Numismatics Catalog

This silver denarius was issued during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome’s most respected philosopher-emperors and a central figure of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. The obverse features a right-facing portrait of Marcus Aurelius with a curly beard, reflecting the mature imperial style of the late 2nd century AD. Denarii of this period circulated widely across the Roman Empire and are closely associated with an era marked by military campaigns, internal challenges, and the emperor’s Stoic philosophy, later recorded in his work Meditations. Coins of Marcus Aurelius represent the final height of Rome’s so-called “Golden Age.”

This gold stater was issued during the reign of King Croesus of Lydia, one of the most famous rulers of the ancient world and a symbol of immense wealth. The coin features a confronting lion and bull, a powerful Near Eastern motif representing royal authority, strength, and cosmic balance. Coins of Croesus are historically significant as the first true bimetallic coinage system, struck in separate issues of refined gold and silver rather than electrum. This innovation marked a major milestone in monetary history and laid the foundation for standardized coinage throughout the Greek and Persian worlds.

This bronze follis was issued during the reign of Emperor Constantine I, known as Constantine the Great, one of the most influential rulers in Roman history. The obverse shows a bust of Constantine wearing a military helmet and imperial armor, emphasizing his role as commander and restorer of order. The reverse depicts a camp gate with towers and stars above, a common Constantinian motif symbolizing military security, stability, and the defense of the empire. Coins of this type were struck during a transformative period marked by Constantine’s consolidation of power and the rise of Christianity within the Roman state.

This silver denarius was issued during the reign of Emperor Commodus, son of Marcus Aurelius and the last ruler of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty. The obverse features a laureate portrait of Commodus, reflecting imperial authority and continuity of the Antonine tradition. The reverse bears a Latin inscription arranged in lines, a style common to late 2nd-century Roman coinage, emphasizing imperial titles and legitimacy. Commodus’ reign marked a significant turning point in Roman history, characterized by political instability and a departure from the disciplined governance of his predecessors. Coins of this period are important historical documents illustrating the transition toward the later imperial era.

Republic of Cameroon

2023

This silver coin issued by the Republic of Cameroon features a detailed depiction of the Lamassu, the winged bull from ancient Sumerian and Assyrian mythology. The Lamassu, combining a bull’s body, eagle’s wings, and a human head, symbolized strength, protection, and divine authority and was traditionally placed at the entrances of palaces and temples in Mesopotamia. The design is framed by architectural columns and cuneiform-style inscriptions, referencing early writing systems of ancient Sumer. Struck as a modern collectible issue, the coin highlights humanity’s earliest civilizations and their lasting cultural legacy.

This ancient silver tetradrachm was struck by Carthage in the late 3rd century BC, shortly after the First Punic War. The obverse features a male head in classical style, often identified with Melqart (the principal deity of Carthage) or a Hellenized portrait influenced by Greek coinage. The reverse depicts a war elephant, a powerful symbol of Carthaginian military strength and closely associated with Carthage’s armies, particularly during the era of Hannibal Barca. The elephant imagery reflects Carthage’s use of war elephants in conflicts against Rome and serves as a lasting emblem of Punic identity and power in the ancient Mediterranean world.

This silver tetradrachm was issued by the city-state of Athens during the Classical period and is one of the most recognizable coins of the ancient world. The obverse features a right-facing head of the goddess Athena wearing a crested helmet, symbolizing wisdom and military protection. The reverse depicts an owl standing beside an olive sprig and crescent moon, accompanied by the Greek inscription “ΑΘΕ” (of the Athenians). Widely used in trade across the Mediterranean, the Athenian tetradrachm reflects the economic power, cultural influence, and artistic identity of Athens at its height.

This silver tetradrachm was issued during the reign of Alexander III of Macedon, known as Alexander the Great, or shortly after his death. The obverse features a right-facing portrait of Heracles wearing a lion skin, symbolizing strength and divine ancestry. The reverse depicts Zeus seated on a throne holding an eagle and scepter, with the Greek inscription “ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ” (of Alexander). These coins were struck across Alexander’s vast empire and became one of the most widely circulated and influential coin types of the ancient world, reflecting both political power and cultural unity.

This ancient gold daric was issued during the Achaemenid Empire and is among the earliest standardized gold coins in history. The obverse depicts the Persian king or hero shown as a kneeling or running archer, holding a bow and spear or dagger, symbolizing royal authority and military power. The reverse is characteristically irregular and incuse, reflecting early minting techniques without a formal reverse design. Gold darics were widely used across the empire for military payments and international trade, representing the economic strength and administrative sophistication of ancient Persia.

Austria

2019

This commemorative gold coin was issued by the Austrian Mint in 2019 as part of the “Ancient Civilizations” series, dedicated to the cultures of early human history. The coin focuses on Mesopotamia, often regarded as the cradle of civilization. One side features a stylized portrait of a Mesopotamian ruler with symbolic elements drawn from ancient art and cuneiform writing, while the reverse depicts a powerful bull’s head inspired by Mesopotamian mythology and temple sculpture. Struck in fine gold with a denomination of 100 Euro, the coin highlights the cultural, artistic, and historical legacy of one of the world’s earliest civilizations.