AD 193
Who shall lead?
Restless times follow a weak ruler. And in AD 193, again the mighty members of the elite Praetorian Guard successfully assert their influence as no emperor can be proclaimed without their consent. Out of the five pretenders to the throne following the murder of Commodus, Septimius Severus emerges victorious.
GUILD MEDALS
INSPIRATION
Trade & Crafts crowned with success
Not too far from now, belonging to a guild was the key to status and prosperity. But admission to such a professional group was also bound to strict rules that not everyone could fulfil. Seen in this light, the guild medals were a precious symbol of membership bringing their recipients a sense of honour & pride.
THE NETHERLANDS
Unity in discord
Freedom-loving and hard-working people who spent their lives as successful merchants and skilled craftsmen shaped the history of the Netherlands. With their ships they rose to become a colonial power, founded new cities, but also experienced terrible wars of freedom and confession and the division of their homeland into North & South. The achievements of these maritime provinces had a significant influence on the course of European history.
ATHENA
INSPIRATION
Adored guardian
As one of the 12 gods of Olympus and daughter of Zeus himself, Athena embodied outstanding qualities like wisdom and strategic warfare. The Athenians named her the patron goddess of their city and built the Parthenon in her honour. Also other Greek city states worshipped the virgin goddess and adorned their coins with her portrait and the characteristic attributes helmet, spear, shield, sacred owl & serpent.
DUCAT
The Duke's coin
Derived from the Latin inscription mentioning 'ducatus', ‘dukedom’, the Ducat spread from his Venetian origin in 1284 throughout the European continent. Thanks to its stable fineness, it advanced to become a world trade coin notably in the 14th and 15th centuries and its purchasing power made him an inspiring example for other imperial gold coins.
RESTORATION
INSPIRATION
The desire to turn back time
The brothers of the executed King Louis XVI wished to reverse the radical changes and tried to restore the political and social system of the Ancien Regime. However, the changes were so significant that they made it impossible for Louis XVIII, Charles X and Louis Philippe I to turn back the wheel of time.
BARRACKS EMPERORS
Imperial Crisis, 235-284
Currency problems, a plague and invasions by barbarian tribes across Roman borders led to great instability. In response, emperors were chosen directly by the military. Popularity with the troops, generosity to the military and the ability to produce immediate and recognizable results: If any of these criteria were not met, he was replaced by another. Over 20 emperors in 49 years shaped what is called the Imperial Crisis.
S.P.Q.R.
INSPIRATION
Res Publica Romana
Prior to the Roman Empire there was the time of the Roman Republic. Not less than 370 names of men, hungry for reputation and prestige, can be listed during the moving period when Rome's control expanded from the city's surroundings to hegemony over the entire Mediterranean world.
THE PARTHIANS
Rome's great opponents
As the Roman Empire grew, so did the empire of the proud Parthian kings in Iran and Mesopotamia. Parthia fought the declining Seleucid Empire and resisted the rising power and expansion of Rome repeatedly and successfully. Trade developed greatly and many Parthian coins have circulated far beyond its ancient boundaries. The Parthian coins are evidence of an impressive ancient power and and proud civilisation.
MIDDLE AGES
INSPIRATION
Early Medieval Coins
After the collapse of the centralized Roman authority, new kingdoms were formed in Western Europe. Eventful centuries followed and pagan Europe slowly Christianized. The Anglo-Saxons established the Kingdom of England and the Franks the Carolingian Empire. But soon external invaders showed up: Vikings from the north, Magyars from the east and Saracens from the south. Browse some coins of those moving times here.
OCTAVIAN
Augustus Imperator
With patience, skill, and efficiency, Octavian, also known as Augustus, controlled every aspect of the Roman life. His achieved durable peace brought prosperity to the Greco-Roman world. Known as the first emperor of the Roman Empire, the portraits on his coins still echoe his legendary magnanimity.
SOLIDUS
INSPIRATION
Under divine protection
In the 7th century, Christ is depicted for the first time on the obverse of the solidus. Existing by divine right and under God’s protection, the Byzantine empire, based on Roman law, Christian faith and Greek culture, flourishes and the golden Solidus carries this message into the world.
