SECTION III.
COINS AND MEDALS.
These are admitted species of historic evidence, and as lasting ones, perhaps, beyond all others. A series of them is the most certain method of arranging a chronological tablet, and thereby preserving the data of history, mythology, portraits, customs, and art.
The reader will excuse the relation of an anecdote, to which may be traced the production of the present work. At the early age of nine years, a small ancient coin came into the accidental possession of the writer; its stamp and character were enveloped in mystery, and recourse was had to an antiquary to decipher them. The obverse of the coin contained a profile head, and around it the letters AVGVSTVS: on the reverse, a Temple with the doors closed, surmounted by the word PROVIDENTIA. The explanation was as follows: viz.—A coin of Augustus Cæsar—the Temple was that of Janus, the doors of which had been open for nearly two centuries, as emblematical of the continuance of Roman warfare with foreign countries; but on the coin the doors were closed, and with the word of thanksgiving, were symbolical of universal peace, thus proving that the coin was struck the very year in which the Saviour was born! Thus upon one coin were illustrated the features of the second Roman Emperor,—Mythology, Cessation of War,—the downfall of Brutus and Cassius,—the defeat of Anthony,—and the Birth of Christianity! This simple incident made so powerful an impression upon the boyhood of the relator, that to it he has always traced the foundation of his Scriptural, Historical, and Poetical studies, together with an enthusiastic devotion to the Fine Arts.
The description of the above coin will illustrate the historical intelligence to be derived from their perusal. A medal is an especial mode of recording tributary honour to individuals—literary, civil, or military;—they become heirlooms in family possessions, and are transmitted from sire to son, as absolute records of their ancestors' fame. They are also struck in celebration of national events, and thence become records of a people. So assured was Napoleon of this, that a series of his medals are a complete history of his victories, from his Consulate to his loss of the Empire; and that event at Waterloo was recorded by Great Britain upon her medals, for even the soldiers as well as officers. Denon of France, and Wyon of England, are names as artists worthy to record the victories of Napoleon and Wellington.
Architecture, Sculpture, Paintings, Coins, and Medals, from the investigation contained in the previous pages (we submit to the judgment of the reader), are established as authorities for historical records.