My own collection of coins starts from 1912, so I am not greatly knowledgeable on anything before then.
However, I have noticed from images of European coins that a design of a wreath, always tied with a bow at the bottom, was such a familiar design on coins of the 1800s that it became a cliché.
Here are some examples:
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=39617.0;attach=98901;image)
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=73157)
I wonder when this design theme was first used and by whom, as it was often copied thereafter. What is the earliest such design that the members know of?
homer.jpg
Not sure what the earliest would be, but on some ancient Greek and Roman coins you will find wreaths.
They usually have a meaning though.
Attached is a didrachm from the Greek island of Ios, featuring Homer. 4th century BC.
Christian
So it goes back that far. In the 1800s there was a trend for neo-classicism, so the motif must have been purposely copied. Now, I wonder when they started being imitated - in the 1700s or 1800s...?
This is a coin issued by king Mithradates of Pontos (1st century BC) who was also called Dionysos after the god. So the wreath has "Dionysian" attributes.
(http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/greece/pontos/kings/mithradates_VI/DeCallatay_D17.jpg)
Source: http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/greece/pontos/kings/mithradates_VI/DeCallatay_D17.jpg
Two examples from Rome. The (originally republican) oak wreath represents the Corona Civica (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civic_Crown), I think.
(Augustus) http://www.romanatic.com/search.html?eid=1&oid=20&rid=8 (http://www.romanatic.com/search.html?eid=1&oid=20&rid=8)
(Caligula) http://www.flickr.com/photos/julio-claudians/4296156425/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/julio-claudians/4296156425/)
As for more recent coins, early 18th century France comes to mind. Here is an écu de six livres; those were first minted in 1725 or so.
(http://www.muenzauktion.com/crinon/pic/combined3137.jpg)
After the French revolution, the oak wreath - in a sense of "anti-aristocracy" and republican values - became quite popular on coins.
(http://www.moneymuseum.com/imgs/xcoins/image/2010/0/I_O_67780_2.jpg)
(http://www.moneymuseum.com/imgs/xcoins/image/2010/0/I_R_67780_2.jpg)
Thus a modern civic crown maybe ...
Christian
Thanks for that, Christian - excellent research. 8) So the French ones go back to 1789 at least - and that one you linked to still portrays the king, so we can't call it a revolutionary fashion.
I think your conclusions should be different for laurel (victory) and olive (peace) wreaths, both part of classical symbolism and oak (strength) wreaths, Germanic/Frankish in origin, but rather as a tree. Oak wreaths generally don't refer to a person, so they are better fit for a republic, while laurel and olive are often personal attributes.
Peter
That's true, the plants are different, but all are presented in the same way.
They follow the circle of the coin and are tied with a bow at the bottom.
Belgium 1 franc 1904.jpg
Here's a nice one from Belgium that includes vine leaves.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=8971.0;attach=71976;image)
Here's an unusual design from Lithuania that shows a wreath of tulips.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=8971.0;attach=12060;image)
Another unusual plant on this 1925 design from Lithuania: rue.
New Brunswick 1871 ½ cent.jpg
Here is a most beauteous floral wreath from New Brunswick.
New Brunswick (Canada), 1871, ½ cent. The crown is Queen Victoria's.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=43635.0;attach=85196;image)
Bulgaria 10 leva 1930.jpg
Some floral wreathes from Bulgaria.
Romania 250 lei 1941-.jpg
A rather fruity wreath from Romania.
USSR.jpg
You might have expected that the Soviets would have chosen something radically different.
However, they kept the wreath and overburdened it with ugly ornamentation.
But then communists never did have style.
USA half cent 1793.jpg
Early on, the USA got in on the act too.
This is a half cent from 1794.
I am not sure what the vegetation is.
It's spread around the design rather more than usual.
USA 1c 1856.jpg
This a US cent from 1856.
USA 1c 1872.jpg
This is a wreath on the reverse of a USA cent of 1862.
Now why has someone included these arrows in a peaceful wreath?
