History of coins
The history of coins extends from ancient times to the present, and is related to economic history, the history of minting technologies, the history shown by the images on coins, and the history of coin collecting. Coins are still widely used for monetary and other purposes.
All western histories of coins begin with their invention at some time slightly before or after 700 B.C. in Aegina Island,[1] or according to others in Ephesus, Lydia, 650 B.C.[2]
Since that time, coins have been the most universal embodiment of money. These first coins were made of electrum, a naturally occurring pale yellow mixture of gold and silver that was further alloyed with silver and copper.
Also, the Persian coins were very famous in the Persian and Sassanids era. Most notably, in Susa and in Ctesiphon.
Some of the most famous and widely collected coins of antiquity are Roman coins andGreek coins.
The Byzantine Empire minted many coins (see Byzantine currency), including very thin gold coins bearing the image of the Christian cross and various Byzantine emperors.
A tomb of the Shang Dynasty dating back to the 11th century B.C. shows what may be the first cast copper money Tong Bei. Coinage was in widespread use by the Warring States Period and the Han Dynasty.
Some of the earliest coins were beaten at the edges to imitate the shape of a cow, in indication of their value. Most coins are circular but some were rectangular. Also a lot of coins, especially in China had a hole through the center so they could be tied on to a string.
Some of the earliest coins to be made purely from silver and gold were the silver Dirham andgold Dinar in the early Islamic Caliphate from the 7th century.
Silver and gold coins are the most common and universally recognized throughout history, even today. Mints around the world still make millions of gold and silver coins, such as theCanadian Silver Maple Leaf, the American Gold Eagle, and the Australian Nugget. Copper, nickel, and other metals are also common, but in lower denominations.
Contents [hide]
All western histories of coins begin with their invention at some time slightly before or after 700 B.C. in Aegina Island,[1] or according to others in Ephesus, Lydia, 650 B.C.[2]
Since that time, coins have been the most universal embodiment of money. These first coins were made of electrum, a naturally occurring pale yellow mixture of gold and silver that was further alloyed with silver and copper.
Also, the Persian coins were very famous in the Persian and Sassanids era. Most notably, in Susa and in Ctesiphon.
Some of the most famous and widely collected coins of antiquity are Roman coins andGreek coins.
The Byzantine Empire minted many coins (see Byzantine currency), including very thin gold coins bearing the image of the Christian cross and various Byzantine emperors.
A tomb of the Shang Dynasty dating back to the 11th century B.C. shows what may be the first cast copper money Tong Bei. Coinage was in widespread use by the Warring States Period and the Han Dynasty.
Some of the earliest coins were beaten at the edges to imitate the shape of a cow, in indication of their value. Most coins are circular but some were rectangular. Also a lot of coins, especially in China had a hole through the center so they could be tied on to a string.
Some of the earliest coins to be made purely from silver and gold were the silver Dirham andgold Dinar in the early Islamic Caliphate from the 7th century.
Silver and gold coins are the most common and universally recognized throughout history, even today. Mints around the world still make millions of gold and silver coins, such as theCanadian Silver Maple Leaf, the American Gold Eagle, and the Australian Nugget. Copper, nickel, and other metals are also common, but in lower denominations.
Contents [hide]
1:Minting technologies
An ancient Greek coin,
struck under Roman rule,
circa 268 AD.
Coins were first made of scraps of metal. Ancient coins were produced through a process of hitting a hammerpositioned over an anvil. The Chinese produced primarily cast coinage, and this spread to South-East Asia and Japan. Relatively few non-Chinese cast coins were produced by governments, however it was a common practice amongst counterfeiters. Since the early 18th century and before, presses (normally referred to as mills in coin collecting circles) have been used in the west, beginning with screw presses and progressing in the 19th century towards steam driven presses. The first of these presses were developed in France and Germany, and quickly spreading to Britain. Recently[when?] modern minting techniques involving electric and hydraulic presses have been more commonly employed.
