Numismatics Catalog

France

2017

This commemorative silver coin was issued by Monnaie de Paris in 2017 in collaboration with the luxury jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels. The design draws inspiration from the maison’s iconic artistic motifs, combining elegance, nature, and fine craftsmanship. One side features a stylized panther and butterfly rendered in flowing ornamental lines, reflecting Van Cleef & Arpels’ signature themes of movement and refinement. The reverse displays a decorative floral composition with a butterfly accent and the denomination of 50 Euro. The coin highlights the intersection of numismatics, high jewelry design, and French decorative arts.

United States

1907–1933

This iconic gold coin is the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful coins ever produced. The obverse features a dynamic allegorical figure of Liberty striding forward with a torch and olive branch, symbolizing enlightenment, peace, and progress. Radiating sun rays reinforce the optimistic vision of a rising nation. The reverse depicts a powerful flying eagle, representing strength, freedom, and national ambition. Designed by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the coin reflects early 20th-century ideals of classical beauty, national pride, and artistic excellence in American coinage.

United Kingdom

2015

This coin features a formal portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, symbolizing continuity, constitutional monarchy, and national identity of the United Kingdom. Rendered in a classic numismatic style, the effigy emphasizes dignity, stability, and historical legacy. Such portraits play a central role in modern coinage, linking contemporary society with long-standing traditions of statehood and leadership through recognizable sovereign imagery.

Sweden

1901

This iconic Alfred Nobel medal features a high-relief portrait of Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor, scientist, and founder of the Nobel Prizes. Rendered in a classical medallic style, the profile emphasizes intellectual dignity, realism, and restraint, reflecting late 19th-century European portrait traditions. Latin inscriptions record Nobel’s birth and death dates, reinforcing the commemorative and historical nature of the piece. As the visual foundation of the Nobel Prize tradition, the medal symbolizes scientific achievement, cultural contribution, and the enduring legacy of human knowledge and progress.

United States

1932

This bronze medal portrays Chief Spotted Tail, a prominent Lakota Sioux leader of the 19th century, shown in a dignified profile portrait. The high-relief sculptural treatment emphasizes facial structure, braided hair, and calm authority, reflecting the classical medallic tradition of honoring influential historical figures. Rather than a narrative scene, the design focuses on individual presence and legacy, positioning the subject as a representative of Native American leadership, resilience, and cultural identity within U.S. history.

United States

Not dated (modern commemorative medal)

This commemorative medal features a dignified portrait of Joseph M. Segel, an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of several influential institutions, including the Segel Family Foundation. Rendered in a classic high-relief portrait style, the design emphasizes intellectual presence, leadership, and legacy rather than narrative symbolism. The clean background and formal inscription underscore Segel’s role as a builder of ideas, organizations, and long-term philanthropic impact, placing the piece firmly within the tradition of modern portrait medals honoring individual contribution and vision.

France

Modern commemorative issue (varies by metal and series)

This commemorative coin issued by France honors Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc), the national heroine who played a decisive role during the Hundred Years’ War and became a lasting symbol of courage, faith, and French identity. The obverse features a classical portrait of Joan wearing a helmet, accompanied by her life dates 1412–1431. Variants of this design have been struck in different metals, including gold and silver, often as part of historical or cultural heritage series. The coin reflects Joan of Arc’s enduring legacy as a unifying figure in French history and one of the most iconic personalities of medieval Europe.

France

2022

This commemorative silver coin was issued by the Monnaie de Paris to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Pasteur (1822–1895), one of the most influential scientists in medical history. The design features a detailed portrait of Pasteur alongside scientific instruments and imagery associated with his groundbreaking work in microbiology, vaccination, and pasteurization. Visual references to laboratory research emphasize his role in advancing modern medicine and public health. The coin honors Pasteur’s lasting legacy and France’s contribution to global scientific progress.

Canada

Varies by issue (Elizabeth II portrait era)

This Canadian 10 cents coin features the right-facing effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, with the Latin inscription ELIZABETH II · D · G · REGINA, meaning “Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, Queen.” The portrait represents Canada’s constitutional monarchy and was used on Canadian coinage throughout much of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. Dimes of this type are traditionally associated with the Bluenose schooner on the reverse, a national symbol of Canadian maritime heritage. The coin reflects Canada’s long-standing numismatic tradition and its historical ties to the British Crown.

Austria

2017

This commemorative gold coin was issued by the Austrian Mint in 2017 as part of a series honoring influential Austrian intellectuals. The coin is dedicated to Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis and one of the most significant figures in modern psychology. One side features a detailed portrait of Freud with identifying inscriptions, while the reverse presents an allegorical scene symbolizing introspection, human relationships, and the unconscious mind—central themes of Freud’s work. Struck in fine gold with a denomination of 50 Euro, the coin reflects Austria’s contribution to the development of psychological science and modern thought.