Brazil 500 reis 1928.jpg
Over to Brazil now.
My guess is we have a coffee plant on the left and vine on the right?
Japan 10 yen 1909.jpg
Japan 20 yen 1870.jpg
Japan also took up the wreath motif. The components of the wreath were usually chrysanthemum and paulownia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paulownia).
France demi-écu 1726.jpg
France, a demi-écu of Louis XV le Bien-Aimé, 1726.
Brazil.jpg
Brazil_1841_400_reis.jpg
Here is another example from Brazil.
The inner ring of vegetation appears to be related to the wreath in design terms, and to have developed from it.
Spain 10 centimos 1959.jpg
Spain, 10 centimos, 1959.
The ring of vegetation can still be seen on coins of a much later date.
Brazil 300 reis 1940.JPG
Before we leave Brazil, let me show you a surrealist wreath on a 300 reis of 1940. ;)
Quote from: coffeetime on August 20, 2011, 07:57:07 PM
This is a wreath on the reverse of a USA cent of 1862. Now why has someone included these arrows in a peaceful wreath?
Might have something to do with what is depicted on the other side: The older cent had a flying eagle, but this newer one had Lady Liberty with a Native American head dress/bonnet (hence the "Indian Head" nickname). Now the arrows, especially the one visible end on the left, could be another "Indian" symbol. Just a guess though.
Christian
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=45897.0;attach=90999;image)
Some numismatic publications distinguish between a wreath and a spray. Both consist of shaped pieces of vegetation, but a wreath follows the curve of the coin entirely or nearly entirely, whilst a spray takes up somewhat less space.
Here is an example. The vegetation on the obverse of this Swiss coin, seen on the left, is usually described as a spray, whilst the vegetation on the reverse is considered a wreath. Wreaths are either all of a piece, or else their two parts are shown joined, sometimes being tied together with a bow at the base of the design; sprays, if they come in two pieces, can be shown either joined/tied or separate.
Sprays, wreaths and ornamental vegetation on coins were all fun in their time, but nowadays they look distinctly old-fashioned, and any country still using them should be drummed out of the United Nations. If your own country still uses them, please write a letter of bitter complaint to your king, archduke, or emperor, beseeching him to cease the practice forthwith.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=45897.0;attach=91001;image) (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=45897.0;attach=91002;image)
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=45897.0;attach=91003;image) (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=45897.0;attach=91011;image)
un.jpg
Somehow I have doubts about the UN doing that. ;D
As for the Swiss circulation coins, on one hand I find them a little dull. Then again it is amazing how they still use the same designs (only slightly modified) that they used 150 years ago. Also note that the wreaths vary from denomination to denomination: Grapevines on the 5 ct/rp coins, an oak wreath on the 10, alpine roses (rhododendron?) on the 20, and some mix on the 1/2 fr, 1 fr and 2 fr pieces.
Christian
Quote from: chrisild on August 21, 2011, 10:50:52 AM
Somehow I have doubts about the UN (its logo is attached) doing that. ;D
Christian
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=11147.0;attach=91401;image)
Those traitors! I knever new that!
Cocoa beans and grapes, amongst other things, on this franc from the Central African States.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=23405.0;attach=80673;image)
Canada, one cent, 1891. The outer ring of vegetation is related, design-wise, to a wreath.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=39617.0;attach=91432;image)
Canada, 5 cents, 1921. What kind of leaves are these?
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=39617.0;attach=91433;image)
Canada, 25 cents, 1914. Maple leaves.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=39617.0;attach=91434;image)
Newfoundland 1c 1876.jpg
Newfoundland, 1c, 1880.
Poland-50-Groszy-coin-1923-Y13-d6.jpg
Poland, 1923, 50 groszy. Oak leaves and acorns.
Germany, 25 Pfennig, 1910.jpg
Germany, 25 Pfennig, 1910. A wheatsheaf wreath.
It was chosen for English tongue-twister lessons for Germans.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=6181.0;attach=8076;image)
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=6181.0;attach=8077;image)
Finland, 5 markkaa, 1933. A wreath of fir and pine cones.