The type of mintage method (being hammered, milled or cast) does limit the materials which can be used for the coin. For example antimony coins, (which are very rare) are nearly always cast examples, because of the brittle nature of the metal, and thus it would break if deformed, which is a key part of the milling or hammering process
The type of mintage method (being hammered, milled or cast) does limit the materials which can be used for the coin. For example antimony coins, (which are very rare) are nearly always cast examples, because of the brittle nature of the metal, and thus it would break if deformed, which is a key part of the milling or hammering process
The History of Antique Greek Coins
The tradition of minting coins started in ancient Greece. The images of emperors and famous rulers have been encrypted on obverse since ancient times. The reverse sides of the world coins remained hallow. It was until the tradition of incrusting different great civic symbols or important natural monuments appeared in 8th century B.C. in ancient Greece. The city-state was the first greatest civic symbol to appear on the reverse.
I found this article on http://dig4coins.com/articles/ancien...eek-coins.html and the tradition is really beautiful, that has many historical events. |
:External Links
- World Coin Gallery - Self-proclaimed largest coin site in the world, with over 10,000 coins
- http://www.worldcoins.ws/ world coin collectors site for
- 中国造币--钱币鉴赏("Chinese made coins-seeing coins", site in Simplified Chinese about Chinese coins)
- Ancient Greek Coins: Free Coin Organizer
- Museum of Bank notes and Coins(in Japanese)
* History of Roman coins
Learn the history of Roman currency,
the coins from the
ancient civilization of Rome
To trace the history of Roman coins is to travel back to ancient Roman civilization. Aside from being used as money, early Roman coins were also used as medium to relay message and ideals through the designs and wording etched on the coin.
In addition, many historians believe that the early currency of Rome was used as newspapers to announce won battles among other significant events. During the Roman Empire, coins bore the image of the reigning emperor and Roman deities. And apart from all these, the coins were also considered portable pieces of art.
Ancient Roman civilization and the history of Roman currency
Identifying Roman coins will be easier for a numismatist if he knows the difference between the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire and the systems of coinage implemented in such periods.
The Roman Republic (509 BC–27 BC) was the ancient civilization in Rome following the republican form of government. In other words, the people or a part of its people had an impact on its government as opposed to monarchy wherein the head of the state or the monarch holds supreme power.
The Roman Empire (27 BC–AD 476 / 1453), on the other hand, was the succeeding phase of the ancient Roman civilization identified for its autocratic form of government and its control over some territories in Europe and the Mediterranean.
Although at this period Rome was ruled by an emperor (a monarch) enforcing autocracy, Caesar Augustus who was bestowed as first Roman emperor, did not want to associate himself with anything suggestive of monarchy and dictatorship.
In addition, many historians believe that the early currency of Rome was used as newspapers to announce won battles among other significant events. During the Roman Empire, coins bore the image of the reigning emperor and Roman deities. And apart from all these, the coins were also considered portable pieces of art.
Ancient Roman civilization and the history of Roman currency
Identifying Roman coins will be easier for a numismatist if he knows the difference between the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire and the systems of coinage implemented in such periods.
The Roman Republic (509 BC–27 BC) was the ancient civilization in Rome following the republican form of government. In other words, the people or a part of its people had an impact on its government as opposed to monarchy wherein the head of the state or the monarch holds supreme power.
The Roman Empire (27 BC–AD 476 / 1453), on the other hand, was the succeeding phase of the ancient Roman civilization identified for its autocratic form of government and its control over some territories in Europe and the Mediterranean.
Although at this period Rome was ruled by an emperor (a monarch) enforcing autocracy, Caesar Augustus who was bestowed as first Roman emperor, did not want to associate himself with anything suggestive of monarchy and dictatorship.
Roman Republic coins
Roman Republic coins
The Roman Republic coins began with minting silver coins & cast bronze to be used for commerce and trade with Greek colonies and in Central Italy respectively.
What images to be placed on the currency were decided by "the three men responsible for casting and striking bronze, silver and gold" or the tresviri monetales, also sometimes referred to as the mint magistrates. The trio was composed of young statesmen aspiring for political office.
Roman Republic coin designs would represent the entire Roman state usually bearing the bust of Roma, a female deity of the traditional religion in Rome, on the obverse.
As time went on, the ancient Roman coins also bore images of the moneyer’s family members who wanted to be elected for a position in the government, making the currency an advertising tool.
The reverse sides would as well bear images signifying important events such as election or voting scenes, Roman soldiers getting ready for battle, victories of Roman politicians and generals during wars, etc.
For example is the Faustus Cornelius Sulla, AR Denarius minted in the late republic. Its reverse side featured the image of Sulla, Roman politician and general, seated between Bocchus, King of Mauretania and Jugurtha, King of Numidia both kneeling. This represents one of the most remarkable events of Sulla’s life – his victory against the two kings.
