Hello, I am an avid collector of both U.S. and ancient coins and find it fascinating to see ancient symbolism on U.S. coins. Look at for instance the reverse of the U.S. dime. Anyway, I recently looked at this Roman Republican denarii - L. Plautius Plancus, 47 BC. Rome. L PLAVTIVS Head of Medusa, facing, with coiled snake to either side. Rev. PLANCVS Victory (or winged Aurora) flying right, head turned slightly to the left, holding reins and conducting the four rearing horses of the Sun. Babelon (Plautia) 15. Crawford 453/1a. Sydenham 959. To me the reverse of this coin resembles to some extent the reverse of the USA Texas Commemorative Half Dollar minted between 1934-1938 and designed by the Italian sculptor Pompeo Coppini. The goddess has been described as Victoria. It could just be a coincidence but wanted to ask if any one else thinks the same? If you have any other good examples of ancient symbolism on more "modern" coins - feel free to post as well
That's a great example of a modern coin influenced by classical numismatic designs, @larssten! I've long been fascinated by this. Here are a couple of examples from my own collection: Julia Domna, AD 193-217. Roman AR denarius, 3.30 g, 19 mm, 6 h. Rome, 21st emission, AD 205. Obv: IVLIA AVGVSTA, bare-headed and draped bust, right. Rev: MATER AVGG, Julia Domna, as Cybele, seated left in quadriga of lions and holding branch in her right hand. Refs: RIC 562; BMCRE 48; Cohen/RSC 117; RCV 6592; Hill 759; CRE 354. Italy, 50 centissimi, 1920 R. Vespasian, AD 69-79. Roman AR Denarius, 2.73 gm, 17.7 mm. Rome, AD 70. Obv: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, laureate head, r. Rev: COS ITER TR POT, Pax seated l., holding branch and caduceus. Refs: RIC 10D; BMCRE 26; RCV 2285. I note a certain resemblance: US trade dollar, 1877 And this is a bit of a stretch, but ...
There are quite a number of modern coins especially during the twentieth century that drew inspiration from modern coins. There are quite a number from Greece Albania italy and Spain. This coin L.Aemilius Lepidus Paulus Ar Denarius Rome 62 BC Obv. Veiled hear of Concordia Right. Rv. Aemilius Paulus standing left facing Perseus King of Macedon and his two sons. To right trophy. Crawford 415/1a 3.84 grms 18 mm Photo by W. Hansen The obverse was revived by the Italians in 1970 Italy 1000 Lira 1970 Obv Head of Concordia . It is clear that they are copying an ancient denarius This is not my Coin. Coin is currently for sale on V Coins by Numiscorner
Modern: 1796 AV 96 Lire/ Genoa (Griffins supporting Arms) Ancient: Circa 550BC Phokaia EL Hekte (Griffin Head)
I always felt this of Roman Victory to Modern Angel... (Both coins mine) Roman Republic Anonymous AR Didrachm. 6.55g, 18mm, 6h. Rome, circa 265-242 BCE Obv: Head of Roma right, wearing Phrygian helmet, cornucopiae behind Rev: ROMANO, Victory standing right, attaching wreath to long palm, YY in right field. Ref: Sear 25; Crawford 22/1; RSC 7. From the Eucharius Collection compared to: Gold French 20 Franc lucky angel
Thanks for everyone's contributions! Nobody knows anything about the possible inspiration of the Texas reverse? Here is another contribution from me - my first ancient coin actually. A common Roman Republican adverse we see again in Mercury Dimes also known as "Winged Liberty".
Constantine I A.D. 2007 30mm 9gm Obv. CONSTANTI NVS PF AVG Rev. KONSTANTINTHALER 2007 SPARKASSE TRIER CITY-INITIATIVE TRIER e. V. The reverse is the Porta Nigra, an ancient Roman gate for the city of Treveri, now called Trier. This 10 euro coin was issued by a bank in Trier, Germany, to mark the 1700 year anniversary of Constantine's residence in that city, and was accepted as currency in the city until 31 March 2008.
Larssten, I think your example is very much an inspiration for the reverse of the HK-454 1926 Sesquicentennial International Exposition Medal pictured below. Z
Thanks for the comment! First i tried to look up this medal in Bower's Guidebook for Commemorative Coins, but realize that this is actually a medal? Do you know where to read up more about the HK-454 1926 Sesquicentennial International Exposition Medal?
Here is a good resource for ALL Hibler & Kappen So Called Dollars. https://www.so-calleddollars.com/HK1_to_589.html https://www.so-calleddollars.com/By_Year.html This link is specific to the HK-454. https://so-calleddollars.com/Events/US_Sesquicentennial.html Enjoy the rabbit hole . . . . Z