Numismatic Puzzle: Isabella I and Ferdinand II
Today’s puzzle is a Dobla Excelente (c.1497 ) of the “Catholic Monarchs” Ferdinand II of Aragón and Isabella I of Castile.
Numismatic Puzzle: Anastasius and Clovis
In the 5th century, new rulers established themselves in the Western Roman Empire – and they often had little experience in coinage. This gold coin imitates a solidus of the Eastern Roman Emperor Anastasius, but it was minted in Gaul under the Merovingian King Clovis I.
Numismatic Puzzle: Vreneli, Switzerland (1925)
Today’s puzzle is a 100 CHF Swiss gold coin, a so-called Vreneli, of 1925.
Numismatic Puzzle: Pfennig, Germany 1950
Today’s puzzle is a German 1 Pfennig 1950 with the characteristic oak sprig.
Numismatic Puzzle: Feather Money
Today’s puzzle is a teau of feather money, wrapped in palm leaves from the Santa Cruz Islands.
Numismatic Puzzle: Groat of Maria I of England
Today’s puzzle is a groat (c.1553-1558) of Maria I of England, “Bloody Mary”.
Numismatic Puzzle: Reichstaler of Albrecht von Wallenstein (1627)
Today’s puzzle is a 1627 reichstaler of Albrecht von Wallenstein.
Numismatic Puzzle: 2 Euro Vatican Benedict XVI
Today’s puzzle is a 2 euro coin of the Vatican with Pope Benedict XVI (2012).
Numismatic Puzzle: St. Gaudens
US President Theodore Roosevelt thought his country’s coin designs were hideous. Renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens was commissioned to design some new coins for him. The result: a majestic Lady Liberty, as featured on this 20-dollar coin from 1916.
Numismatic Puzzle: Finland’s Lion
In 1917, Finland separated from the Russian Empire and became an independent republic. This 1-markka coin of 1922 depicts the young state’s coat of arms, which dates back to the 16th century and can still be seen on Finland’s euro coins: a lion with a sword.
