AUSTRIA, Wien (Vienna). AR Medallic Halbtaler (47mm, 14.26 g, 12h). Donative issue. Struck 17th century. Radiate and draped bust of Christ left within laurel border / Conjoined coats-of-arms of Vienna within ornate frame; above, MVN RP flanked by crosses; below VIENN flanked by crosses; additional decoration above and below; all within laurel border. Cf. Markov 11, lot 532 (for a taler weight issue). Near EF, toned, edge bump, traces of mounting.
The profileration of Venetian ducats available recently has worked to my advantage. Same doge different dies
1678 Italy - Papal States Piastra (Scudo of 80 Bolognini) DAV-4089 Obv: Pope Innocent XI Rev: Christ in boat calming the storm
1753 IBH German States - Harz Harz-Zellerfeld Katsouros-23; 50 mm Obv: John the Baptist kneeling to the left, baptizing Jesus Christ standing facing with arms crossed in the Jordan river.
Here is another of mine Madonna/ Baby Jesus reverse AV Dukat 1677 K-B Kremnitz Mint/ Hungary HRE Leopold I 1664-1705
Pictured below is my favorite coin picturing Jesus Christ . I finally sent the coin to NGC to get it slabbed about a week ago. When they return it I'll post pictures of the slab . Anonymous AE Nummus, AD 976 - 1065, Constantinople Mint: 10.48 gm, 29 mm, 6 h. Jesus Christ is pictured holding a book of Gospels with his left hand & giving a blessing with his right hand. The reverse inscription translates: Jesus Christ King of Kings.
Both PCGS MS64. Nearly identical obverse, but not quite. Notice the dots flanking the date on the 5 Schilling. They are missing on the 100 Schilling. Quite a few differences on the reverse though of the same overall design. I think I like the gold bird better.
Much like my original post, it's interesting how the portrait on your coin and mine have the same rough and iconic overall design, but with very prominent eyeballs that are nearly perfect spherical domes protruding from the face.
princeofwaldo, your observations are accurate . A front facing view of a monarch or god on a coin or medal can make a powerful impression especially when their eyes are accented & looking directly into yours. The image on our coins & the gems posted by fred13, & wkferry are all variations of Christ as Pantocrator or judge, the one who rules everything. These images at times can be intimidating . The images on the 1st three beautiful coins posted by John (panzerman), depict Christ as Rex Regnantium, King of those who rule. Those images show Christ enthroned & usually depict the Virgin Mary crowning the emperor on the reverse or the emperor standing alone. Very few common people could afford these handsome gold coins but literally anyone could afford a bronze coin like the one I posted. Tens of millions of these coins were struck & they circulated for a long time. Many were pierced & worn as jewelry & many were just carried by people as keepsakes, for protection & good luck pieces. Very few of these bronze coins exist in mint state today like the one in my collection .
Which of course begs the question, how did it not get spent? Doesn't look like it has ever been underground, the patina is too even and the color almost like gunmetal. Kind of doubt it was kept by a coin collector but I suppose anything is possible.
What an inspiring idea! . Here's one of mine. Justinian II. AR Hexagram (22.5mm, 6.43 g, 6h). Constantinople mint, 692-695. Facing bust of Christ Pantokrator; cross behind / Justinian standing facing, wearing crown and loros, and holding akakia and cross potent set on two steps. Sear Byz. 1259; DOC 17; MIB 40; BM 26-7; BNP 2.