The main silver coin of the Roman currency for more than 400 years called the denarius, was first introduced in 211 BC still during the republican Rome.
The Roman Republic coins began with minting silver coins & cast bronze to be used for commerce and trade with Greek colonies and in Central Italy respectively.
What images to be placed on the currency were decided by "the three men responsible for casting and striking bronze, silver and gold" or the tresviri monetales, also sometimes referred to as the mint magistrates. The trio was composed of young statesmen aspiring for political office.
Roman Republic coin designs would represent the entire Roman state usually bearing the bust of Roma, a female deity of the traditional religion in Rome, on the obverse.
As time went on, the ancient Roman coins also bore images of the moneyer’s family members who wanted to be elected for a position in the government, making the currency an advertising tool.
The reverse sides would as well bear images signifying important events such as election or voting scenes, Roman soldiers getting ready for battle, victories of Roman politicians and generals during wars, etc.
For example is the Faustus Cornelius Sulla, AR Denarius minted in the late republic. Its reverse side featured the image of Sulla, Roman politician and general, seated between Bocchus, King of Mauretania and Jugurtha, King of Numidia both kneeling. This represents one of the most remarkable events of Sulla’s life – his victory against the two kings.
The main silver coin of the Roman currency for more than 400 years called the denarius, was first introduced in 211 BC still during the republican Rome.
Roman Empire coins
The rise of the Roman Empire consequently marked coinage reforms. Local authorities & colonies were mostly allowed to strike bronze coins but not silver coins. Only Rome itself was authorized to mint coins made from precious metals like silver and gold.
The image on the old Roman coins became drastically significant when Julius Caesar (military general and political leader who played vital role in transforming the republic to an empire) issued coins that bore his own portrait. The Roman Caesar coins were the first in the Roman money that featured the image of a living individual.
Then on, the Roman Empire currency already featured the portrait of the reigning emperor (often times attempting to make the emperor appear god-like) and embodied the policies that he instituted during his rule.
Apart from the image of the reigning emperor, the coins may also feature the portrait of the predecessors, successors, and other family members. To add, the legitimacy of an heir’s succession to the throne is only acknowledged when there were coins issued bearing his image.
For these reasons, it was inevitable that the Romans attached high regard and value for the images etched on their coin money.
The image on the old Roman coins became drastically significant when Julius Caesar (military general and political leader who played vital role in transforming the republic to an empire) issued coins that bore his own portrait. The Roman Caesar coins were the first in the Roman money that featured the image of a living individual.
Then on, the Roman Empire currency already featured the portrait of the reigning emperor (often times attempting to make the emperor appear god-like) and embodied the policies that he instituted during his rule.
Apart from the image of the reigning emperor, the coins may also feature the portrait of the predecessors, successors, and other family members. To add, the legitimacy of an heir’s succession to the throne is only acknowledged when there were coins issued bearing his image.
For these reasons, it was inevitable that the Romans attached high regard and value for the images etched on their coin money.
Coin guide
Coin directory
Coin classifieds
- Collecting coins
- Coin investing
- Value of coins
- Rare coins
- Gold coins
- Silver coins
- Ancient coins
- World coins
- American coins
- Coin articles
- Coin terms
Coin directory
- Coin dealers
- Coin types
- Coin mints
- World coins
- Coin catalog
- Coin values & appraisal
- Coin auctions
- Coin collectors
- Coin collector clubs
- Coin forums
- Coin magazines
- Coin shows
- Coin collector supplies
- Coin resources
- Bank notes
Coin classifieds
An Invitation to Collect
With the acquisition of ancient coins, a collector can peer into the glories of past civilizations. Follow Alexander the Great's conquests across Asia through his prolific coinage. Gaze upon the faces of Cleopatra, Marc Antony, Julius Caesar, and Augustus at the creation of the Roman empire. Witness the expansion of Rome's sway over the known world through the powerful images of its emperors and the commemoration of their accomplishments on coins. View the rise of Christianity and the intrigue of the Byzantine empire through the legacy of coinage.
