The Shekel of Tyre was significant in the economic and religious contexts of Jesus’ era. Originating from Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city, this coin was highly valued throughout the Levant for its high silver content, gaining widespread acceptance and demand. The depiction on the Shekel of Tyre was emblematic of Tyrian culture and its economic influence; it typically featured the head of Melkart, akin to the Greek god Hercules, on one side and an eagle on the other, symbolizing Tyre’s maritime and commercial supremacy. Crucially, the Shekel of Tyre was integral to the Jewish faith as the mand ..read more

The Athena Owl Tetradrachm is a symbol of the wisdom and power of ancient Athens. The Acropolis imagined in an 1846 painting by Leo von Klenze   The Athenian Tetradrachm, a coin minted in Athens during the 5th century BC, holds significant historical and cultural importance. It is one of the most renowned and influential coins from ancient history. This Athenian coin, also known as the Athenian Tetradrachm, originates from Athens, the powerful city-state of ancient Greece, during its golden age. This period marked the pinnacle of Athens’ political, economic, and cultural influence. The ..read more

History and legend intertwine on November 22, 1718, as we remember the notorious pirate Blackbeard, real name Edward Teach. His death marked the end of his reign over the seas, a period filled with daring raids and the pursuit of untold treasures.. Blackbeard, 1718, depicting the battle between Blackbeard the Pirate and Lieutenant Maynard in Ocracoke Bay, Jean Leon Gerome Ferris, painted in 1920 Blackbeard’s Quest for Treasure Blackbeard became synonymous with the Golden Age of Piracy when the seas were ripe with ships laden with riches from across the world. His quest for treasure was relen ..read more

George Clinton and the New York Cent of 1787: A Numismatic Treasure with Revolutionary Echoes   Portrait by Ezra Ames, 1814 Who Was George Clinton? George Clinton, born on July 26, 1739, was a seminal figure in the founding of the United States. Not only was he a brigadier general in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, but Clinton also notably served as the first Governor of New York and later as Vice President under both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. His influence was particularly felt during the critical period when the U.S. Constitution was drafted. Clinton was a ..read more

The Brasher Doubloon: A Historical Masterpiece of American Coinage Introduction New York City, once the capital of the United States from 1785 to 1790, held great significance during the late eighteenth century. Among the notable figures in this bustling metropolis was Ephraim Brasher (1744-1828), a distinguished goldsmith and silversmith. His residence on Cherry Street, now located just north of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, became a fashionable hub. Brasher’s expertise extended to regulating the quality of precious metal coins for banks, ensuring their fineness and weight. This led him to crea ..read more

“Beware the ides of March,” wrote Shakespeare about the day of Julius Caesar’s assassination. Now, over 2,000 years later, tourists can finally visit the site of this infamous killing, which set off a series of events leading to the end of the Roman Republic. While tourists had previously been able to see the site from a distance, the newly accessible square is sure to become an instant attraction. Related Coins Julius Caesar 44 B.C. Perpetual Dictator Coin The office held by Julius Caesar towards the end of his life was known as the dictatorship. It was a position ..read more

Article By Steward Lytle  The post Whydah Pirate Ship Coin Pendant appeared first on Coin Replicas ..read more

The Scarcity of Small Denomination Coins In the late 18th century, the American colonies faced a shortage of small-denomination coins, and various states, including Massachusetts, took action to address the issue.  The States’ Response: Massachusetts Leads the Way On October 17, 1786, before the Federal era, while the U.S. Constitution underwent ratification and before establishing a federal mint, the Massachusetts General Court passed an act establishing a state-run mint to produce coins for circulation.  1787 Massachusetts Replica Cent The Designs and Symbolism: Massachusetts Cop ..read more

Titus Quinctius Flamininus: A Pivotal Figure in the Roman Republic   The Rise of Titus Quinctius Flamininus Titus Quinctius Flamininus was a distinguished Roman statesman and military leader who played a crucial role in the expansion of the Roman Republic during the 2nd century BCE. Born in 229 BCE, Flamininus quickly rose through the ranks of the Roman political and military establishment, ultimately leading Rome to victory in the Second Macedonian War and asserting Roman dominance over Greece. The Early Life and Career of Flamininus The son of a prominent Roman senator, Flamininus grew ..read more

Sextus Pompey Magnus: The Last Stand of the Roman Republic Sextus Pompey Magnus, the younger son of Pompey the Great, was a prominent figure during the tumultuous final years of the Roman Republic. His naval prowess, strategic acumen, and tenacious resistance against the Second Triumvirate established him as a formidable opponent and a symbol of the last stand of the Roman Republic.   Early Life and Family Background Born in 67 BCE, Sextus Pompey Magnus was the son of Pompey the Great, one of the most influential Roman generals, and Mucia Tertia, a woman from a distinguished Roman family ..read more