INSPIRATION
CISTOPHORI
Pergamon's sacred basket
Around 200 BC the Cistophori were the typical coins of the city of Pergamon and its dominions, which became the province of Asia under the Romans. The coins bear the image of the cista mystica, a basket used for housing sacred snakes. Although their characteristic design changed over time, they remained the main currency of this rich and prestigious Roman province. They continued to be minted and circulated down to the time of Hadrian.
BACTRIAN KINGDOM
Hellenistic legacy far east
Located in Central Asia, mainly in present-day Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, the Greek kingdom was founded in 256 BC. Once called the 'Kingdom of a Thousand Cities', today it is mainly known through its outstanding coins depicting portraits of its kings in great detail. Some of the Greco-Bactrian coins and those of their successors are among the finest examples of Greek numismatics and include the largest coins minted in the Hellenistic world.
INSPIRATION
LUGDUNUM
Significant Roman mint
The capital of the Tres Galliae, Lugdunum, developed into the most important trading centre of the Roman provinces north of the Alps. In 15 BC, emperor Augustus established a mint in Lugdunum which produced Bronze-, Silver- and Gold coins for the Roman Empire. Of all the mints in service at the time, Lugdunum was the most important and its coins impress by the carefully crafted portraits and the beautiful style.
EUROPEAN
MEDIEVAL GOLD
Representatives of the glorious history of Gold
Today, in an age of paper money and cashless payments, gold coins tend to be issued mainly as commemorative or proof pieces or for investment purposes. Gone are the days when a gold coin could dominate world trade. But still, in the rare and original coins that remain today, we are given a reminder of those past times and the glorious history of gold.
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.
ALEXANDER
From Macedon to India
At the age of 20, Alexander set out with a huge army to conquer the great Persian Empire. On his successful campaigns, he grabbed for Persian silver and minted thousands of coins to pay his soldiers. In addition to many fantastic stories about his short life, history created the myth of a very successful military general still admired to this day. But it is one thing to conquer and quite another to rule, what his successors soon realised.
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 led by 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 deeply inspired their neighbouring ancient cultures.
THE DARIC
Expression of royal power
Both economically and militarily, the Greeks came under great pressure from the Achaemenid Empire and the wars begun under Great King Darius threatened mighty Athens and its allies. Persian power was also reflected in the coins, as the right to mint coins was an exclusively royal prerogative and striking one’s own coins was punished by death. The golden Darics and silver Sigloi depicting the greatly feared archer were proud representatives of the Persian Empire before its fall under Alexander.
INSPIRATION
ANGLO SAXON SILVER
Kings, mercenaries, raiders & traders
The era of the Anglo-Saxon and Norman kings is one of the most popular in the history of England and constantly provides material for famous and adventurous TV series. Here too, numismatics offers the collector a direct window into the authentic past, as the coins bear witness to the fact that the main characters were once real-life leaders who were facing a dynamically changing world.
CONSTANTINE
Rising Eastern Empire
In AD 306, the young Constantine was declared emperor by his late father's soldiers. During the 18 years that followed, he fought three rivals and finally achieved sole rule under the legendary christian sign Chi Rho. Byzantion became his favoured city in the East and while the star of the Western Roman Empire slowly sank, Constantine's and his successors Eastern Empire rose.
LUCANIA
INSPIRATION
Part of Magna Graecia
On the coasts 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 developed 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.
IMPERATORIAL
Coinage from 49-27 BC
Once the issue of coinage was entirely in the hands of the Roman Senate, who annually appointed the monetary magistrates. But before the overthrow of the Republican constitution a new minting authority appeared: the Imperatores. These powerful military commanders assumed the right to produce coinage. And so it came that during the war between Caesar and Pompey, the control was entirely in the hands of Caesar and after 40 BC under the control of the Triumvirs Octavian and Mark Antony.
S.P.Q.R.
INSPIRATION
Res Publica Romana
After the banishment of the Etruscan kings around 500 BC, the Romans established their state "res publica - the common cause”. However, the Roman Republic was not a democracy but was governed by the Roman nobility, who held decisive political offices. 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.
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.
INSPIRATION
BYZANTINE COINAGE
A style of their own
The cup-shaped Scyphates of the Byzantine Empire, which came into circulation end of the 10th century impress with their size and shape. Struck in Gold, Electrum and Silver, their concave shape gives them stability and allows them to make tall stacks. The Scyphates replaced the famous Solidus and remained the coins of the proud descendants of Rome.
