While coins have long played an essential role in currency and commerce, they also serve as an insightful glimpse into the past. Each coin design, from ancient Greece all the way to the modern era should be viewed as a miniature artifact highlighting the culture’s key beliefs and values. Whether chosen for the obverse or reverse side, each coin symbol is carefully selected to convey a cultural or political meaning.
Discover some of the most commonly used coin symbolism throughout the ages as we examine past and present designs.
The History of Coin Symbolism
Many of the world’s first civilizations relied on bartering to survive. However, bartering often became a difficult system to thrive under as societies became more complex, introducing problems such as traveling long distances with bulky items to trade and inconsistent values of goods.
Eventually, most developing cultures recognized the need for smaller and more dependable means of trade. Countries began introducing rings and ingots to their economies, and as the adoption of currency expanded, the need for more uniformity in currency also grew. Many nations quickly realized that currency should be easily recognized and demonstrate authority from leadership to be most successful. This realization led to some of the earliest coin designs.
Greek Coin Design
Tracking as early as 650 BC, King Croesus of Lydia produced thick, bean-shaped coins made of electrum for his people to use. These coins were stamped with two facing animal heads, a lion and a bull.
Close neighbors in Greece quickly joined in and produced their own coins. A turtle, associated with Aphrodite, was the first coin symbol in Greek currency. Early Greece favored animal design, using creatures like bulls, owls, and doves to represent the power of their gods. As minting techniques advanced, more detailed portraits of gods and rulers became the popular option to represent their country and infuse civic pride.
Medieval Symbols
In Medieval times, every coin symbol was held in high importance as it was likely the only stamp of authority and written word some citizens would ever encounter. In the latter half of the 8th century, denarius was the common coin used. The coin design on the denarius emphasized imperial power by illustrating the king’s profile with the word “REX” (meaning King) on the obverse side and Christian imagery of a cross on the reverse side. Many coins during this time period incorporated both royal and Christian imagery together to convey a sense of authority.
Common Coin Symbolism
While there have been hundreds of coin designs used across societies, some coin symbolism and themes have appeared frequently throughout the years. History, authority, protection, and religious symbols have remained pressed into coins from the dawn of currency.
- History: Many coins pay homage to their nation’s history through symbolic design. These are perhaps the most varied designs, differing to adhere to their country’s specific past. This symbolism is included to infuse an ongoing sense of national pride. In the United States, for example, stars and clouds are often used to represent the nation’s beginning.
- Authority: One of the most common ways countries have reiterated their authority, both to their own citizens and other international partners, is by including current leadership or key historical figures in coin design. These portraits support the national belief in their leader and their path to progress ahead.
- Protection & Victory: Shields and weapons are common motifs seen on coins from many societies. Shields are used to demonstrate fortitude and endurance. On the other hand, arrows, swords, and spears are often included to highlight past war victories, conquests, and strength.
- Faith: Many governments were established under the belief of divine guidance, and therefore symbols of faith often occur in currency. In Greek and Roman culture, animals were used to represent one of their many gods. Christian symbols have also shown a particularly strong presence through the years, with crosses, saints, and religious phrases minted from ancient Rome to the present-day United States.
Modern Coin Design Trends
As Mints and design technology grow and evolve, new and intricate coin designs will continue to circulate. Coin design has turned heavily digital in today’s day and age. However, coin artists like Jody Clark persist in their ability to marry artistic expression and national themes. Coin symbolism surrounding religion, nature, and strength will be seen throughout the upcoming years. Inscriptions surrounding important dates and minting locations will also continue in designs to come.
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Sources
History of Coins | Ancient Creations
Origins of Coins | Britannica Money
Reading Medieval Coins | Europeana
The History of U.S. Circulating Coins | United States Mint
Christianity and Chistian Symbols Appear on Ancient Coins | Coin Week
A Modern Britannia—Facing the Future of Coin Design | The Royal Mint
