found many coins not only important in history, but of the very finest
Greek art, from the third to the first century B.C. In this period the
Syriac and Hebrew coins become intermingled, a fact abundantly sustained
by the Jewish shekel of Simon Maccabees. The legend of this interesting
relic is in the language of Samaria; on one side the budding rod of
Aaron, legend, “Jerusalem the Holy;” on the other, a cup of incense or
pot of manna, and the inscription, “Shekel of Israel.” This shekel is
well preserved, and is one of the most prized coins known. (See Plate and
Case XV., marked “_Selections_.”) In this collection are some coins from
Bactria, considered priceless by savans. These are trophies of recent
British explorations, and are judged to be of sufficient importance
to call forth from an English professor an extended treatise on the
“Antiquities and Coins of Afghanistan.” They are exceedingly rude in
workmanship, and nearly all of baser metal, the most important being a
small, square, brass coin, in the case marked “_Selections_.”
ROMAN COINS.
The collection of Roman coins in this Cabinet numbers nearly one
thousand, and an acquaintance with it is invaluable for object teaching,
as in it is the condensed history, not only of the glory of Rome,
“Mistress of the World,” but of her customs, faith, conquests, wealth,
culture, divisions, and _downfall_. Through this entire section of
time—one-third of the known history of the world—Roman art, though high,
never reached the exalted purity of Greek lines. In their finest coins
we see no Phidias, no Myron, no Praxiteles, but they deteriorate and
fluctuate visibly when in or out of contact with the influence of the
Grecian mind.
GREEK REPUBLIC
will be first in interest, both historic and artistic. It is conceded
that to the Greeks the world owes the introduction of the art of coinage,
and though centuries numbered by tens have passed, some of the old Greek
coins equal many modern productions in purity of lines, and surpass
nearly all in poetic sentiment. On the first coins no earthly potentate
was allowed to be pictured, no deed of heroism portrayed. The glory of
the gods was considered the only appropriate theme for impressions on the
surface of bronze, silver, and gold. The coins of the republic embrace a
large variety, as nearly a thousand towns were allowed the privilege of
coinage. Upon this varied issue are preserved nearly all the legends of
Greek mythology. Upon the coins are the heads of Jupiter, Juno, Minerva,
Bacchus, Apollo, and Diana, with many sacred animals, and the work is
to-day the standard of artistic perfection. Of course, the collection of
this ancient period cannot be extensive. In this case there are, however,
more than one hundred and fifty specimens, and these present a study so
attractive and so intense that it is almost impossible to imagine what
classic poetry would be without it.
Nos. 4, 5, and 6, are silver coins of Ægina, which have on the obverse,
for a device, the tortoise, emblematic of the security of the island amid
the waves, and the protection of the gods of the sea. On the reverse are
the marks of the punches only, probably denoting the value of the coins.
These are claimed to belong to an era seven hundred years before Christ.
No. 28 is a silver coin of Athens, with a head of Minerva splendidly
drawn upon the obverse, while the reverse presents a large owl, the bird
sacred to the goddess of Wisdom. The devices upon this coin indicate its
age to be from twenty-one to twenty-three centuries. The Greek proverb of
“taking owls to Athens” referred to this coin, which was necessarily of
great importance to the tradespeople of that city.
FAMILY COINS.