THE ANTONINES
End of an imperial era
The Antonines were the four emperors Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius, Lucius Verus and Commodus succeeding Hadrian to the throne. These four men, who were the last to become head of the empire by the ‘optimo-principi’ adoption arrangement, could not have been more different. Discover the complex personalities and some of their family members through their coins.
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.
GOTHIC ART
Prime of medieval craft
Unlike the preceding Romanesque period and also the subsequent Renaissance, the Gothic period was not based on ancient models. It was a style of its own that developed out of the society of the time. Today, the Gothic style is best known in architecture, with its towering cathedrals and masterful stained-glass windows, but it is also clearly recognisable in the art of coinage.
MEDALS
INSPIRATION
Masterpieces in details
When compared to coins, medals stand out through 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.
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.
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.
GREEK SETTLERS
In South Italy
It is believed that land shortages encouraged the Greeks to seek new settlement areas elsewhere. The mother cities sent their settlers and soon the newly founded settlements flourished through trade with the homeland and the neighbouring peoples. The coins from those settlements still show the magnificent Greek cultural richness and belong to the most popular ancient coins.
BRONZE
INSPIRATION
First alloy of valuables
Bronze, once shiny gold to reddish brown in colour, 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 our dealers inventories of Ancient Bronze coins.
PATRIMONIUM PETRI
Papal States - Vatican
Today, the Vatican is the smallest autonomous state in the world. But for many centuries, it was not only in Italy that the Christian Church owned large estates. The popes were influential and ambitious ecclesiastical princes who often interfered in the affairs of neighboring kingdoms. It was all about politics and power. The center of Christianity minted its own coins in great variety and appealing motives and impressive medals in silver and gold.
GRIFFIN
INSPIRATION
The mythical guardian
Well over three thousand years ago, in the times of the Minoans on Crete, the mythical hybrid creature already adorned the walls of the temple complexes. The Griffin is known for its vigilance, sharp-eyed cunning & strength. In Numismatics, we meet it on the coins of the two ancient coastal cities of Abdera and Teos as well as accompanying Athena. Till this day it has a firm place in heraldry as an extraordinary heraldic animal.
STATER
First denomination
His name means 'the one that 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.
INSPIRATION
NUMISMATIC ZOO
Fantastic beasts
What fundamental role animals have played throughout time can be seen through their symbolic use in the iconography of money. Last year the University of Calgary dedicated a special exhibition to this topic called: 'Money Zoo - Fantastic Beasts in the History of Money'. Here we have put together some nice examples for you that are offered for sale on our platform.
NAPOLEON III
President & emperor
Nephew of the famous Bonaparte, who died in exile in 1821, Louis Napoleon reached for political influence with success. He first became President of the Second French Republic and then Emperor. Louis Napoleon believed in progress and strove to fight poverty and social injustice through reforms. However, his dictatorial rule and imperial dream ended abruptly in 1870 with the Franco-Prussian War, his subsequent capture and finally in his deposition.
De Vita CAESARUM
INSPIRATION
The 12 Caesars
De vita Caesarum is a collective biography of the Roman Empire‘s first leaders written by Sueton (AD 69-122). Discover here the current stocks of coins from two centuries of moving Roman history or to be more precise, from the time of Gaius Iulius Caesar, the legendary commander, to Domitian, who was also considered a tyrant and who was also murdered.
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.
INSPIRATION
LOUIS XV, 1715-1774
Fateful coincidence
Coins are a wonderful medium to discover and explore a person's life. We hope to inspire you for a monarch who is usually overshadowed by Louis the Great, the Sun King. Louis XV was proclaimed king at the age of only 5 because the two true successors died shortly after each other from illnesses. It is worth taking a closer look at the life of this man and the challenges of the time through his coinage.
BRONZE COINS
Once as shiny as Gold
Once as shiny as Gold, it's not surprising that the Romans minted Bronze coins in large quantities to pass on their message to the people. Today, ancient Bronze coins appear in countless shades of green and brown, enhancing their beauty even more. Discover our dealers' choice of Roman Bronze coins.
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.
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.
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.
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.
