Moneta's Temple and Gallery

Czechoslovakia - 1 Koruna 1929

Moneta — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 11:31:03 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: This is a companion to the 1938 I also have posted here. That one has such an unusual color for the same CN (copper - nickel) piece that this one is. It also fits into my special series on National Folk Maidens and/or Ceres (Demeter) theme coins. 5 M struck for this year.

Philippines - Woman Farmer with Wheat - 25 Piso 1976

Moneta — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 10:48:31 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: An F.A.O. issue for World Food Day. I think it qualifies for my Folk Maiden / Ceres collection of women and wheat.

Italy - 20 Centesimi Type Automat Token

Moneta — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 13:45:26 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: An unknown token based on the famous Italia or Ceres head 20 Centesimi. Not listed in Numista but I attempted to add it. Seeking additional information.

Portugal - 1 Escudo 1916

Moneta — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 09:10:21 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Liberty Head with wheat stalks, qualifies for my Ceres/Folk maiden project. 1.4 M struck.

Italy - 10 Lire 1912 - Italia w/ Plow

Moneta — Sun, 25 Oct 2020 14:45:38 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: This design was struck in 10, 20, 50 & 100 Lire denominations, all of them very scarce. KM doesn't even illustrate the 10 Lire so I've done it here from a borrowed photo [Atlas]. The design is not by Romagnoli but by a much less prolific engraver by the name of Egidio Boninsegna. You can safely assume this is a figure of the personification of Italia standing with a plow and holding wheat. Legend above is REGNO D'ITALIA [Kingdom of Italy]. The obverse features a nice portrait of Vittorio Emanuele III in a military uniform, signifying the recent military stance taken in Europe and Africa as Italy wished to gain some imperial colonies like most other European countries of the time. They were a little late to the imperialist party however. The whole style series is very scarce to rare, this 1912 is by far the most attainable with only 6,796 struck.

Italy 20 Lire 1958 - Ceres

Moneta — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 16:36:40 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: The big issue year (80.3 M) for this 3 year type. Ceres head with Oak sprig. Designed by Pietro Giampaoli.

Yugoslavia 10 Dinara 1955 - Folk Maiden

Moneta — Sat, 04 Jul 2020 10:57:55 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: This bold coin is a denomination coin of the short lived (coins for 1953 - 1955) Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia. It features the agricultural element of a National Folk Maiden holding a bunch of wheat stalks, often found in European & socialist country symbols and icons. The origin of this iconography are the coins of ancient Greece with the goddess Ceres, or Demeter (Roman), portrayed. And wow, is that a string of coins around her neck? Marshal Broz Tito lead a revolution to abolish the monarchy and eventually led to this republic which was soon replaced by the Socialist Federal Republic. There was a gap of 10 years between this coin and the first coin struck for the SFR in 1965.

Germany - Frankenthal Notgeld 50 Pfg. 1918

Moneta — Sat, 02 May 2020 16:25:08 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Another in the series of Frankenthal near the Rhine river in the Pfalz region. This one shows an interesting scene of farm women cutting wheat. Fifty pfennig Kriegsgeld seems to be a scarcer one to obtain, especially in nice condition, which this one isn't. It's also a stretch to fit this in the Ceres group, but I'll do it anyway.

France - 20 Francs CERES 1850A

Moneta — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 12:45:52 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: France, Second Republic, 20 Francs 1850-A, Paris, Gold, F.529/2 (Short dog ear) NGC MS63. These beautiful and short lived "Ceres" Head issues first appeared in 1849 on these 20 Franc issues. These followed the 1848 Genius (Angel) writing the Constitution series. Both the silver and gold issues of this period feature different depictions of what KM describes as Liberty, but is more knowledgeably known a "Ceres," the Roman goddess of agriculture, grain crops, fertility and motherly relationships.

Brazil - 1000 Reis 1927 - Liberty

Moneta — Sat, 19 Oct 2019 13:58:08 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Another beautiful design from Brazil featuring Liberty with sickle. The image appears to emulate a trend of the times around the world showing a national maiden at harvest time in the vein of Ceres, therefore it qualifies as an entry in my special theme category. These are difficult to find in BU and usually show worn dies. This example is better than average for the type.

Latvia - 2 Euros 2014

Moneta — Sat, 15 Apr 2017 12:12:05 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: The spirit of the Folk Maiden springs eternal! The image is makes it onto an official 2 Euros piece. Color is wacked but it's the best I can do for now...