Ancient coins are archaeological treasures from the past. They were buried for safekeeping because of their intrinsic wealth and have been slowly uncovered throughout modern history. Despite the losses due to the ravages of time, many high quality ancient coins can still be acquired today at reasonable prices. Classical coins reflect the artistic, political, religious, and economic climate of their times. The acquisition of ancient coins is a unique opportunity to collect art which has been appreciated throughout the centuries.
The appreciation of the art and history of ancient coins has its roots in antiquity itself. Augustus dispensed Greek coins as gifts on special occasions. The Italian Renaissance witnessed a revival of interest in the classical world and saw the formation of great collections of antiquities and coins. Important coin collections were formed by the Medici family in Florence and the Este family in Milan and most of the European royalty. Many great entrepreneurs of modern times such as J. P. Morgan and Calouste Gulbenkian assembled impressive collections of ancient coins. Collections are also found in many of the world's great museums located in London, Paris, Berlin, St. Petersburg,Washington, New York, and Boston among others. Throughout history, ancient coins have been considered a valuable collectible.
A Brief History of Ancient Coins
The Greek WorldBeginning with the invention of coinage in Asia Minor during the seventh century B.C., coins have afforded man an important means of artistic expression as well as a convenient medium of exchange. The earliest coins were struck in Lydia and Ionia(modern western Turkey) from electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver. Each coin blank was cast to a predetermined weight. It was then heated to produce a malleable metal and struck with a hammer between two engraved dies. These archaic coins usually depict a symbol of the city or ruler on the obverse and a crude punch mark on the reverse. They were the world's first true coins because they were composed of a scarce metal, of a consistent weight, and guaranteed by a government. Soon after coinage was initiated, the legendary King Croesus(561-546 B.C.) of Lydia introduced coins of pure silver and gold. Coinage quickly spread to the island and city states of Western Greece.
At the apogee of Greek classical art in the fifth century B.C., the Greek city states employed the finest engravers available to create coins of great artistic merit. Occasionally, some dies were even signed by a master engraver. The deities of the Greek pantheon were depicted as ideally proportioned humans. This concept of idealism was of paramount importance to Greek classical art.
Alexander the Great(336-323 B.C.) spread the concept of coinage throughout the lands he conquered. His generals and successors founded the great Hellenistic empires. These successors introduced realistic portraits as a regular feature of their coinage. The true visages of world rulers were recorded for posterity. Many of these rulers are unknown to history except through their coin portraits.
The Roman World
The Roman Empire continued the Hellenistic tradition of realistic portraiture and, in some cases, depicted the progression of an emperor from boyhood through maturity. The imperial family were also frequently depicted on the coinage. This Roman portrait gallery is unsurpassed in its quality and completeness in the field of art. Lacking the daily news circulation of the modern world, Roman coins served as an important means of political propaganda. The designs on the reverses of the coins frequently extolled the virtues of the emperor or commemorated his victories. Many public works and architectural achievements such as the Coliseum and the Circus Maximus were depicted.
Important political events, such as the assassination of Julius Caesar or an alliance between cities, were recorded on the coinage. Many usurpers to the throne, otherwise unrecorded in history, are known through their coins. In fact, the first task of a usurper was to strike coins with his name and image to legitimate his rule and to pay the army which proclaimed him emperor.
The Byzantine World
The rise of the Byzantine Empire in the East with the age of Constantine the Great(307-337 A.D.) heralded the beginning of the Medieval age. The Christian Church became a major political force in the Empire. In Byzantine art, God rather than man stood at the center of the universe. Portraiture became stylized with the end of the pagan world of Rome and the images depicted began to relate to Christianity. Representations of Christ, the Virgin, and various saints abound in the coinage of the era. Despite the Christian heritage, political intrigue was as prevalent as in the Roman empire.
The standard Byzantine gold coin, the solidus, was issued for nearly 1000 years maintaining a remarkably consistent weight and fineness of gold. Superb quality Byzantine gold coins can be acquired today, beginning at about $350, representing an inexpensive introduction to this fascinating period of history.
The Biblical
Judeo-Christian religions are well represented by coins. Ancient Judean coinage commenced during the Persian period(c.400-333 B.C.) and was continued by the Hashmoneans. Coinage was struck extensively during the Roman period including important silver coins during the two Jewish revolts against Rome. The Romans also struck coins to commemorate the subjugation of Judea. Many other cities and kings mentioned in the Bible appear on coins.