LOUIS XVI
INSPIRATION
Victim of his time
At the age of 19, an ignorant and indecisive personality is granted God-given authority and absolute power to rule over a large and heavily indebted state. After a 19-year reign, the life of Louis XVI ends on the scaffold in the turmoil of the French 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.
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 still witness a mighty, proud and respected emperor.
CONSTANTINOPLE
INSPIRATION
Eastern Roman Empire
With the final collapse of the Western Roman Empire, most of the public institutions of the Roman world including the system of coinage disappeared. But in the eastern part, with its new capital Constantinopolis, the highly sophi-sticated monetary traditions were continued. Discover here the coins related to the rising Eastern Roman Empire and its famous capital.
CARTHAGINIANS
Punic imperialism
In the fifth century B.C. Carthage began to compete with the Greeks for control of Sicily. The Syracusans resisted them throughout the fourth century, confining them to the western part of the island, where the Carthaginians began minting coins to pay their troops. They looked very close to the Greek coins, but the palm tree, among other details, allowed the Greeks to identify the coin as Phoenician.
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 public Roman life. His achieved durable peace brought prosperity to the ancient Greco-Roman world. Known as the first emperor of the Roman Empire, the portraits on his coins still recall 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.
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.
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.
SEVERAN DYNASTY
Shaped by family conflicts
The dynasty was founded by Septimius Severus, who rose to power after the Year of the Five Emperors in AD 193, and his wife Julia Domna. However, unstable family relationships and the discord between the two brothers Caracalla and Geta as well as the tensions between Elagabalus and Severus Alexander seriously strained their reigns and finally lead to their end. The Severan dynasty is also known for its women, such as Julia Domna, Julia Soaemias, Julia Mamaea and Julia Maesa, who all were powerful Augustae.
INSPIRATION
BELOVED HERO
Heracles - Hercules
The greatest of the Greek heroes, the ancestor of royal clans, passionate, emotional, and loved for his strength: this is Heracles, who is depicted on coins with his iconographic attributes, a lion’s skin and a club. Many popular stories have been told about his life, including the 12 almost unsolvable tasks he completed. And even in the Middle Ages, he was still an idol for virtuous behaviour and exemplary warfare. Meet him here.
INSPIRATION
PEGASUS
Friend of the gods and men
Pegasus is certainly one of the most beautiful hybrid creatures in Greek mythology and is still very popular today. He once carried the hero Bellerophon into battle, created springs with his hooves from which inspiration flew for poets and artists, carried the thunderbolts for Zeus and was transformed by him into an astronomical constellation for his loyal service. The proud Corinthians decorated their coins with his effigy.
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.
CHARIOT RACES
INSPIRATION
Celebrated charioteers
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 celebrated charioteers have remained alive to this day.
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.
INSPIRATION
ELECTRUM
The pale Gold
This naturally occurring alloy of Gold and Silver was in use since the third millennium BC and is also mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey. Many ancient ornamental objects, the coating of the pyramidions atop ancient Egyptian pyramids and obelisks and the first known metal coins were made of Electrum, the pale Gold. Discover our dealers choice of coins made from this very ancient and charming material.
APOLLO
God of light & shadow
He is considered the god of light, patron of the arts, patron of augurs and prophets, god of purity and beauty. Seen as the god who affords help and wards off evil, Apollo is nevertheless contradictory. His temple in Delphi was the most highly revered sanctuary in ancient Greece. Even Augustus adopted him as his patron god and his depiction on coins reinforced the idea that Augustus was chosen by the gods to rule Rome and begin a new age of peace.
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
Machiavelli's argument
Born in Florence, Italy, Niccolò Machiavelli (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, the good-will of their subjects and the loyalty and support of the senate.
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'.
THE DIOSCURI
INSPIRATION
Castor & Pollux
The Dioscuri were worshipped by the Greeks and Romans alike. The Romans believed that the twins helped them on the battlefield and brought news of victory back to Rome. As horsemen, they were the patron saints of the Roman Equites and cavalry. Every year on July 15, 1,800 horsemen paraded through the streets of Rome to celebrate the inseparable pair of brothers, who also symbolized the youthful power of victory.
JULIUS CAESAR
A man with big aims
Caesar is the first Roman to be immortalized on coins during his lifetime. Highly successful militarily, ruthless and obsessed with power, he finally brought down the Roman Republic. He became autocrat, curtailing the influence of the aristocracy and thus sealing his death. But the old order of the Roman Republic could not be restored. His story is the story of an incredible rise to power.