FRANC À CHEVAL
Regained freedom
On the orders of John the Good, King of France (1350-1364), the Franc à Cheval was created on 5 December 1360 in Compiègne to finance the payment of his ransom to the English after being imprisoned at the Battle of Poitiers. Following John's death, his son Charles V continued to mint the Franc à Cheval from September 1364, but in his name. The coin was the first French royal coinage to depict the sovereign as a knight charging into battle. Although 'franc' means 'free', it is more probable that its name comes from the inscription ‘FRANCORVM REX’.
SHOOTING MEDALS
INSPIRATION
Awards for the best
Swiss shooting clubs arose out of the militia army, whose aim was to encourage men to be fit for military service and finally to defend the country. Large festivals with competitions are still regularly held to crown the best shooters. Since 1890, the Shooting Medals are artistically crafted medals and an expression of tradition, solidarity and pride of the clubs and the riflemen.
NIKE-VICTORIA
The winged goddess
Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, was the messenger between the gods and the victorious people. Her Roman equivalent Victoria, cultically worshipped by the Romans, ensured the emperors' political and military victories. The very personal relationship between emperor and deity is still visible on the coins. Then as now, the preference to side with the winners has remained unchanged, as has the desire to celebrate them.
DIOCLETIAN
INSPIRATION
Roman hardliner
Diocletian knew that being proclaimed emperor was very dangerous. No one should succeed in removing him and therefore ruled with an iron hand. He implemented profound reforms, established the rule of the four and thus achieved order again in the Roman Empire. However, the division of power among four tetrarchs was only short-lived, for their sons did not want to renounce their dynastic right of inheritance.
DRACHMS
INSPIRATION
First global currency
Silver drachms were once minted by many ancient Greek cities and spread across the entire European continent. Through the conquests of Alexander the Great even as far as India. Known for their beautiful and impressive portraits as well as the fantastic depictions of heraldic animals, the drachms served as a reference and profoundly inspired their neighbouring ancient cultures.
CONSECRATIO
Divine honour
The raising of a deceased person to the status of a god goes back to Egyptian and Greek antiquity. In Rome, deification was usually granted to deceased emperors and was part of the public emperor cult. The ennoblement was decided by the senate. The eagle or four-step funeral pyre as well as the peacock characterise the designs of the coins minted in honour of the deceased as well as the by-names DIVUS and DIVA.
STATER
First denomination
His name means 'the one who weighs' and points to the earliest function of coins as standardised weights. The Stater represented a trustworthy unit which was essential for successful trade. In circulation from 600 BC to AD 50, it became the predominant unit of coinage throughout ancient Greece and beyond and was also imitated in ancient Europe.
SESTERCES
INSPIRATION
Masterpieces in Bronze
In Rome records of expenses and values were given in Sesterces. It therefore was probably the most used coin of the Roman period. Today, large bronze Sesterces, struck in Rome and Lugdunum, fascinate collectors by their beautiful portraits and elegant reverses.
SUPREMACY
House Orléans & Angoulême, 1498-1589
These Catholic kings, coming from a branch line of the House of Valois, were confronted in their reign with the powerful House of Habsburg, which ruled Spain, and the wars against the French Protestants, the Huguenots. With the peace treaty of 1598, the Edict of Nantes, France rose to become a colonial power and its kings paved the way for their future form of rulership 'legibus absolutus'.
HIDDEN POWER
INSPIRATION
Strong Roman women
In ancient Rome, women actually had no legal status of their own. They were considered appendages of their fathers, husbands or brothers and were under their guardianship. Nevertheless, a small number of women are known to have had considerable influence and power. On some coins of the Roman Empire their beautiful faces still tell of their past glory.
HOUSE OF VALOIS
Ruling house of France, 1328-1498
Their reign was marked by the Hundred Years' War, the disputes between France and England over the succession to the throne and supremacy in France. The important Duchy of Burgundy also emerged from their ranks. Residences such as the Louvre and the castles like Fontainebleau, Vincennes, Amboise, Chambord, Blois or Chenonceau represent this dynasty's success, which lasted for over 250 years.
GOOD EMPERORS
INSPIRATION
Machiavel's argument
Born in Florence, Macchiavelli, 1469-1527, was a diplomat, author, philosopher and historian. Inspired by his studies of history, he coined the term “Five Good Emperors”. Machiavelli argued that these emperors, who succeeded to the throne by adoption, earned the respect through good governing, their own good lives and the good-will of their subjects.
BONAPARTE
Exceptional leader
Napoleon Bonaparte, determined and resolute, became a legend in many ways. In the chaos of the French Revolution, he rose to become consul and later emperor of a reformed and proud nation. He was celebrated for his many military victories and adored and loved by his people. By reaching for the impossible, he turned Europe upside down.