Many coins refer to events in the New Testament including the famous tribute penny or silver denarius of Tiberius(14-37 A.D.) and the 30 pieces of silver or silver tetradrachm of Tyre. The cities visited by St. Paul in his travels throughout the ancient world to preach the gospel of Christ are also represented by coins. It is possible to own coins which circulated at the time of Christ and the Apostles for a surprisingly small amount of money.
Ancient coins are archaeological treasures from the past. They were buried for safekeeping because of their intrinsic wealth and have been slowly uncovered throughout modern history. Despite the losses due to the ravages of time, many high quality ancient coins can still be acquired today at reasonable prices. Classical coins reflect the artistic, political, religious, and economic climate of their times. The acquisition of ancient coins is a unique opportunity to collect art which has been appreciated throughout the centuries.
The appreciation of the art and history of ancient coins has its roots in antiquity itself. Augustus dispensed Greek coins as gifts on special occasions. The Italian Renaissance witnessed a revival of interest in the classical world and saw the formation of great collections of antiquities and coins. Important coin collections were formed by the Medici family in Florence and the Este family in Milan and most of the European royalty. Many great entrepreneurs of modern times such as J. P. Morgan and Calouste Gulbenkian assembled impressive collections of ancient coins. Collections are also found in many of the world's great museums located in London, Paris, Berlin, St. Petersburg,Washington, New York, and Boston among others. Throughout history, ancient coins have been considered a valuable collectible.
A Brief History of Ancient Coins
The Greek WorldBeginning with the invention of coinage in Asia Minor during the seventh century B.C., coins have afforded man an important means of artistic expression as well as a convenient medium of exchange. The earliest coins were struck in Lydia and Ionia(modern western Turkey) from electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver. Each coin blank was cast to a predetermined weight. It was then heated to produce a malleable metal and struck with a hammer between two engraved dies. These archaic coins usually depict a symbol of the city or ruler on the obverse and a crude punch mark on the reverse. They were the world's first true coins because they were composed of a scarce metal, of a consistent weight, and guaranteed by a government. Soon after coinage was initiated, the legendary King Croesus(561-546 B.C.) of Lydia introduced coins of pure silver and gold. Coinage quickly spread to the island and city states of Western Greece.
At the apogee of Greek classical art in the fifth century B.C., the Greek city states employed the finest engravers available to create coins of great artistic merit. Occasionally, some dies were even signed by a master engraver. The deities of the Greek pantheon were depicted as ideally proportioned humans. This concept of idealism was of paramount importance to Greek classical art.
Alexander the Great(336-323 B.C.) spread the concept of coinage throughout the lands he conquered. His generals and successors founded the great Hellenistic empires. These successors introduced realistic portraits as a regular feature of their coinage. The true visages of world rulers were recorded for posterity. Many of these rulers are unknown to history except through their coin portraits.
The Roman World
The Roman Empire continued the Hellenistic tradition of realistic portraiture and, in some cases, depicted the progression of an emperor from boyhood through maturity. The imperial family were also frequently depicted on the coinage. This Roman portrait gallery is unsurpassed in its quality and completeness in the field of art. Lacking the daily news circulation of the modern world, Roman coins served as an important means of political propaganda. The designs on the reverses of the coins frequently extolled the virtues of the emperor or commemorated his victories. Many public works and architectural achievements such as the Coliseum and the Circus Maximus were depicted.
Important political events, such as the assassination of Julius Caesar or an alliance between cities, were recorded on the coinage. Many usurpers to the throne, otherwise unrecorded in history, are known through their coins. In fact, the first task of a usurper was to strike coins with his name and image to legitimate his rule and to pay the army which proclaimed him emperor.
The Byzantine World
The rise of the Byzantine Empire in the East with the age of Constantine the Great(307-337 A.D.) heralded the beginning of the Medieval age. The Christian Church became a major political force in the Empire. In Byzantine art, God rather than man stood at the center of the universe. Portraiture became stylized with the end of the pagan world of Rome and the images depicted began to relate to Christianity. Representations of Christ, the Virgin, and various saints abound in the coinage of the era. Despite the Christian heritage, political intrigue was as prevalent as in the Roman empire.
The standard Byzantine gold coin, the solidus, was issued for nearly 1000 years maintaining a remarkably consistent weight and fineness of gold. Superb quality Byzantine gold coins can be acquired today, beginning at about $350, representing an inexpensive introduction to this fascinating period of history.