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 outstanding 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.
FRENCH PROVINCES
INSPIRATION
Coinage before 1600
The French provinces, once proud and independent territories, enjoyed many privileges, including the right to mint their own coins. The territories were under the direction of a governor, who usually belonged to the higher nobility and whose power was a thorn in the side of the French kings. Over time, the provinces successively came under centralised rule and became part of the royal property. The provincial coins dissapeared.
EQUUS
Galloping through history
Without the horse we wouldn’t be where we are today. It served as a beast of burden, a means of transport and a companion in war, and contributed significantly to economic and cultural progress. But the horse was always more than a working animal. It was loved and adored. Explore the powerful and beautiful animal minted in gold and silver by our ancestors already many hundreds of years ago.
RESTORATION
INSPIRATION
Turning back the hands
of 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 hands of time.
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. But the splendour gave way to slow decline and finally led to the dreadful events of the French Revolution. Discover related coins of those Kings that guided the destiny of France from 1589 to 1792.
GREEK CULTURE
INSPIRATION
Between Black & Mediterranian Sea
The coasts of Asia Minor with their offshore islands and easily defensible peninsulas, good harbours and fertile lands, offered Greek settlers a new home. Through this colonisation, Greek culture and language, and with it the craft of minting coins, spread far beyond the homeland. Discover related coins here.
AD 69
Four claimants & shifting allegiances
In AD 69, 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.
HADRIAN
INSPIRATION
Restitutor orbis terrarum
Hadrian (AD 117-138) 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 northern England.
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.
INSPIRATION
SHIPWRECK COINS
Recovered from the deep
Once lost in the depths of the seas, they came back to the surface through brave people who ventured into these dark and cold worlds. These coins therefore have a very special aura, for they are witnesses to past misfortunes and dramatic fates. But thanks to the wonderful properties of silver and gold, they have retained their beauty over centuries and remained nearly untouched.
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.
PATTERN COINS
INSPIRATION
Coveted collectibles
Usually, pattern coins 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.
HOUSE OF CAPET
Ruling house of France, 987-1328
Hugo Capet was the name-giving founder of the Capetian dynasty, which succeeded the Merovingians and Carolingians. One of the famous dynastic representatives was Philip IV the Fair (1268-1314). Known for his uncompromising authority, Philip established France as a major power, transferred the papacy to Avignon and smashed the Knights Templar.
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.
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.
LEGIONARY 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, the so-called Legionary Denarii, in order to pay their soldiers who fight bitterly against each other. The minting patterns of these coins remain unique in Roman coinage history.
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’.
UNITED PROVICES
INSPIRATION
Hard-won sovereignty
Their fight for sovereignty and independence was long. Even the right to mint coins, which for centuries had belonged to the Bishop of Utrecht, was reached. In 1579, the Spanish monarch Philip II of the Habsburg dynasty, still ruler of the lands, allowed the provinces to strike their own coins for the first time. Then, through their famous fleets, the Dutch East- and the Dutch West Indian Companies, VOC (est. 1602) and WIC (est. 1621), the diligent people established a Dutch colonial empire that surpassed everything.
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 AD 64, he was blamed for it and his grandiose reconstruction plans were heavily criticised. Again, not caring about the affairs of the empire, he was declared an enemy of the state. Although he 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.
INSPIRATION
GORGONEION
Ancient apotropaion
The depiction of the demonic face is very old. As a magical, protective and frightening agent (apotropaion), it was used to decorate weapons of all kinds, chariots, ships, horse ornaments, city walls, amulets, garments, furniture, sarcophagi and coins. The Gorgon coins were struck in 37 cities, making her image on coins the second most common representation in numismatic after several major Olympian deities.
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.
HERALDIC ART
Timeless language
From the interest in representing identity and origin, the coat of arms developed in the High Middle Ages to become the visual sign of a family, a state, a city or even an individual person. The art of heraldry is profound and of great importance in numismatics and can be found on numerous ancient, but also modern coins.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ROMAN SERRATI
Proof of good Silver
Collectors love the distinctive look of the Roman Republic's serrated Denarii. Derived from the Latin word "serratus", the saw-edge was probably evidence of a good silver content and was very popular with the barbarian tribes. 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.
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 PARTHIANS
Rome's great enemies
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.
