I was watching an episode of Pawn Stars recently where the fat bald guy was getting a couple of early US banknotes valued by one of his numerous experts. They turned out to be worth several thousands of dollars each, but what intrigued me most was the story behind their issue. They were produced with a double purpose, firstly of course as banknotes but secondly as works of high art. At that time a large portion of Americans lived in rural areas and had no access to great works of art so they brought the mountain to Mohammed by circulating these banknotes.
I would suggest that even today, for the vast majority of people their only experience of high quality engraving is in their trouser pocket. I can't afford a bronze bust of King George V but for a few dollars I can buy a high grade coin which has one of the finest portraits ever engraved. I may be a little biased being an ex-pat Brit and all but I don't think any country has produced finer coins than the UK from 1837-1967.
Even some of the modern commemorative coins, which I usually dislike because they have zero numismatic value.... there are a few where I have to reluctantly admit they are beautiful. The Russian Zodiac series is probably the most aesthetically appealling set of coins I've seen in a long time. Despite having a long time policy of refusing to buy anything which wasn't intended for circulation (I exclude proof sets/issues where there are business strikes available also) I keep being drawn to this set. Who could fail to be seduced by the wiles of Virgo?
I have a few coins which I acquired simply for the eye appeal, USSR commemorative Roubles, Egyptian King Tut Pounds etc. I guess I'm just a beer swilling prole but these have far more merit to my uneducated eye than a dozen Victor Passmore paintings.
Moved by ZacUK from Numismatic questions to Free discussion
Non illegitimis carborundum est. Excellent advice for all coins.
Make Numismatics Great Again!
Citeer: pnightingaleI was watching an episode of Pawn Stars recently
Yeah, I was disappointed also.....
Citeer: pnightingaleI would suggest that even today, for the vast majority of people their only experience of high quality engraving is in their trouser pocket. I can't afford a bronze bust of King George V but for a few dollars I can buy a high grade coin which has one of the finest portraits ever engraved. I may be a little biased being an ex-pat Brit and all but I don't think any country has produced finer coins than the UK from 1837-1967.
Even some of the modern commemorative coins, which I usually dislike because they have zero numismatic value.... there are a few where I have to reluctantly admit they are beautiful. The Russian Zodiac series is probably the most aesthetically appealling set of coins I've seen in a long time. Despite having a long time policy of refusing to buy anything which wasn't intended for circulation (I exclude proof sets/issues where there are business strikes available also) I keep being drawn to this set. Who could fail to be seduced by the wiles of Virgo?
I have a few coins which I acquired simply for the eye appeal, USSR commemorative Roubles, Egyptian King Tut Pounds etc. I guess I'm just a beer swilling prole but these have far more merit to my uneducated eye than a dozen Victor Passmore paintings.
I agree. The quality of art work on many coins is quite outstanding for such mass produced items. I am even intrigued by the presence of braile on some (having done a fund raising event for the blind I know how hard it can be to differentiate coins with your eyes shut).
Personally I find most 'high art' to be shall I say, not to my taste (!!!) but the engravings on many circulation coins, oh yes I can appreciate that. Shame its so often so small.
Art indeed. It is on of the biggest draws for me, and others as well I'm sure.
My favorite coins are ones with artistic designs. From the crowns of the UK to the US commemoratives to the Italain Lire, the beauty is breath taking.
The US Dolley Madison commemorative is one of my favorites. It was designed by Tiffany and Co.
UK coinage with images of Britannia and St. George and the Dragon are wonderful mini works of art as well.
The Belgium 5 Franc Km#163 and 164 have the rank high on my design list as well.
It would be hard for me to pick my favorite.
Can anyone narrow down their top 10 favorites?
I think that deserves another forum topic Your top 10 coins.. You could start it off with a reason for putting it there. Cerulean could maybe do some stats on it in the end!
e.g.
10. 50 centimes 1932 France(Art Deco Style, beauty)
9. 3 Piastres 1901 Cyprus (300,000 made) etc.
The artistic value coupled with the history of coins is why i started collecting, i have examples of art from Celtic tribes, Byzantium, Roman, British classical style and many examples of European art decco coins if i bought examples of these arts in any other form i would not be able to afford them or even fit them in my flat.
I agree - that is one of the very few world coins I do collect (I have three so far - 1909 1912 1913). I love beautiful coins. The other type I collect is Third Reich - not beautiful as such, but I have a few. I like coins with ladies on, such as the Austrian lady with a hat, or those from French overseas territories, and so on.
I agree - that is one of the very few world coins I do collect (I have three so far - 1909 1912 1913). I love beautiful coins. The other type I collect is Third Reich - not beautiful as such, but I have a few. I like coins with ladies on, such as the Austrian lady with a hat, or those from French overseas territories, and so on.
I must say that is one of my favourite coins for the beauty of the design. Marie Claire is pretty cool. Brittania, Liberty, they all look pretty Art Nouveau. Free flowing female form. Now that is alliteration.
I don't know if I should be reviving this thread after so long, but I'm working on an essay arguing against the idea of a cashless society. I'd like to use this argument, since I haven't seen it used before. Does anyone know of any literature on this? At the moment I'm citing papers that show that being around beautiful architecture can improve mental health, but I have to make the conjecture of linking this to the art on coins/banknotes…
I don't know if I should be reviving this thread after so long, but I'm working on an essay arguing against the idea of a cashless society. I'd like to use this argument, since I haven't seen it used before. Does anyone know of any literature on this? At the moment I'm citing papers that show that being around beautiful architecture can improve mental health, but I have to make the conjecture of linking this to the art on coins/banknotes…
A serious amount of beautifull coins and notes in your pocket will definitly increase your mental health.
I don't know if I should be reviving this thread after so long, but I'm working on an essay arguing against the idea of a cashless society. I'd like to use this argument, since I haven't seen it used before. Does anyone know of any literature on this? At the moment I'm citing papers that show that being around beautiful architecture can improve mental health, but I have to make the conjecture of linking this to the art on coins/banknotes…
I'm unaware of the art connection but I do agree with @yvon's perspective as I have been alarmed at the rate in which Canada has become cashless. And it all appears to be going along very smoothly without anybody raising an eyebrow.
Personally, I had to pay a $25 USD fee for not using my Paypal account so I think it is the expense of going cashless that bothers me more than the loss of privacy (12 financial institutions sharing my data when I paid for my oil change yesterday, using my VISA). I also find it frustrating that most people I try to discuss the topic with tend to tune out & change the subject. I guess it's just not news worthy (the creep of going cashless is so insidious).
