An interesting specimen of the series above mentioned was recently found in the south of France called, “Judæa Navillas,” valuable particularly because it strengthens Josephus’s assertion which had provoked some comment, viz.: the fact of the escape of a large number of Jews from the Romans, by means of ships, at Joppa.
Coins and medals mark the introduction of laws; for example, an old Porcian coin gives the date of the “law of appeal,” under which, two centuries and a half later, Paul appealed to Cæsar. Another relic dates the introduction of the ballot-box; and a fact interesting to the agriculturist is established by an old silver coin of Ptolemy, upon which a man is represented cutting millet (a variety of Indian corn) with a scythe. Religions have been promulgated by coins. Islamism says upon a gold coin, “No God but God. Mohammed is the Prophet and God’s chosen apostle.”
Persian coins, in mystic characters, symbolize the dreadful sacrifices of the Fire-Worshippers. Henry VIII, with characteristic egotism, upon a medal announces in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin: “Henry Eighth, King of England, France, and Ireland; Defender of the Faith, and in the land of England and Ireland, under Christ, the Supreme Head of the Church.”
Costumes on Coins.
We also find stamped upon coins and medals the costumes of all ages, from the golden net confining the soft tresses of the “sorceress of the Nile,” and the gemmed robe of Queen Irene, to the broidered stomacher of Queen Anne, and the stately ruff of Elizabeth of England.
In this connection may be mentioned the “bonnet piece” of Scotland, a coin of the reign of James VI., which is extremely rare, one of them having been sold for £41. The coin received its name from a representation of the king upon it, with a curiously plaited hat or bonnet which this monarch wore, a fashion that gave occasion for the ballad, “Blue Bonnets over the Border.”
Heraldic Emblems
Are faithfully preserved through this medium; in truth, medalic honors may be claimed as the very foundation of heraldic art. We discover medals perpetuating revolutions, sieges, plots, and murders, etc. We prefer directing attention to the fact that coins and medals are not only the land-marks of history, but a favorite medium of the poetry of all nations. Epics are thus preserved by the graver’s art in exceedingly small space. Poets turn with confidence to old coins for symbol as well as fact.
One of the most graceful historical allusions is conveyed in the great seal of Queen Anne, after the union of Scotland with England. A rose and a thistle are growing on one stem, while, from above, the crown of England sheds effulgence upon the tender young plant.