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.
Numismatic Puzzle: Colorado Peaks
The US state of Colorado attracts mountaineers and nature lovers with its high summits. Therefore, they represent Colorado, which officially joined the United States in 1876 as the 38th state, in the 50 State Quarters Program.
Numismatic Puzzle: The Ideal Swiss Woman
In 1883, Switzerland introduced a new 20-franc gold coin, the highest denomination at the time. Instead of a head of state, the republican Confederates put the ideal of a Swiss woman on the obverse: Helvetia.
Numismatic Puzzle: Umberto I
Many people in 1882 Italy couldn’t even dream of such a gold 20-lira piece. Umberto I ruled a country torn by social conflict, which caused him to lose his life in an assassination in 1900.
Numismatic Puzzle: Manilla
A manilla looks like a bangle, but its opening is too wide to be used as jewellery. In fact, Manillas were used for centuries as a currency by Europeans to trade with West African nations.
Numismatic Puzzle: Saint George and the Dragon
In 1817, the engraver Benedetto Pistrucci created a truly evergreen design for the Royal Mint. His interpretation of England’s patron saint, the dragon-slayer George – shown here on a coin of Queen Victoria from 1887 – is still used on British coins today!
Numismatic Puzzle: Bertha von Suttner
In 1905, Bertha von Suttner became the first woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. The Nobel Committee thus honoured the life’s work of this dedicated pacifist and writer. Today, her face can be found in many purses and wallets: on Austria’s 2-euro circulation coins.
Numismatic Puzzle: Melanesian Boar’s Tusk
This is a boar’s tusk. On a group of islands east of Australia, wealth is traditionally quantified using pigs as a unit of measurement. Circular boar’s tusks are still used as bride price or atonement money – and they even adorn the national flag of Vanuatu.