Finland 200M 1926.jpg
Finland, 200 markkaa, 1926.
More unusual sprays from Finland.
Croatia 1 Kuna Obverse 1994.jpg
Croatia, 1 kuna, 1994.
Croatia 2 kune.jpg
The sprays on the Croatian 2 kune are different.
These same sprays also appear on the 5 kune coin.
Iceland.jpg
Olives are a common choice for a wreath.
But do they really grow in Iceland? Are these olive leaves?
50 aurar, 1974.
Czechoslovakia, 1 haler, 1962..jpg
Czechoslovakia, 1 haler, 1962. Linden leaves.
Quote from: coffeetime on August 22, 2011, 12:41:07 AM
Olives are a common choice for a wreath, but do they really grow in Iceland? Are these olive leaves?
The Schön says these are laurel leaves. Don't ask me. :)
By the way, the 50 haléřů coin is interesting also because of its "design continuity": The very first 50h piece (1921-31) had the same design http://worldcoingallery.com/countries/img3/51-2.jpg , and even the Bohemia & Moravia http://worldcoingallery.com/countries/img/23-3.jpg coin (a zinc piece) used this linden-and-wheat wreath. Links only because the wreaths are actually the same ...
Christian
Been looking at that Icelandic wreath also. The fruits of both olive and laurel are like little balls, close to the stem. The fruits on the coin look like young acorns, but the leaves don't match. To my knowledge, no trees or shrubs prosper in Iceland. I did see them, but in private gardens near the centre of Reykjavik and I presume those are protected in winter.
Peter
Quote from: coffeetime on August 23, 2011, 12:16:10 AM
"...but the linden leaf still MADE a small appearance on the Czech Republic's coinage". Satisfied? :P
As far as the coin is concerned. Now that chest hair thing ...
By the way, the linden tree is an "unofficial" symbol in the Czech Republic, and apparently some other countries too. See the bottom of this Czech Embassy page http://www.mzv.cz/berlin/de/informationen_uber_tschechien/staatssymbole_der_tschechischen_republik.html (in German) where it is called the "national tree" but not in any official/legal sense.
Another coin with (almost) two wreaths is the 1 poisha piece from Bangla Desh (1974):
(http://www.muenzauktion.com/steidl/pic/1974-ban-0001.jpg)
One side shows the country's CoA, with a wreath. On the other side you see a ring of ornaments which almost look like wreath ...
Christian
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=33341.0;attach=57581;image)
British North Borneo, 1886, ½ cent.
India.jpg
Another one of those beautiful and elegant outer rings of vegetation.
India this time, 1862, ½ anna.
Netherlands 1c 1939.jpg
The Dutch are a strange people. They say things like:
"The euro is a huge success. Join it, and you will become one too."
So when you see a coin from the Netherlands, a sad country of bogs, marshes and dykes, giving the impression that oranges grow freely there, I can only ask: "REALLY?"
1945 cent-Netherlands East Indies.jpg
Netherlands East Indies, 1 cent, 1945.
An unusual sort of spray here.
Quote from: coffeetime on August 23, 2011, 04:01:34 PMSo when you see a coin from the Netherlands, a sad country of bogs, marshes and dykes, giving the impression that oranges grow freely there, I can only ask: "REALLY?"
The only marsh/bog we have is a quagmire. Yes, orange trees do grow in this country. I would just strongly advise against eating their fruit. There is a large collection of orange trees in the garden of the palace "Het Loo", near Apeldoorn, where stadhouder William III plotted against his Stuart relatives. The originals were all gone. A document from 1637 notes a delivery of orange and lemon trees to the palace by one Hilario Oliva. The present ones (attachments) can be moved inside in winter ;)
Also, there is a beer called Oranjeboom (orange tree), which is generally found drinkable and I haven't even mentioned that every time I haven't looked for a while, there seem to be more children in the royal family. They qualify as Oranges, but I am not sure if they count as oranges.