The Biblical
Judeo-Christian religions are well represented by coins. Ancient Judean coinage commenced during the Persian period(c.400-333 B.C.) and was continued by the Hashmoneans. Coinage was struck extensively during the Roman period including important silver coins during the two Jewish revolts against Rome. The Romans also struck coins to commemorate the subjugation of Judea. Many other cities and kings mentioned in the Bible appear on coins.
Many coins refer to events in the New Testament including the famous tribute penny or silver denarius of Tiberius(14-37 A.D.) and the 30 pieces of silver or silver tetradrachm of Tyre. The cities visited by St. Paul in his travels throughout the ancient world to preach the gospel of Christ are also represented by coins. It is possible to own coins which circulated at the time of Christ and the Apostles for a surprisingly small amount of money.
DENAR OF MATTHIAS CORVINUS FROM THE HUNGARY’S SILVER FAMINE
This denar of Hungarian King Matthias Corvinus was minted during the early years of his long reign that lasted from 1458 to 1490. Matthias grew up in Transylvania and was married and widowed by age 12. He was then was sentenced to be be-headed, but was spared and was then elected to be King of Hungary at age 15. Most of his reign was spent at war, both to protect his throne from other claimants, stop invaders. and to expand his kingdom. In addition to his own troops, he employed a large army of mercenaries, all of which took lots of money. Not having enough silver and gold in his treasury for all his expenditures he debased the formerly silver Denar, blaming it on a "silver famine". In 1469, through the use of arms and diplomacy, he also became King of Bohemia, which gave him access to Bohemia’s rich silver mines, thus ending the "famine". This debased Denar of Matthias Corvinus features the national arms on one side and a double cross on the other.
Item HU-MATT HUNGARY DENAR OF MATTHIAS CORVINUS, 1458-1490 VG-CRUDE $12.50
ALSO SEE:
ATTRACTIVE OLD HUNGARIAN BANK NOTE DEPICTS MATTHIAS CORVINUS
Item HU-MATT HUNGARY DENAR OF MATTHIAS CORVINUS, 1458-1490 VG-CRUDE $12.50
ALSO SEE:
ATTRACTIVE OLD HUNGARIAN BANK NOTE DEPICTS MATTHIAS CORVINUS
EARLY DATED MADONNA & CHRIST CHILD DENARS OF HUNGARY
These early, dated, silver Denars of Hungary feature the Madonna and Christ Child on the obverse and the Hungarian arms on the reverse. They were struck by Hapsburg Kings of Hungary: Ferdinand I who reigned from 1526 to 1564, Maximilian II who ruled from 1563 to 1576 and Rudolf, who reigned from 1572 to 1608. Unlike most coins of the period, they carry a date, though it can sometimes be obscure and its location can vary considerably. Ferdinand I was noted for making peace with the invading Ottoman Turks, and temporarily settling the religious wars in Europe with the Peace of Augsburg in 1555, which let the monarch of a territory decide the religion of its inhabitants. His son Maximilian continued a policy of religious neutrality, while at the same time proposing reforms to the Catholic Church. Maximilian’s son, Rudolf II, was an ineffectual ruler, who was more interested in science, art, the occult, and sexual adventures, than in the affairs of state. The coins are approximately 15mm in diameter.
Item HU-FERDHUNGARY SILVER DENAR OF FERDINAND 1526-64 F-crude out
Item HU-MAX HUNGARY SILVER DENAR OF MAXIMILIAN II 1563-76 F-crude $19.95
Item HU-RUDHUNGARY SILVER DENAR OF RUDOLF 1577-1608 out
Item HU-FERDHUNGARY SILVER DENAR OF FERDINAND 1526-64 F-crude out
Item HU-MAX HUNGARY SILVER DENAR OF MAXIMILIAN II 1563-76 F-crude $19.95
Item HU-RUDHUNGARY SILVER DENAR OF RUDOLF 1577-1608 out
DA GAMA’S ROYAL TREASURE FROM THE SÃO JOSÉ SHIPWRECK
The São José, flagship of the Portuguese flotilla bound for Goa, left Lisbon in 1622. Aboard was Viceroy of India, Francisco da Gama, great grandson of famed Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, and nine chests filled with many thousands of Spanish silver coins. The flotilla was attacked by a combined fleet of Dutch and British ships off the coast of Mozambique. The São José, damaged and cut off from the rest of the flotilla, ran into a shoal and sank, with a loss of some 300 to 400 passengers and crew. The ship was excavated and coins recovered in 2005. The coins included a number of Spanish silver 4 and 8 Reales cob coins. Cobs were crudely hand struck, often from irregularly shaped planchets. The coins come packaged in attractive boxes that include a history of the treasure and a Certificate of Authenticity. These coins have been offered elsewhere for many hundreds of dollars.