These comprise about one hundred and seventy-five, of which one hundred
and twenty-six are in the collection. They were struck to record the
heroic deeds which first introduced any notable ancestor to fame,
and hence are to-day family charts of respectability for many of the
patricians of Rome, albeit some of them have plebeian roots. Be that as
it may, they are as much the trusted patents of aristocracy as is the
“Book of the Peerage” of England. Here are found the same distinctions
between patrician and plebeian which mark all countries, the patricians
being always designated by a symbol of warfare, while the plebeians
were indicated by the tools and instruments of common trade. The more
noticeable of the coins are as follows: No. 16, Acilia; the reverse a
female leaning against a pillar, with a serpent clutched in her right
hand, indicating the wisdom or courage of some ancestor. No. 20, Æmilia;
on the obverse of this curious coin is a figure kneeling by the side
of a camel, presenting an olive branch, from which depends a fillet or
ancient diadem; on the reverse, a figure guiding a triumphal chariot, a
scorpion in the field. Josephus tells us of an invasion of Arabia, and
that Aretus, the king of the country, purchased peace of the Romans for
five hundred talents. The diadem hanging from the olive branch chronicles
the entire humiliation of Aretus, and the scorpion doubtless indicates
the month of the Roman triumph. No. 30, Aquillia, a small silver coin;
the reverse shows a woman kneeling before a soldier. The motto below
the figures (or in the _exergue_ of the coin, as is the art term) is
“_Sicil_.” This commemorates the suppression of a revolt of slaves in
Sicily, which was achieved by Manlius Aquillia. No. 41, Calpurnia, the
family of Cæsar’s noble wife; reverse, a horseman riding at full speed, a
head of wheat above him; legend, L. Piso-Trugi. The coin recalls the fact
that in the year 507 B.C. there was a famine in Rome, and Calpurnius Piso
was dispatched to Africa to buy corn. This seemingly small service is
magnified upon a large number of coins. Nos. 95 and 96, Hostilia, a coin
with a sacrifice to _Pallor_ and _Pavor_ (fear and trembling), offered
by Tullus Hostilius in some great emergency. No. 97, Julia; obverse, a
helmeted head; legend, Cæsar; reverse, a warrior in a chariot drawn by
two horses.
No. 98, Junia; obverse, head of Liberty; reverse, Junius Brutus guarded
by lictors, and preceded by a herald, showing that an ancestor of
Junius Brutus was the first consul of Rome. Nos. 181, 182, Tituria.
The reverse shows two soldiers throwing their shields upon a prostrate
female, illustrating the famous story of the “Tarpeian Rock.” Reverse
represents the Romans carrying off Sabine women—a witness in coin of the
fact that the family of Tituria trace their ancestry from the Sabines.
To do justice to this case is impossible, for here are coins relating to
the ancestors of Antonia, Aurelia, Cornelia, Fulvia, Horatio, Lucretia,
Lucilla, Sempronia, Titia Valeria, and many others familiar to the
readers of history.
This era of coins terminated about the time of the birth of Christ, when
the
IMPERIAL COINS
were introduced. In noticing these, little save the labels on the case
can be given.
_Division II._
Julius Cæsar to Trajan, inclusive. Beginning 49 B.C., and ending 117 A.D.
A simple catalogue of the illustrious names on these coins would convey
an idea of their importance. All the victories of Cæsar are marked by
coinage; but out of the two hundred belonging to this case reference need
only be made to No. 24, a beautiful gold coin, with the undraped head
of Augustus, exquisitely severe, the interest attaching chiefly to the
legend, “The Son of God,” referring to the deification of Cæsar.
_Division III._
embraces from Hadrian to Elagabalus, 117-222. In the reign of Hadrian
much coin was issued, though it did not bear marks of the disasters and
revolts that signalized the foregoing. That he was a merciful ruler is
indicated by the coins, especially one—Hispania; the reverse showing the
emperor raising Spain—a female figure—from the ground. His travels are
also illustrated in coin.
_Division IV._
From Severus Alexander to Claudius Gothicus, 222-270. These coins
indicate the vicious effect of the rulers immediately preceding.
_Division V._
From Aurelian to the end of the Western Empire; includes 270-475. A
brilliant succession; Aurelian’s busy reign, ending in assassination; the
war-like Probus, the slave-emperor; Diocletian’s despotism and vindictive
persecution of Christians; the usurpation of Carausius; the happy reign
of Constantine the Great, Julian, Theodosius, down to Julius Nepos. These
are a few of the historic names and events presented in this division.
_Division VI._
covers the period of the Byzantine or Eastern Empire, and a lapse of
eight centuries; but the coinage is not comparable with that of other
eras, nor were events of so stirring and heroic a character. A general
decay, painful to contemplate, marked this long lapse of time, which
began near the acceptance of Christianity, and extended through the dark
ages.
“THE TEMPLE SWEEPERS.”
A small case attracts no little attention, because it contains a single
coin; and the interest does not decrease when the inscription is read:
“Struck in the Philadelphia Mint, at least two thousand years ago.” The
late Assayer of the Philadelphia Mint, Mr. W. E. Du Bois, under title of
“The Temple Sweepers,” wrote, not long since, a valuable sketch of this
coin, made in the City of Attalus Philadelphus, Asia Minor, and for which
William Penn called his city, because the ancient one was a monument of
“brotherly love.” Diana was the patroness of Philadelphia.