Peter
sinaasa.b.jpg
Spain 25 cts 1927.jpg
Spain, 25 centimos, 1927.
An interesting wreath from Spain, on the reverse (right) of this coin.
Note that the inner hole has not been created yet.
You can still see the vertical line-up mark on the planchet.
g41.jpg
Christian already mentioned that Switzerland still uses wreaths on its coins.
Those designs stem from the 1800s.
Surprisingly, the East Caribbean States still use sprays in the 21st century.
Those designs were originally created in the 1950s and are still being used.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=32969.0;attach=62300;image)
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=19266.0;attach=62301;image)
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=33039.0;attach=72372;image)
Again, it was surprising to see sprays on these Isle of Man coins of the 1990s, from its circulation sports series.
I think these are meant to be the sort of victory wreaths still used in some sports.
Many British India Silver Rupee had wreaths on them. The first in the series - William IIII Rupees.
Abhay
The 2nd Coin - Queen Victoria.
Abhay
3rd Coin in the series - George V.
Abhay
What are the names of the Indian plants on those two reverses, Abhay? I recognise the thistle, shamrock, etc., but think it was rather silly of the British to put those plants on Indian coins. ::)
The flower at 12 o'clock on the George V rupee is a lotus (side view). I suspect the flower at 6 o'clock is a lotus (top view). The flower at 12 o'clock on the Victorian rupee is usually called a lotus, while the one at 6 o'clock is usually called flower.
Peter
Thanks, Figgers. Lotus was the name that readily came to mind, I just thought there would be more precise names, but since it's a coin, they're probably just generic.
New Series of Indian coins issued in 2011 with Rupee symbol has wreaths on all the denomination except bimetallic Rs.10
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=39617.0;attach=75077;image)
Cheers ;D
Quote from: coffeetime on October 23, 2011, 03:22:16 PM
What are the names of the Indian plants on those two reverses, Abhay? I recognise the thistle, shamrock, etc., but think it was rather silly of the British to put those plants on Indian coins. ::)
The bottom 6 oclock flower looks like a marigold to me
Quote from: aan09 on October 24, 2011, 03:02:30 PM
New Series of Indian coins issued in 2011 with Rupee symbol has wreaths on all the denomination except bimetallic Rs.10
Cheers ;D
I'm pretty sure those are not wreaths...definition on dictionary.com
1.a circular band of flowers, foliage, or any ornamental work, for adorning the head or for any decorative purpose; a garland or chaplet.
2.any ringlike, curving, or curling mass or formation: a wreath of clouds.
3.(in stair building)
a.a curved section of a handrail.
b.Also called wreath·piece. a curved section of a string.
Quote from: paisepagal on October 24, 2011, 03:44:42 PM
I'm pretty sure those are not wreaths...
They are definitely sprays, though, which are related to wreaths.
soybeans, wheat, proso millet, foxtail millet and hemp
These are the traditional "Five Crops" of China. Notice that rice is not included, because this list was 3 millenniums old, and rice didn't come by then...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Cereals_%28China%29
India 10 Paise 1973.jpg
A late example of the wreath on an Indian 10 paise coin of 1973.
UK one third farthing 1913.jpg
A nice oak leaf wreath on a one third farthing, 1913.
Iran.jpg
Iran, 100 dinars, 1908. Interesting use of an inner circle within a wreath.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=23641.0;attach=115854;image)
New Caledonia, reverse of the 1 franc coin.
A very interesting design from New Caledonia.
It features a bird amid vegetation with two sprays.
These sprays are coffee plant sprigs.
As for the wreath, I think so too. Have not found any description which says what that wreath is though. One guess I came across said "framboises sauvages peut être" ... "wild rasperries maybe". Hmm, I doubt that. The bird, by the way, is a cagou or kagu: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagu
Christian
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=12993.0;attach=19085;image)
Algeria, 5 centimes, 1989.
A very interesting stylistic variation on the wreath: half gearwheel, half vegetation.
