Archives
Numismatic Puzzle: A 1850 French Centime
Today you can try your hand at a French centime of 1850. The reward is the obverse of this coin with freedom-loving Marianne!
Numismatic Puzzle: Victory Over the Gallic Forces!
Caesar’s great success was his victory over Gaul. This was also celebrated by a denarius of 48 BC by one of his followers. A Gallic warrior is shown as prisoner with a rope around his neck. But see, I mean: solve the puzzle for yourself!
Numismatic Puzzle: Alfred the Great
When Alfred ruled over the West Saxons in the 9th century, Vikings raided Britain, his homeland. Alfred forged an alliance between numerous small realms and drove out the invaders. You can see his picture on this silver penny.
Numismatic Puzzle: Paris
This stater is attributed to the Parisii tribe. In ancient times, today’s Paris was not yet a centre of art. However, inspired by Greek coins, Celtic engravers found their very own form of expression at the end of the 2nd century BC.
Numismatic Puzzle: Julia Domna
Without Julia Domna, Septimius Severus would not have been able to found a dynasty. His wife did not only bore him two sons. She also made her mark in politics. Aristocratic ladies were especially inspired by her hairstyle. Our aureus shows how complicated it was.
Numismatic Puzzle: Snake Basket
Today you can try your hand at a cistophorus. The silver coin was named after its motif – a basket with a snake. This “cista mystica” was part of the Bacchus cult and is depicted on the early version of this denomination from Asia Minor.
Numismatic Puzzle: Dante Alighieri
On 8 February 1998, Italians were invited to vote by telephone on the motif of future 2 euro coins. And the people voted: Dante Alighieri, who is indisputably considered Italy’s most important poet.
Numismatic Puzzle: Louis XIII
Today’s puzzle is a 1641 Louis d‘or by King Louis XIII of France.
Numismatic Puzzle: Caesar
Today we have a first for you! This denarius of 44 BC was the first coin to feature a living Roman: Gaius Julius Caesar. He mentioned two good reasons for it: the star refers to the descent from Venus, the laurel wreath to Caesar’s achievements as a general.