Tag Archive for: History

Under the eyes of Artemis

The upcoming sale of Numismatica Genevensis SA on November 30, 2010 offers a unique gold stater struck by the citizens of Abydos. Here’s the story behind…

Charles of Anjou and the Sicilian Vespers

19 children Frederick II had had but his family was to be wiped out only a few years after his death. The enmity of the Pope is to blame or that – and an extremely effective opponent…

Cent, Nickel, Dime – what is depicted on American coinage and why?

Everybody all over the world is acquainted with the American dollar. But did you ever have a closer look at the three smallest denominations of US coinage? They represent the American conception of the world, too. At the risk of boring our constant readers from the United States, here is a short comment on the subjects pictured there…

Edward III – the Hundred Years War

In 1337 Eduard III, King of England was the only surviving grandson of the French King Philipp IV. Due to this reason Eduard laid claim on the French throne. And he made his claim visible to everybody issuing a new coin, the noble.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 4.

Charles, Landgrave of Hesse: Creator of the Military Power of Hesse

An extremely rare double ducat made of Eder-gold will be sold at Kunker’s on October 30, 2012. It reminds us of how poor of natural resources this region once had been. Hence, Charles created a resource of his own: his army.

Has Tom found Togodumnus?

Chris Rudd tells us how a newly discovered gold coin helps to reveal the possible identity of a long-forgotten British prince who died fighting during the Claudian invasion of AD 43. This coin was sold on January 13 for a record price of 10,200 Pounds.

Sicilian Mosaic Part 11: The classical coinage of Syracuse

Syracusan coins are among the most beautiful strikings of antiquity. Have a look at a few examples in the following.

The Hero of the Second War of American Independence

As part of its Berlin Auction 285, the auction house Künker offers a Congressional Gold Medal. This is no medal like any other, but the one President Madison handed personally to Alexander Macomb, the Hero of Plattsburgh. We are telling his story.

Maxentius, fighter for Rome

The year 307 was one of the most eventful in the history of the tetrarchy. A golden medallion, offered by Hess-Divo at auction 334, refers to this history. On it, Maxentius is being celebrated as defender of Rome.

Henry VII – Founder of the Tudor Dynasty

In the mid-15th century two aristocratic houses divided England deeply fighting the so-called War of the Roses. Henry VII overcame this situation by a marriage founding a new, stable dynasty: the Tudors.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 5.