The Age of Coins: Part one

I’ve never viewed rare coins as jewelry. I see them as a piece of history, a window into our past, and our present. Many lessons are learned from studying the meanings and symbols inside Ancient and Spanish coinage. I know it’s simple but the word coinage means the ushering in of the “Age of Coins”. This took place around 5-6th Century BC. The first known minted coins came from The Greek Isles of Lesvos, which happened to be a center of literary activity. The first coins were struck in a metal called Electrum. At this time Electrum was the rarest and revered metal known with the most unique properties. It is a natural alloy consisting of gold, silver, copper, and trace elements of platinum. Coincidentally, this metal can also be found in King Tuts dagger laid on his chest to accompany him in the afterworld. This natural alloy contained all three “Noble Metals”. The value structure of our currency system, to this day, is still based on these original standards.

Before the coin age, people simply traded hacks of gold or silver for goods and services. Coins allowed a structured and standardized weight and value so commerce could be more effective and society flourished because of it. The coins you see here are an actual part of the series of the original coins minted in Lesvos between 521-427 BC. First, notice the impressions are incredibly well preserved. This is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of the time. Compare to coinage in circulation today, and there is no comparison. Also, note that all ancient coins are different from the next one. Even when using the same dies the coins will differ. This is because they struck each coin by hand and depending on pressure, temperature, and alignment you would have a slightly different result. (See photo)

What you are looking at is called a Hekte denomination. On the front side or the Obverse side is Female Goddess Lioness, representing the fierce protector of her country. On the Reverse side, you have a Cow with a collar that represents the bounty and nutrients of the land. Specifically, this is an era where you see a blending of Greek and Egyptian cultures and mythologies.

The study of ancient and Colonial Spanish Coins is real history you can experience by feeling what they felt and seeing the world through the eyes of those that came before us. It’s a window into our past and there are many lessons to be learned through the study of these rare and valuable treasures. We encourage and invite you to come in, ask questions, and discover the vast history and hidden world of coins.

For more information on the meanings behind Ancient and Colonial Spanish coins please contact us at Bradley’s Jewelers.