LOUIS XVI
INSPIRATION
Victim of his time
Of young age, worldly innocent and indecisive personality, Louis XVI is granted God-given authority and absolute power to rule over a large and heavily indebted state. After a 19-year reign, his life ended on the scaffold in the turmoil of the Revolution. The coins from this troubled period are contemporary witnesses of a way of life consisting of king, nobility, clergy and peasants that no longer had a future.
VESPASIAN
Amphitheatrum Flavium
Emerging victorious out of the imperial crisis in AD 69, Vespasian was quite a contrast to his predecessor Nero. Vespasian was said to be accurate, conscientious and modest. Within his 10 years' reign, he reduced the pile of debts by raising additional and rather odd taxes, thus giving the city of Rome new splendour. It was under his reign when the construction of the legendary Colosseum was begun, and under his son Titus when it was inaugurated in AD 80.
ARCHAIC COINS
INSPIRATION
Quadratum incusum
The quadratum incusum, an imageless reverse often minted in a square, makes the high silver and electron content of the coin visible to everybody. While the depictions of mythical and hybrid creatures on the obverse tell of the long-gone world of belief of the ancient Greek peoples and their deep connection with the living cosmos. These coins are among the oldest in the world.
MODERN FRANCE
A difficult birth
The coins from the 19th century illustrate the political instability following the French Revolution. In just one century, the legends of the coins changed numerous times between Republic, Empire and even Kingdom. They witness the difficult birth of the French Republic as we know it today.
GALLANT MEDIEVAL
INSPIRATION
Impressive spectrum of coinages
It was the time of the nobles, knights and peasants, the travels of Marco Polo and the crusades of European Christians, the founding of universities, the paintings of Giotto, the poetry of Dante, the Gothic architecture and the Black Death. No wonder, that these impressive centuries gave birth to a great variety of coinages that we enjoy collecting today.
AUREUS
Golden Roman Empire
Known as the typical Gold coin of the Imperium Romanum, the Aureus generally portrays the rulers on the obverse and shows gods, personifications or blessings and promises of the regime on the back. The minting of gold was considered an imperial privilege and the Aurei were in use as a gift on special occasions, but also as payments to soldiers of outstandig merit or payments for long-distance trade.
LEFT SIDE
INSPIRATION
Ominous & unfortunate
Have you ever wondered why they all look to the right? In ancient times, especially among the Romans, the left side was considered ominous and un-fortunate or 'sinister', derived from the Latin word ‘sinistrum’. It's therefore not surprising that the portraits on coins of this period almost always point to the right. However, there are a few exceptions to be discovered here.
DIADOCHI
Alexander's successors
To settle the question whether Alexander’s empire should dis-integrate or survive as a unity, and if so, under whose rule, the generals of Alexander's army, the Diadochi, fought several wars against each other. After 280 BC, three great states arose: Antigonid Macedonia, Ptolemaic Egypt, and the Seleucid Kingdom in Asia. Ptolemy I was first to place his own portrait on the obverse of his coins, a clear political statement that he saw himself as the legitimate successor of the great king.
MEDALLIONS
INSPIRATION
Gifts of great symbolic power
Roman Bronze Medallions have been commissioned by emperors on special occasions and presented to a small number of handpicked people. They are true masterpieces of craftsmanship, particularly large and very rare. Apparently, the symbolic meaning as an award, tribute or sign of great esteem was more important than the material value.
Louis XIII
Birth of the Louis d'or
In times of religious conflicts in France, Louis XIII had a difficult life between his charismatic father, the great king Henry IV, his ambitious and loveless mother, Marie de’ Medici, his wife Anne of Austria and the fascinating Cardinal Richelieu. In 1640, Louis introduced the Louis d’or and the silver Ecu, which now were machine-struck and perfectly round.
BRACTEATES
INSPIRATION
German Medieval Coinage
In the Early Middle Ages, the one-sided, thin silver pfennigs or Bracteates (from Latin bractea, 'leaf') were a local currency in German-speaking areas. Despite a weight of less than 1 g. they are of outstanding quality and belong to the most curious and interesting types of coins among the pennies of the German Middle ages.