Item BK-SJ4 SAO JOSE 4 REALES TREASURE COIN IN BOX WITH CERTIFICATE $99.50
Item BK-SJ8 SAO JOSE 8 REALES TREASURE COIN IN BOX WITH CERTIFICATE $149.50
Item BK-SJBTH SAO JOSE BOTH 4 and 8 REALES TREASURE COINS IN BOX WITH CERTIFICATE $199.50
Item BK-SJ4 SAO JOSE 4 REALES TREASURE COIN IN BOX WITH CERTIFICATE $99.50
Item BK-SJ8 SAO JOSE 8 REALES TREASURE COIN IN BOX WITH CERTIFICATE $149.50
Item BK-SJBTH SAO JOSE BOTH 4 and 8 REALES TREASURE COINS IN BOX WITH CERTIFICATE $199.50
PIECES-OF-EIGHT FROM THE WRECK OF THE EL CAZADOR
Few coins can match the history and romance of the Piece-of-Eight. Commonly known as the Spanish 8 Reales, or Spanish Milled Dollar, this large silver coin was widely used throughout the Americas. Its wide acceptance made it a favorite of both pirates and merchants. It was used throughout the colonies before the American Revolution, and was the basis of the United States Dollar. The coin continued to be legal tender in the United States until 1857. These original Pieces-of-Eight went down aboard the El Cazador in 1784 off the coast of Louisiana.
Some say that Spain's loss of the El Cazador changed the course of history. Spain had gained control of New Orleans and Louisiana from France by treaty in 1762, over objections of the residents who had nothing to say in the matter. Following the American Revolution there was increasing rebellion in the territory caused by restrictions Spain placed on trade with the United States, a deluge of unbacked paper currency, and the ideals of the American Revolution. King Carlos III of Spain dispatched the brig of war El Cazador, loaded with newly minted Pieces-of-Eight from the Mexico City mint to New Orleans, in an effort to redeem the paper currency and boost the local economy. Alas the ship was lost at sea. Perhaps it was attacked by pirates or lost in a storm. The loss was devastating to both Louisiana’s economy and Spain's ability to profit from the territory. Further efforts by the Spanish Crown to sustain Louisiana failed, and in 1800, Spain ceded Louisiana back to France in exchange for some minor European considerations. Three years later France sold Louisiana to the United States for $15 million dollars. The Louisiana Purchase opened the floodgates of westward expansion for the young United States.
We have had these exciting coins that helped bring about a turning point in the history of the United States for some time, however until recently, we have not been able to reveal the name of the ship that they came from due to marketing restrictions. We can now reveal the story behind these historic Pieces-of-Eight.
The coins bear the bust of Spanish King Carlos (Charles) III one side and the Spanish coat-of-arms between the Pillars of Hercules on the other. The coins were struck at the historic Mexico City Mint, and were on their way from Mexico to the then Spanish port of New Orleans when the ship was lost at sea. The coins were only recently recovered, and definitely show signs that they have been underseas for the last 200 or so years. We offer the coin in two grades. The Heavily Corroded coins are identifiable and show major design elements, however much of the silver and most of the design details have been eaten away by the corrosive salt water. We recommend these for someone who would like to have an example of an historic Piece-of-Eight, a lucky pocket piece or just want a real piece of treasure. The moderately corroded coins are hand selected to show a readable date and a reasonable amount of the design details, including a clear bust of Carlos
Item SP8RCAZ-HC PIECE-OF-EIGHT OF CARLOS III HEAVILY CORRODED $55.00
Item SP8RCAZ-MC PIECE-OF-EIGHT OF CARLOS III (1780-1783) MODERATELY CORRODED $159.50
Some say that Spain's loss of the El Cazador changed the course of history. Spain had gained control of New Orleans and Louisiana from France by treaty in 1762, over objections of the residents who had nothing to say in the matter. Following the American Revolution there was increasing rebellion in the territory caused by restrictions Spain placed on trade with the United States, a deluge of unbacked paper currency, and the ideals of the American Revolution. King Carlos III of Spain dispatched the brig of war El Cazador, loaded with newly minted Pieces-of-Eight from the Mexico City mint to New Orleans, in an effort to redeem the paper currency and boost the local economy. Alas the ship was lost at sea. Perhaps it was attacked by pirates or lost in a storm. The loss was devastating to both Louisiana’s economy and Spain's ability to profit from the territory. Further efforts by the Spanish Crown to sustain Louisiana failed, and in 1800, Spain ceded Louisiana back to France in exchange for some minor European considerations. Three years later France sold Louisiana to the United States for $15 million dollars. The Louisiana Purchase opened the floodgates of westward expansion for the young United States.
