Understanding world history can be daunting task as there is so much information facts out there to explore. When you get tired of reading history books, you can use an exciting alternative method to learn about our past by studying coins from around the world. The study of coinage is termed as numismatics and there are a lot of researchers who follow this unique path. Right from the ancient times, powerful kingdoms and territories from Greece, Rome and India issued different types of world coins. These valuable pieces of history bear the most authentic information that defines the culture of a particular region or country. Let’s take a look at a few examples of rare world coins today and try deciphering unknown facts by studying their inscriptions. Silver Tetradrachm of Skostokos from Thrace, Greece Those who put together a world coin collection dream of owning a beautiful and rare coin like this one. This striking silver Tetradrachm was issued for the city state of Thrace from Greece under the rule of Skostokos somewhere between 285 BC and 281 BC. Struck in 16.58 grams of silver, these round-shaped coins had a diameter of 28.3 mm. It belongs to the Alexander and Athena type and was minted using the die-struck technique. The obverse side of these very rare coins of the world featured a diademed head of Alexander facing right, wearing the horn of Ammon. The reverse side depicted a seated Athena Nicephorus facing left, holding Nike in the extended right hand, and resting her left arm on a shield. A vertical inscription can be seen on both sides of the seated figure of Athena, which reads “KING LYSIMAXOY”. The inscriptions on this coin suggest that people from Thrace worshipped Athena. Half Stater Gold Coin from Rome This marvellous Half Stater gold coin was issued by the Roman republic before Denarius Coinage was introduced. It was die-struck in 3.43 grams of gold somewhere between 225BC and 212BC at the Roman Mint. The obverse side shows a bust of twin Dioscuri within a dotted circle. The reverse side of these valuable Coins from around the world elaborately depicted an oath taking scene. Two soldiers are facing each other. The one on left is without armour while the one on the right doesn’t have a beard. Both of them hold a spear in the left hand and a sword in the right hand, touching a Pig’s neck. The pig is held by a third kneeling man. The exergue inscription features the text 'Roma' within a border. Now we have only discussed specifications and inscriptions of two world coins today! You can only imagine how much more is left to be explored.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorPassionate collector of coins, banknotes & stamps who loves researching about ancient, medieval & modern Indian history! Archives
June 2019
Categories
All
|