Spears and arrows

Very thick. 3-4mm probably. Pretty cool technology for 1799.

 

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I believe the horseman has a dual-purpose spear and banner pole

 

Arrows and Spears!

 

See those arrows on the Spanish 50 cts coin? They are a political statement. But since this is not about current politics, it should be safe to explain it.

The Yoke and Arrows have been symbols of the Spanish monarchy for a long time. Now if look at the images on that page, you will see that usually the arrows would point downward. So when that coin was designed, the mint came up with exactly that. The Falange movement (the sole party in dictatorial Spain) however used the yoke with the arrows pointing upward. When the "mistake" was discovered, that design had to be modified ...

Christian

 

Cool, I knew there were the two varieties, but didn't know the story behind it. I would consider this a history lesson rather than a political discussion. I do believe you are safe with that post

 

Eastern Roman Empire
Zeno
Emperor holding spear

 

Interesting piece... The mans holding a 'taiaha' which would've been used more like a sword than like a spear.
still a pretty cool thread

 

Spears:

 

Another face value...

 

Re: The Eastern Roman Empire Zeno Emperor holding spear:

Several Roman and Byzantine emperors struck coins with them holding spears including Justinian:


Justinian Solidus Victory
Gold, 21 mm, 4.43 gm
Struck: AD 527-537 Constantinople
Obverse: Justinian facing 1/4 right, holding spear over shoulder
Reverse: Victory standing facing holding cross and globe

There was some discussion on another forum about whether the spear the emperor is holding is an ordinary spear or the Christian holy relic, the "Holy Lance of Longinus" or "Spear of Destiny", which was the lance that a Roman soldier pierced the side of Jesus as he hung on the cross. The Spear was supposed carried into battle by the Emperor Constantine, among others.

 

Well, they are more like arrow heads. 1853 half dime with arrows indicating weight change. (The California gold rush lowered the price of gold relative to silver, so the silver coins had to be adjusted down in weight to keep them in circulation.)