“On one side, then, we have a head; not a king’s nor an emperor’s; as
yet the free city had a pride and a privilege above that. It is a female
head, an ideal, representing the city itself; or rather the dwellers
in it, the _Demos_. Here in this head and title, we have the radix of
Democracy.
“This is all we can gather from the obverse. On the other side we have a
larger variety: a running female figure; a dog also on the trot; a legend
of some length and of more significance.
“The half-clad figure is that of the goddess known to the Greeks as
Artemis, to the Latins as Diana; and otherwise called Selene, Phœbe,
Delia, or Cynthia.
“She was the favorite divinity of the cities of Asia Minor. Once the
patroness of chastity and purity. Goddess of the chase.”
The legend on the obverse of this coin explains its name: “Friends of
Philadelphia’s [her] Temple Sweepers.”
ORIENTAL.
Oriental coins are not as attractive as other varieties, though there
are special coins among them which have no rival in historic importance.
Antique coins from the East were usually without device, and, their
legends being rudely inscribed in a dead language, proved frequently to
be sealed fountains to the thirsting antiquarian. Therefore in cases
marked “Oriental” the visitor is undetermined where to begin to study,
and often decides to give it but little time.
Those having for device the sacred peacock are from Burmah; there
is, however, in the division marked “Selections” a very curious coin
belonging to that country, which certainly formed a part of its earliest
currency. It is a common gravel-stone, encased in a circling band of
brass.
COINS OF SIAM.
The coins of Siam are much sought for. Some of them, known to European
travelers as “bullet money,” are lumps of gold or silver, hammered by
rude implements into a doubtful roundness, and a few Siamese characters
stamped irregularly upon them. The sacred elephant is found on a large
proportion of their money. A Siamese coin in the Cabinet, of modern date,
is quite handsome in both workmanship and design. On the obverse is the
sacred elephant in ponderous proportion, which delights the eyes of the
devout, and the reverse presents a group of three pagodas, finely drawn.
In the case marked “Selections” is a Siamese coin of gold, comparatively
modern, called “Tecal,” corresponding in some respects to the “Shekel,”
or “Oxen,” of biblical fame.
CHINESE COINS.
On the south side of the first section is a case of seven hundred
coins of the Celestial Empire. With but few exceptions these coins are
bronzed. Dynasty succeeds dynasty; usurpation, insurrection, are all writ
in bronze. The Chinese assert an uninterrupted coinage for forty-one
centuries. The manuscript attesting this is in the case, and was prepared
under authority. Large numbers of their coins were considered charms,
sufficient to protect the owner against fever, or even the more dreaded
horrors of spiritual menace. In this connection it may be said that the
Chinese had an exalted reverence for the coin-charm, and a small coin
was often placed in the mouth of the dead (now, if a Chinaman dies in
California, a small silver United States coin is placed on his tongue).
These coins were covered with cabalistic characters, symbolic animals,
birds, etc. Two worthy of notice in this regard, and said to be of the
oldest issue, are Nos. 1 and 2. The first might be mistaken for an iron
safe-key; the second is known as the “razor coin,” its form and almost
its size being that of a razor.
In another case, appropriately labeled, is the Chinese porcelain money.
They are the only people who have made porcelain a “legal tender,” though
it would appear that almost every part of the three kingdoms of nature
has been laid under contribution. The specimen here may be mistaken for
the popular Chinese sleeve-button, bought in any bazaar for a few cents.
The Chinese, as did also the Africans, utilized the small sea-shells for
trade. In the same case are some of the variety legalized. Ten small
shells made one “cash.” This is a small, round, copper-bronzed coin,
with a square hole in the centre. The Chinese dames of high degree wore
such strung around their throats. One thousand of them are equal to our
dollar. The Japanese, however, _outcount_ their neighbors, as they have a
bronze coin called the “One-hundredth,” of which just seven thousand make
one Spanish dollar.
Shell money of pure gold, “or gold beaten into small solid shells, was
made by those natives who supplied the Portuguese slave-traders with
slaves,” and was called by the traders “Spondylus Macutus,” from which,
some contend, came the _slang_ term “spondulics.” Forty of those small
coins, each worth about a dollar of Spanish money, was a high price for a
slave.
There is also in the Cabinet a valuable collection of African ring money.
