Sometimes it’s enough that a coin is pleasing to the eye, or a rare find – seldom seen by non-collectors. There’s something to be said when you look at a gem example of a coin that has survived history with hardly a mark to note the time that passed. Many coins in my collection are there for no other reason than aesthetic.

Sometimes, there’s more. Most collectors of early coinage could go into great detail on the symbolism depicted within the designs. Subtle meanings represented in the devices can carry significant importance. Tragically, I think this greatly lacks in modern coinage, as it’s what makes a coin more than just a metal disk. Sometimes these subtle designs carry considerable historical value. The following are a few examples from my collection.

#1. The Pillar Coinage of the Spanish South American Colonies:
 

1755 M, Mo 2 Reales, KM# 86.1

Pictured above is a nice, mid-year example of Two Reales. At first glance, the coin has a pleasing tone. A closer examination would reveal evidence of die clash, likely causing the break along the reverse. It’s not a rare coin, by any means, but it is a scarce grade. Mid-grade examples can be found by collectors for well under $200. Buyers should beware: this type coinage is highly subject to counterfeits, and beginners should purchase exclusively through notable and trusted sources.

What else? Take note of the reverse design; the two globes that depict the old and new world combined beneath the Spanish crown, with the legend “UTRA QUE UNUM” (One World) flanked by a representation of the Pillars of Hercules boasting the script “Plus Ultra” (And More Beyond). Now, this coin has become a representation of the discovery of the new world, and the establishment of Spanish colonies in Central and South America, so rich in silver that the pillar coinage became the workhorse of 18th century specie coinage trade (and, much later, the primary focus of my collection). Examples of this coinage can be found today chop-marked, cut sectional, counter-stamped and punched through, as evidence of its global travel and worldly commercial acceptance.

#2. English “LIMA” coinage of 1745-46:

 

1745 "LIMA" Shilling, KM# 583.2

Next, I present the 1745 English shilling. This is another nice example of a fairly common coin. There is notable weakness in the center reverse, and in all fairness, the surface is a slightly porous. Overall, it’s a nice piece, but better can readily be found. A coin like this would likely set a collector back about $100, give or take.

What separates this coin from other 18th century shillings, most notably, is the word “LIMA” found within the legend, below the bust of King George II. That’s an important little addition. Its explanation begins with Admiral Anson and his voyage around the world. With England at war with Spain, his mission was to sail around the world and harass the American colonies, likely in effort to disrupt the flow of silver to the Spanish crown. The mission became a tragic tale of disaster, setbacks, and failure. That all changed, however, when his ship, the Centurion, on her way home from Jakarta in 1743, managed to intercept the Spanish Galleon Neustra Senora de Covadonga, and seize her silver abundant cargo, in route from Acapulco. He returned back to England with his Spanish silver, where it was used to mint standard coinage which boasted one notable addition from previous issue – the word “LIMA” below the bust, to note the origin of the silver used to mint the coin.

#3. Insurrection Coinage of the Austrian Netherlands:
 
1790 Austrian-Netherlands 10 Sols (10 Stuiver), KM# 47

Talk about rare. Insurrection coinage of the Austrian Netherlands was issued in one single year – 1790 (ideal to those type collectors out there who enjoy a challenge). Beyond that, the mintage of this particular coin was a scarce hair over a mere 8,000 pieces. It’s got fantastic patina, and a beautiful design, and a couple of unfortunate blemishes that are a bit more pronounced in the digital image. I’ll admit that I do find it hard to look at the rampant lion and not be reminded of the Wizard of Oz (“Put up your dukes!”). If you’re lucky to find this coin in a similar grade, be prepared for a bit of a sticker shock unless your hobby funds greatly outweigh my own, but with a little patience mid-grade examples can be had in a more comfortable price range.

The value of this coin does not stop there. The insurrection resulted when Emperor Joseph II abolished the constitutions of Hainault and Brabant. It was in Brussels, 1790, that the seven provinces in revolt against the emperor signed a treaty (a likely depiction illustrated on the reverse of this coin, also minted in Brussels, 1790), and established the confederation, “United Belgian States”. The union quickly turned turbulent and subject to opposing internal factions, however. Joseph II died that same year, and was succeeded by his brother, Leopold, who restored the constitutions and returned the provinces under Austria in 1791, thus explaining the short lived series of this beautiful coinage.

I was prompted to write this after attending a fantastic show this weekend. I found myself in the midst of a crowd of fellow collectors, and I was struck to see how many were looking for “this coin” in “that grade”. In fact, that has been my objective on more occasions than not, so I could certainly appreciate the thrill of that hunt. But as I looked at all the displayed inventories, I couldn’t help but ask myself, “What else is on this table and how much isn’t seen?”

In the future, I hope to tell you more about a Swiss Shooting Taler I picked up at that show, but the truth is I purchased it just because it was fantastically pleasing to the senses.
 

Copyright © 2008 by Rick Engstrom.