From our member Samir's collection - see 2 years on one coin (http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php/topic,12993.0.html).
Belize 2002 1c.jpg
Belize, 10c, 2002.
Another example of a wreath in the 21st century.
When will the numismatic wreath eventually die out?
Albania.jpg
Amazingly, all of Albania's current coins sport a wreath or sprays on the reverse.
UK £5 2012.jpeg
Ian Rank Broadley added sprays to the reverse of the UK Diamond Jubilee five pound coin
Probably to give it a bit of a retro look.
Maybe. My devious mind thought of the 1953 shoulder strap issue, though. See that line on the neck that wants to make absolutely sure that you understand that YES, SHE IS WEARING CLOTHES! Maybe those sprays are there to make even absolutlier surer that your dirty mind is wrong.
Peter
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=122938)
Gibraltar, 25 pence, 1977. A wreath of monkeys.
Why didn't they use THAT design on a real coin. It brought a big grin on my face.
Peter
Paraguay 1925 1 peso.jpg
Paraguay, 1925, 1 peso. A wreath of rosettes.
A wreath on the reverse does not mean that the obverse is nice !
( French magic token - End of XIX° century )
Muscat and Oman 1 saidi rial 1958.jpg
Muscat and Oman, 1 Saidi rial, 1958.
It is my belief that the sort of design you see in the outer circle developed stylistically from the wreath.
It is just a theory, however, and I can't prove it.
Omani rial 1975.jpg
Another example on this Omani gold rial of 1975.
Fascinating piece, maxmissy. I find it inconceivable to have a loudly clanging ironworks at that address today. In fact, there is an old sign above the shop window of the bookshop housed there today proclaiming "FABRIQUE DE CHAPEAUX POUR DAMES ET FILLETTES" (ladies and girls' hat factory). That seems more fitting, though the iron manufactory could be older than the sign.
A devil's face on a token may well be unique and to call it amusing begs belief. Was it a political token, maybe?
Peter
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=15074.0;attach=89087;image)
Peru, 2 centavos, 1864.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=15074.0;attach=89079;image)
France, 1 franc, 1931.
The cornucopia as wreath or spray.
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=33353.0;attach=57641;image)
Occasionally rope is used to make a wreath. Sarawak, 20 cents, 1900.
Bolivia 50 ctvos 1987.jpg
Bolivia, 50 centavos, 1991. A rope circle wreath.
Papal States, 5 lire, 1870.jpg
A nice example from the Papal States. 5 lire, 1870.
Ukraine 1H 2002.jpg
Ukrainian, 10 hryvnia, 2002.
The bird is obvious, but what else can you see nestling in the sprays?
(http://assets.catawiki.nl/assets/2012/1/21/5/f/f/5ff548f0-2677-012f-b147-0050569439b1.jpg)
China: wreath of plum blossom, the only nice coin in the set.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/zh/1/12/10-2zz.jpg)
Taiwan 10 Dollar coin, plum blossom.
Manchuria 1929 1 Cent
plum blossom
(http://web.archive.org/web/20151110173431/http://imagizer.imageshack.us/scaled/landing/16/ef4f.jpg)(http://web.archive.org/web/20151110173450/http://imagizer.imageshack.us/scaled/landing/13/a5mp.jpg)
Ottoman Empire 100K 1873.jpg
Ottoman Empire. Sultan 'Abdul Aziz, 1277-1293 AH, 1861-1876 AD. 100 Kurush, Year 13 (1873).
Sprays, stars and a toughra. And are these torches between the sprays?
(http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=8755.0;attach=99695;image)
Central African States. 50 CFA francs. Do you see the bananas? :D Another style that developed from the wreath, I think.
SUDAN Abdullah Ibn Mohammed, 1885-1898, AR 20 piastres, Omdurman, AH1304 year 5, KM-7.1.jpg
SUDAN Abdullah Ibn Mohammed, 1885-1898, AR 20 piastres, Omdurman, AH1304 year 5, KM-7.1
The wreath-like object looks very strange. What do you think it represents?