These ornaments are very massive and pure, comprised of elaborately
carved “signet-rings, armlets, anklets,” etc. One article, more novel
and valuable than the others, is a pipe of fine gold, bowl and handle of
curious bas-relief figures, and a heavy, square-linked chain attaching a
large medallion, on which is the head of a monarch poorly drawn.
The Chinese government, like all despotisms, is very jealous of its
coining prerogatives; yet it does not fail to appreciate an advantage
when offered, as is evident to us by the following:
Proclamation for general information:
“WHEREAS, The foreign silver (coin) in daily use among
the people of the Kwang Tung Provinces has long been in
circulation, and is moreover admitted to be advantageous and
convenient. In the 5th and 11th years of Tung Chih (1866 and
1872) the Hong Kong Mint coined a new Dollar which, upon
comparison with pure silver, bore a proportion of fully ninety
per cent., and as the Records will prove. Proclamations were
issued notifying the people that it might come into general
circulation. There has lately come to Hong Kong a newly coined
American Eagle Dollar, called the “Trade Dollar,” and Sir
Brooke Robinson, the British Consul, having requested that
officers might be appointed to assay it, the Viceroy and
Haikwan thereupon appointed officers to melt it down and assay
it, in concert with (an officer from the British Consulate),
when, taking the Haikwan Tael of pure silver as the standard,
an outturn was obtained of fully 89.61—or Taels 111.6 of this
new Eagle Dollar are equal to 100 Haikwan Taels of pure silver.
Minutes of the assay were drawn up in proof thereof.
“For the convenience of Traders and people, therefore, this
coin should be allowed to be tendered in payment of duties at
the rate of touch obtained at the assay, and to come into daily
circulation. It becomes the duty then of the Viceroy and his
colleagues to issue a Proclamation on the subject for general
information.
“This Proclamation, therefore, is for the information of you
merchants, traders, soldiers, and people of every district.
You must know that the ‘Eagle Trade Dollar’ that has lately
come to Hong Kong has been jointly assayed by officers
specially appointed for the purpose, and it can be taken in
payment of duties, and come into general circulation. _You must
not look upon it with suspicion._ At the same time rogues,
sharpers, and the like, are hereby strictly forbidden to
fabricate spurious imitations of this new Eagle Dollar, with a
view to their own profit.
“And should they dare to set this prohibition at defiance,
and fabricate false coin, they shall, upon discovery, most
assuredly be arrested and punished. Let every one obey with
trembling! Let there be no disobedience!
“A Special Proclamation. Tung Chih 12th year, 9th moon—day
(October, 1873.)
“Translated by
“(Signed) WALTER C. HILLIER.”
JAPAN.
Perhaps the peculiar adaptability of the Japanese character cannot be
better illustrated than by their late monetary revolution, especially as
their coinage is hedged around with laws, with penal attachments of no
doubtful character. In the small morocco case marked “Japan” are a few
specimens of their original coin. Of this series the large gold plate,
four inches by three and a half, is known as the “Gold Oban,” their
most valuable coin, worth about seventy-five dollars. This coin is of
perfectly smooth surface, with an elaborate black inscription of Japanese
text, burnt in by a chemical process. To take the “Gold Oban” out of the
kingdom is _punishable with death_; to remove it by mistake, subjects the
offender to imprisonment for life. The other coins in this case are, in
their composition and shape, as distinctive as the Japanese are peculiar
as a people. The progressive character of the Japanese is exemplified by
their recent acceptance of the United States system of coinage.
The mind of the Japanese proletaire has been much troubled in recent
years with regard to the coinage of his country; not that he ever has
much of the currency in question, but the Japanese proletaire has no
pockets, and he finds it awkward to carry in his hands such coins as he
contrives to possess. In ancient times his rulers were more considerate.
They punched square holes in the centre of the coins, through which he
passed a string, and was thus able to carry about his available capital
tied around his neck or to his waistband, which in those days was his
sole garment. The coins were not large in amount; it took a thousand of
them to make a few shillings, while a cart was required to convey five
dollars worth. But with civilization came an improved coinage, larger
in value, and with no holes, and the pocketless proletaire naturally
grumbled that civilization treated him hardly in this respect. Paper
currency for small amounts partially satisfied him for a time; but at
last his cries have been heard, and the Japanese Government has promised
to issue a new coin specially for his behoof. Its value is rather less
than one cent, and is to possess the indispensable hole, by which he can
string it as a child strings beads, and he is probably content.
