Animal Pictures On Coins
The images of animals on coins caused fascination among the most curious. Whether in the form of military or sports insignia, coins or sacred totems, their image represents, above all, power.
Embedding animal images on coins and other objects is as old a practice as coins themselves. This is partly because human beings have always used symbolism to explain their world and, at the same time, enrich it. Let’s see more about it below.
Animals on Coins: An Old Practice That Continues
According to evidence found by archaeologists, horses and eagles were the favorite species for stamping ancient coins. While it is true that, throughout history, images of other species were included: elephants, turtles, goats, fish, lions and even fantastic animals such as unicorns and dragons.
1. Lions: the oldest animals in coins
The lion is a symbol of royal authority based on power and strength, which is why this animal has been included in coins since ancient times.
Specifically, its image is said to have appeared on the first coins in human history, which were minted in Lydia, territory of present-day Turkey. They date from approximately 680 to 560 BC
On more current coins, the image of the lion can still be seen. Interestingly, the 2017 Lions Club Commemorative Dollar appears to be the first currency in the United States to include a lion.
2. Horses
Interestingly, it is the image of the horse that stands out most on ancient Roman coins, followed by the eagle and then the wolf.
The first coins to be minted are believed to date from around 600-550 BC So it is amazing to see that there are still coins with images of horses and other farm animals. In fact, the image of the horse is still present on several US coins.
3. Dogs
It is not uncommon to find dogs in old coins. For a long time, this animal has been the representation of the guardian, hunter and trusted friend of human beings.
An example of ancient coins with images of dogs includes a rare coin of unknown denomination that circulated in Thrace, Madytos (circa 350 BC).
Among collectors of ancient coins with the image of dogs, the beautiful coins of Segesta in Sicily appear as favorites.
In modern coins, it is still possible to find the image of the dog engraved in several copies. Interestingly, there does n’t seem to be a coin in the United States that has a dog engraved on it.
4. Wolves
An incredibly famous ancient coin bearing the image of a wolf is the Roman commemorative coin Bi Nummus (AD 330-340), which is believed to have been issued during the reign of Constantine the Great: Constantine I.
The coin shows a wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, the mythical founders of Rome. For more than obvious reasons, this piece is fascinating to historians.
There are also a wide variety of modern coin wolves available. However, in the United States the only currency that has a wolf is the 2013 Sacagawea Dollar .
5. Koala
The koala is another animal that has become part of the currencies of the countries of Oceania and, specifically, of Australia.
These Australian coins were first issued in 1987 and remain some of the only platinum coins still to be issued. The front shows the Queen of Australia, Elizabeth II, and the back features a koala.
6. Panda bear: one of the most desired coins
The panda coin in China was one of the most popular animal coins in the world. It was first released in 1982. Year after year, the Panda pictured shows a new design, except in 2002 when a repeat of the 2001 coin was issued.
7. Animals in coins: brown bear
In the case of coins from Spain, we can point to the representation of the brown bear supported by an arbutus tree. The bear appears on the front face of the 200 pesetas coin by Juan Carlos I (1992). We must remember that this image is on the heraldic shield of the city of Madrid.
The brown bear was the only species of bear that lived in the Iberian Peninsula. It once inhabited the entire peninsula, being especially abundant in the Montes del Pardo, on the outskirts of Madrid, where kings and aristocrats hunted it.
8. Cat
Every year since 1988, the Isle of Man – located between England and Ireland – has issued a coin bearing the image of a cat. To make this habit even more curious: the coin features a different breed of cat each year.
As it could not be otherwise, these coins are incredibly popular with coin collectors and cat enthusiasts.
On coins and many other objects
Animals are fascinating beings that are not only engraved on coins, but are also widely represented in a wide variety of objects. Today, it is difficult to find an object that has never had an animal stamped in its history.
