TRANSPORTABLE RICHES
Mysterious travelers of the earth - the bear keepers, snake charmers, and fortune tellers of the world -are synonymous with gold coins.
Gypsies were one of the very first people to wear their money or gold coins as an accessory.
‘Salome',’ by Henri Regnault (1870) The MET, New York, NY.
GYPSIES
They did this for two reasons: first, it served as a convenient way to transport their money where they can always see it and secondly, to showcase their wealth along their travels. Gypsies’ love of opulence reflects their culture’s belief system of sharing your success with others including the importance of honor and generosity.
“Not Titled”, (1869) by Émile Vernet-Lecomte
Not everything that shines is JUST gold.
Easily transportable, it’s no wonder jewelry became the first form of currency. Dating back to 3500 BC Mesopotamia, jewelry was being traded for goods, supplies, and services. This bartering system was so successful that it quickly spread to other ancient trade routes outside of Mesopotamia.
Coin design varied from kingdom to kingdom in accordance with their local arts, culture, and leaders. So, despite the varying shape or size of coins, it was the weight that determined the monetary value.
TURKEY (Lydian Kingdom)
The first coins of standardized size, weight, and shape were created by the Lydian Kingdom (present day Turkey) around 650-700 BC. The coins were a naturally occurring combination of gold and silver, known as ‘electrum’. Lydians would carve designs on one side of the coin and marked the other side with indents.
ANCIENT CHINA
Alongside the Lydians, Ancient China was also creating their own coins. But before these coins, the Shang Dynasty used sea snail shells called cowries. Then they applied pieces of gold in the letters of Chinese cities on them. Next, knives of different metals were used as currency.
In 220 BC coins as money became popular throughout the country. These Chinese coins feature some sort of square or round hole. This was deliberately added so that coins could be tied to a string or wire for easier transport.
Jeune Femme de Profil (1915) by Samuel Mutzner
ROMANS
In Ancient Rome, the Romans set coins as jewelry called ‘Gemme Numari’, which literally translates to ‘coin gems’ or ‘nummary gems.’ These coins were treated as works of art and served as vehicles for creativity for artists in Ancient Greece and Rome. These medallions had figurines of kings, queens, and individuals of greatness. The Romans praised their emperors, placing their faces on the front and their achievements on the back.
‘Priestess of Delphi,’ by John Collier (1891). Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide.
GREEKS
The Greeks honored the gods on their coins, depicting their image on the face and an attribute on the back. Larger coins were used as medals or awards that were given to individuals who displayed strength of character, courage in a perilous situation, or performed a noble deed. These larger coins were a sign of respect and honor for all to see what he or she has done for others/greater good of all. These coins have given art historians invaluable knowledge on cultural accomplishments especially since these are the only existing form of written form of historic documentation.
EUROPEANS and PACIFIC REGION
As war waged in the 1940s between Europe and the Pacific region, lonely soldiers and sailors away from home, family, and loved ones began the trend of ‘Sweetheart Coins’ or ‘Victorian Love Coins’. Not knowing whether they would make it back home to their loved ones and lovers, coins would be smoothed, worked, and engraved by hand with meaningful names, dates, designs, or initials.
Other times, the coin would be left intact, and the sentimental message(s) would be engraved on the edges around the images of liberty or royalty. The messages on the coins could be used as spiritual reminders, family documentation, or sentimental sweet nothings. Coins became lucky charms, jewelry, and works of art. Other methods used to create these ‘Love Tokens’ was to heat a coin into a desired shape, drill a hole, and connected several pieces together to become ‘Sweetheart’ jewelry.
Such jewelry could be transformed into a bracelet, chain for watches, and necklaces. ‘Victorian Love Tokens’, coin jewelry, ornaments, or medallions were worn as bracelets, pins, or necklaces for many years awaiting family reunion. They were mostly found around England, Australia, and other countries where the military was stationed. Coins were also made into brooches, earrings, and cuff-links. Jewelry from coins were also common with people throughout England, Australia, and other countries where soldiers were stationed. It is believed that the love token originated in Great Britain as early as the 13th century with the practice of bending coins.
Sunset on a Rough Sea (1873) by James Hamilton