TURKEY.
Turkish coins often bear texts from the Koran on either side, so it may
be said the tenets of their religion are their circulating medium. The
piastres in this collection are generally those now in circulation.
EGYPT.
Egypt’s antique coins were of Greek or Roman workmanship, of which the
very finest is in the case marked “Selections,” and has not its superior
for interest or beauty in the world. It was the work of some Greek
artist, and presents the head of Arsinoe, wife of Ptolemy. It was found
in 1868, and bought by the United States Government at a high price; but
as only three had been found, its market value may be named by thousands,
though its metal value is not more than twenty dollars.
This notice of Oriental coins may conclude with suggestive reference to
the “Cufic coins,” of which there are some valuable specimens. The first
is the silver dirhem of Walid, the eccentric caliph of Damascus, A.D.
713. There is also in case XV. a coin of the reign of Haroun Alraschid.
FRENCH COINAGE.
The French have the credit of making the greatest improvements in modern
coinage. The French coins are a history of that nation, from the small
coin issued in the reign of Louis “the Meek” to the last currency of the
republic of France, spanning a period of one thousand years.
In design and execution the French coins bear the impress of the national
character, and also give assurance of the art patronage in which her
rulers, failing in much, have never wavered, but brought all their power
and cunning to bear on securing the best artists, as in the instance
of Francis I. beguiling from the holy father that exquisite artist
Benvenuto Cellini, or the later _enterprise_ of Napoleon Bonaparte. No.
83,—a medalet of the unhappy Mario Antoinette,—which is in itself very
beautiful, and from its tragic association attracts general interest.
GERMANY.
The collection of Germany is very large and divided and sub-divided by
its kingdoms and principalities.
One of the most interesting coins of any age, and excelling in beauty as
well, is the gold medallic ducat on which are the heads of Martin Luther
and Philip Melanchthon. This coin is very generally admired by visitors
to the Cabinet.
COINS OF SWITZERLAND.
Switzerland is modestly represented in all her cantons, each, like the
classic Greek town, enjoying the coining privilege. There are several
pieces of commemorative and artistic worth, especially the two issues of
the republic of 1796.
RUSSIAN COINS.
The double rouble, with a magnificent draped head of Peter the Great, is
unexcelled for strength of outline, and valuable as a correct portrait of
one of the very greatest and most self-reliant of modern rulers. Turning
to another rouble, the features of Elizabeth II. are recognized. It may
be assumed, with all due deference to royalty, that this portrayal is the
most laughter-provoking figure ever stamped on metal. She is so fat as to
have the effect of “spreading herself” all over the coin. Another rouble
presents the majestic Catherine II.
Of the coins marked Denmark, Norway, Sweden, there can be only the
copper half-daler of Sweden mentioned. This coin is four inches square,
weighs about twelve ounces, and is equivalent to a United States silver
half-dollar. The daler of Sweden, thaler of Germany, dollar of Spain and
America, are all synonymous terms.
ENGLAND.
The first coins of Great Britain were of tin, according to Cæsar’s
authority, who mentions the “tin money of Britain,” which has lately been
sustained by the discovery, in some work of excavation, of coins of that
metal in antique design. These coins are, however, of little use, by
reason of the obscure inscription, or rather the frequent absence of all
device.
The English collection in the Cabinet begins with a coin made after the
stater of Greece, presenting the head of Minerva, with Greek helmet
on obverse, while the reverse gives the figure of a woman most crudely
drawn. It is supposed this rude attempt at art was coined about the time
of the Roman invasion. Note the contrast presented in placing this relic
by the side of the Victorian sovereign, where, on the obverse, is the
queen’s head superbly cut; on the reverse, Wyon’s inimitable figure of
Una and the Lion. These two coins are the Alpha and the Omega of British
coinage, while the thousands issued between them are progressive links to
civilization.
Two small coins are placed here, thought to be contemporary with the
Christian era, having no device, but an attempt to portray the sun on
one side. No. 2 is the skeattae of Ethelbert I, king of Saxony, and is
the first Saxon coin which has yet been appropriated. It bears upon the
obverse the head of the king; on the reverse is the figure of a bird.