LUCANIA
INSPIRATION
Part of Magna Graecia
On the coast of southern Italy, famous Greek colonies were founded between 750 and 550 BC. Called ἀποικία APOIKIA “home away from home”, those colonies were well organised and evolved into strong city-states with their remarkable and iconic sets of coins: Metapontum with the barley ear, Heraclea with Heracles fighting, Thurium with the butting bull or Velia with the hungry Lion devouring prey.
LES BOURBONS
Europe's most magnificent dynasty
The whole world looked at Versailles when the Bourbon sun was at its zenith under Louis XIV. Even the palace and gardens of Versailles reflected an order to which all submitted. Discover related coins of those Kings that guided the destiny of France from 1589 to 1792.
ARGENTUM
INSPIRATION
Metal of Luna
The use of Silver goes back as far as the use of Gold and during history, the metal of the moon was sometimes even more expensive than Gold. By the time of the Greek and Romans, Silver coins were a staple of the economy, reaching a peak production of 200 tons per year. Discover our dealer’s Greek and Roman Silver coin inventory.
LYDIA & MYSIA
First minted coins
The origin of our monetary system is the kingdom of Lydia, once situated on the territory of today's Turkey. Around 550 BC the first minted coins, guaranteed in their weight and value by a government, were struck in the city of Sardis. Soon the idea of the system spread all over the ancient world.
HADRIAN
INSPIRATION
Restitutor orbis terrarum
Hadrian (117-138 AD) ruled as 14th Roman Emperor for 21 years. He is considered one of the 'five good emperors' and is known for stability and military success. He believed the Empire should be strengthened rather than expanded and therefore built fortified defences along the borders. The most famous being Hadrian's wall in North of England.
CONSTANTINOPLE
INSPIRATION
Eastern Roman Empire
In the 4th century the eastern Roman Empire grew in prestige. Notable emperors such as Constantine, Theodosius, Justi-nian, Basil and Michael directed its fortune. The newly created coinage like the Solidus, the Siliqua and the Miliarense are today the remains of their glorious riches.
CELTIC COINS
Unconventional & mysterious
Celtic coins are some of the most beautiful and mysterious coins from ancient times. Probably as a convenient way of storing wealth and buying influence, Celtic tribes imitated Greek and Roman coins in a very distinct way. Discover our dealer’s Celtic coin inventory.
DENARIUS
INSPIRATION
Most welcome Silver coin
For almost 500 years, the Roman Denarius was the most important Silver coin for trade in ancient Rome and its provinces. The silver coin pleases the collector with interesting and varied motifs, remarkable portraits of Gods and Goddesses as well as rulers and the symbolic illu-strations of their achievements.
SICILY
Greek colonies
Largest island in the Medi-terranean Sea, Sicily was an important place for Medi-terranean trade. Greek settlers arrived in the 8th century BC and brought with them their civilization which left a lasting imprint on the Romans who conquered the island around 276 BC. Enjoy the Greek culture that still echoes today on coins minted in Sicily.
MEDALS
INSPIRATION
Masterpieces in details
When compared to coins, medals stand out throught high relief, larger size and higher artistic merit. As they were not intended to circulate, there were no limits for the engraver to express his artistic skills. Produced since the Renaissance, they are true treasures for every art enthusiast and collector with a deep interest in history.
GERMAN COINAGE
Prior to unification in 1871
The rich variety of German States coinage reflects the territorially fragmented situation of Germany since the Middle Ages until the German-French war in 1870/1871. There are numerous duchies and counties, bishoprics, monasteries as well as free imperial cities that struck their own coins, a real challenge for trade and travel. But thanks to it, we nowadays are given an incredibly rich collection area to explore.
LEGION DENARII
INSPIRATION
Roman soldier's pay
After the assassination of Julius Caesar, Brutus, Cassius, Sextus Pompeius, Lepidus, Marcus Antonius with Cleopatra and the young Octavian enter the stage of history. The rival men coin their own money in order to wage war against each other and pay their soldiers. The so-called legionary denarii are created, whose minting patterns are unique in Roman coinage history.
TRAJAN
Optimus Princeps
Among the five good emperors, Trajan has been given the title Optimus princeps, the 'best leader' by the Roman Senate. During his reign he expanded with his legions the borders of the Roman Empire to their greatest extent. Today both, the Trajan’s’ column, commemorating the Dacian Wars, and the coins of this period witness a mighty, proud and respected emperor.