We have had these exciting coins that helped bring about a turning point in the history of the United States for some time, however until recently, we have not been able to reveal the name of the ship that they came from due to marketing restrictions. We can now reveal the story behind these historic Pieces-of-Eight.
The coins bear the bust of Spanish King Carlos (Charles) III one side and the Spanish coat-of-arms between the Pillars of Hercules on the other. The coins were struck at the historic Mexico City Mint, and were on their way from Mexico to the then Spanish port of New Orleans when the ship was lost at sea. The coins were only recently recovered, and definitely show signs that they have been underseas for the last 200 or so years. We offer the coin in two grades. The Heavily Corroded coins are identifiable and show major design elements, however much of the silver and most of the design details have been eaten away by the corrosive salt water. We recommend these for someone who would like to have an example of an historic Piece-of-Eight, a lucky pocket piece or just want a real piece of treasure. The moderately corroded coins are hand selected to show a readable date and a reasonable amount of the design details, including a clear bust of Carlos
Item SP8RCAZ-HC PIECE-OF-EIGHT OF CARLOS III HEAVILY CORRODED $55.00
Item SP8RCAZ-MC PIECE-OF-EIGHT OF CARLOS III (1780-1783) MODERATELY CORRODED $159.50
The Parthian Empire
The Parthian Empire is a fascinating period of Persian history closely connected to Greece and Rome. Ruling from 247 B.C. to A.D. 228 in ancient Persia (Iran), the Parthians defeated Alexander the Great's successors, the Seleucids, conquered most of the Middle East and southwest Asia, controlled the Silk Road and built Parthia into an Eastern superpower. The Parthian empire revived the greatness of the Achaemenid empire and counterbalanced Rome's hegemony in the West. Parthia at one time occupied areas now in Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaidzhan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine and Israel.
Because limited written historical sources have survived, much of what we know about the Parthians and their sub-kingdoms of Characene, Elymais and Persis must be deduced from coins. For that reason, the primary focus is on numismatics. But this site is not just a virtual coin collection; here you can also gain insight into Parthian art, history, archaeology, and geography. You will also find references to the books, articles, maps and other resources necessary for further study.
Enjoy your visit and add this page to your favorites list so you can easily return. I welcome corrections and any suggestions for improvement of content or format of this site. You may post open messages or send a private e-mail message on the feedback page.
Interested in discussing Parthia with others? Join the Parthia-L mail list! It is a lightly moderated mail list created to facilitate discussions about Parthia. It is not limited to numismatics, and discussion of all aspects of Parthia is encouraged. Numerous scholars use the list but popular topics are also welcome. To subscribe, send a blank e-mail or visit the mail list'shome page.
Because limited written historical sources have survived, much of what we know about the Parthians and their sub-kingdoms of Characene, Elymais and Persis must be deduced from coins. For that reason, the primary focus is on numismatics. But this site is not just a virtual coin collection; here you can also gain insight into Parthian art, history, archaeology, and geography. You will also find references to the books, articles, maps and other resources necessary for further study.
Enjoy your visit and add this page to your favorites list so you can easily return. I welcome corrections and any suggestions for improvement of content or format of this site. You may post open messages or send a private e-mail message on the feedback page.
Interested in discussing Parthia with others? Join the Parthia-L mail list! It is a lightly moderated mail list created to facilitate discussions about Parthia. It is not limited to numismatics, and discussion of all aspects of Parthia is encouraged. Numerous scholars use the list but popular topics are also welcome. To subscribe, send a blank e-mail or visit the mail list'shome page.