DIOSCURI
INSPIRATION
Castor & Pollux
The Dioscuri were worshipped by the Greeks and Romans alike. The Romans believed that the twins aided them on the battlefield and brought news of the victory back to Rome. As horsemen, they were patron saints of the Roman Equites and cavalry. Each year on July 15, Feast Day of the Dioscuri, 1'800 equestrians would parade through the streets of Rome in an elaborate spectacle.
NERO
Fire and reconstruction
Young and ambitious, Nero strove for absolute power and made an enemy of the aristocracy and the Senate. When a great fire destroyed the city of Rome in 64 AD, he was held responsible and his grand reconstruction plans were heavily criticised. Again not caring about the affairs of the empire, he was declared an enemy of the state. Having always had a bad reputation, Nero is respected today for his great influence on Roman art and architecture and for transforming Rome into a city of power & glory.
69 AD
Four claimants & shifting allegiances
In 69 AD, the year of the four emperors, the first civil war of the Roman Empire took place, with four emperors ruling in succession: Galba, who had ruled as Nero's successor since 68, followed by Otho, Vitellius and finally Vespasian. The year was marked by rebellions and claimants who changed their allegiances several times, as well as severe unrest. In the end, Vespasian prevailed and founded the new dynasty of the Flavians.
ATHENAION
Laurion Silver Owl
Athens flourished thanks to the nearby rich silver mines of Laurion. The Athenians created a unique currency, the drachm. Athena’s owl, symbol of knowledge and wisdom, guaranteed the fineness of the coin. The design remained unchanged for almost 400 years and is still much beloved today.
HERALDIC ART
Timeless language
Born from a desire to represent identity and origin, the coat of arms developed during the High Middle Ages into the visual mark of a family, a state, a city or even an individual person. Heraldic art is profound and of great importance in numismatics and can be found on numerous old but also modern coins.
AMAZONS & Co.
INSPIRATION
Legendary, brave and powerful
In ancient times, numerous gods, goddesses, amazons, nymphs and nature spirits populated the world of faith and stories of invincible heroes were told for centuries. Many coins were struck with their vivid depictions and can be enjoyed by collectors today.
TETRADRACHM
INSPIRATION
Silver pieces of art
Anyone who has ever held a Tetradrachm in his own hands is impressed by its feel and weight. It's therefore not surprising that Tetradrachms were the favourite payment for soldiers and mercenaries and the most popular unit of exchange. Known for consistency in good metal, the hand-made silver beauties never lost their attraction.
TARENTUM
Sparta's sole colony
Ruling over the Greek colonies in southern Italy, Tarentum was founded by immigrants hailing from Sparta and soon became a sovereign city of Magna Graecia. The depiction of Taras, son of the famous Greek sea god Poseidon who has been saved from a shipwreck by a Dolphin is often found on its coinage. Taras riding a Dolphin remains the iconic symbol of the city.
BRONZE
INSPIRATION
First alloy of valuables
Bronze is considered to be one of the first alloys made and used by men. Its qualities allow the working out of finest details. Bronze work has always involved trade and it’s not surprising that in many parts of the world bronze artifacts were used for centuries. Discover here a selection of nice Bronze coins.
JUDAEA
Ancient Jewish Coins
Browse coins dating back to the 2nd century BC until 2nd century AD minted by the Jewish people. Large quantities of coins were issued in silver, bronze and copper, some being overstruck over Roman coins. They tell about revolts and wars but also about redemption and freedom.
TOKEN
INSPIRATION
Citizens full of ideas
Great Britain and Ireland in the 18th Century. Due to the little effort by the government to ameliorate the shortage of official small denomination coins for everyday transactions, inventive merchants privately minted 'provincial tokens' to pay their workers and their bills. This period created one of the most various coinage type we still may enjoy today.
ROMAN SERRATI
Proof of good Silver
Collectors love the distinctive look of the Roman serrated Denarii. Derived from the Latin word "serratus", the saw-edge was used to prove good silver content. Struck over a period of approx. 65 years (ca. 118-53 BC) the serrated Denarii testify the Roman ingenuity and are seen today as especially charming.
CHARIOT RACES
INSPIRATION
Dangerous & bold
Chariot races with two- or four-horse chariots were a popular sport in ancient Greece and Rome and one of the most important equestrian events as well as an essential component in several religious festivals. Among the Romans they were of great political importance and the passionate supporters of the various horse-teams sometimes fought civil war-like battles. Thanks to the coins, the fiery horses and their charioteers have remained alive to this day.