Netherlands - Batavian Republic 1G 1795

Moneta — Sat, 04 Feb 2017 11:30:17 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: The French Revolutionary Wars progressed into the Netherlands after the fall of resistance in Luxembourg and the defeat of Prussia & allies there. The Batavian Republic was established over portions of the Netherlands, which was already considered a republic. The obverse legend is a bit different than KM's SCWC for the 1700's, so I'm seeking a detailed attribution for this piece. Obverse legend: MO : ARG : ORD : FAED: BELG : HOLL; except for the FAED (w/'AE' conjoined) everything matches KM# 8.2 but the FAED should be FOE. The FAED is listed for KM# 18 but that is considered a pattern by some experts and the denomination should be 'GL' rather than just the 'G'. In general this legend means "Regular coin of Province of Belgium & Holland Confederation." Reverse legend: HAC NITIMVR HANC TVEMVR; in an apparent error by KM, all 1 G catalog listings show NITEMVR while the poor KM photo shows the legend above. This legend means "With This We Strive, This We Will Defend." The edge is engrailed. This coin could also be HOLLAND KM#73, the legends and strike features match but KM shows the last one of this series was minted in 1794. The Batavian Republic (Dutch: Bataafse Republiek; French: République Batave) was the successor of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands. It was proclaimed on 19 January 1795, and ended on 5 June 1806, with the accession of Louis I to the throne of Holland. In early 1795, intervention by French revolutionary forces led to the downfall of the old Dutch Republic. The new Republic enjoyed widespread support from the Dutch population and was the product of a genuine popular revolution. Nevertheless, it clearly was founded with the armed support of the revolutionary French Republic. The Batavian Republic became a client state, the first of the "sister-republics" and later part of the French Empire of Napoleon Bonaparte, and its politics were deeply influenced by the French who supported no fewer than three coups d'état to bring the different political factions to power that France favored at different moments in its own political development. Nevertheless, the process of creating a written Dutch constitution was mainly driven by internal political factors, not by French influence, until Napoleon forced the Dutch government to accept his brother as monarch. (Wikipedia) The Dutch Maiden (Dutch: Nederlandse Maagd) is a national personification of the Netherlands. She is typically depicted in a Roman garment and with a lion, the Leo Belgicus, by her side. In addition to the symbol of a national maiden, there were also symbolic provincial maidens and town maidens. On 25 May 1694, the States of Holland and West Friesland introduced a uniform coin design for the United Provinces, showing a Dutch Maiden leaning on a bible placed on an altar and holding a lance with the Cap of Liberty. During the French occupation, the short-lived Batavian Republic adopted the Dutch Maiden as its main symbol. The symbol was depicted on the upper left corner of the Batavian Republic's flag, with a lion at her feet. In one hand, she holds a shield with the Roman fasces and in the other a lance crowned with the cap of liberty. (Wikipedia)

Greece 10 Drachma 1930 - PATTERN

Moneta — Sun, 18 May 2014 12:58:20 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: I believe this a PATTERN or TRIAL strike by CH Pillet, two other patterns here in the Museum show his name engraved, all three were acquired at the same time/source. Very similar design as the business strike but note"925 (omega zeta and maybe, iota iota" on the obverse rim. I'm pretty sure it is not struck in Sterling silver. Beautiful,...here the lighting flattened the surfaces, better in hand w/proof-like surfaces and light iridescence overall. While the other two are over weight this one is under weight. The original is struck in .500 silver (see my example here in Greece). Obverse is based on a classical Greek coin of Demeter [ CERES in the Roman pantheon]. The engraver for this series of three is Charles Pillet, he was a French sculptor and engraver. Born in Paris, Pillet was a pupil of Henri-Michel-Antoine Chapu and Jules-Clement Chaplain. He won the first Grand Prix de Rome engraving medals 1890. He became a member of the Society des Artistes Francais in 1898. The Louvre preserves a letter he wrote to Eugene Delacroix.

France World's Fair of 1900

Moneta — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 10:52:28 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Acquired because of the wonderful Ceres portrait with sickle. The famous medal designer in art nouveau, Daniel Dupuis did this work featuring Demeter (or Ceres). He did many medals and plaques for the World's Fair in Paris and other expositions beginning in 1889. The Worlds Fair (L'Exposition Universelle) of 1900 was an exposition of many new technologies that were to dominate the 20th Century. Most of the Pavilions along the Seine were made of a material that was temporary, all were elaborate and beautiful. Also, the prevailing artistic theme of the Fair was Art Nouveau, as seen on this iconic medal. "Argent" appears on the edge. I've seen this medal in copper also.

Italy Lire 1949

Moneta — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 12:07:26 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Ceres head on this coin which was commemorated in silver in 2001 [see this Museum]. This is the most common year because they can be expensive in very high grade. The reverse is often described as an apple but it is obviously a citrus fruit.

Italy 20 Lire 1993

Moneta — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 12:00:40 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Ceres head on this horrible metal to photograph. Aluminum bronze, Nordic gold, and certain other metals almost need to be soft focused to present the image you have in-hand. The surfaces always sparkle and/or are mottled with high resolution images. Have you got a solution?

France 5 Fr. 1962 - Semeuse

Moneta — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 12:13:48 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This an iconic coin of France's 5th Republic. It features Semeuse, or the "sower" and therefore I think it rightly belongs in the Folk maiden/Ceres group. 5 New Francs - 500 Old Francs. 42.5 M minted. She also wears a Liberty cap.

France 5 Fr 1851

Moneta — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 11:54:16 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: A nice example of the early release of the Ceres head design. First released during the 2nd Republic in 1849, this example is from the Paris mint on the last year of issue until it was resurrected in 1870. This one is in very nice condition with original surfaces but it does have several minor rim nicks. 13.223 M minted.

France 5 Fr 1851 - Ceres

Moneta — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 11:54:16 -0800

France 2 Fr 1871

Moneta — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 11:36:31 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: As revolutionary and political winds began to blow France begins the Ceres head series. This year and the first year of issue (1870) have a variety type of large and small 'A' in the Paris mintmark. The small 'A' is included in the mintage of 4.757 M and is slightly more valuable. Original toning and nice eye-appeal.

Poland 2 Zloty - 1925

Moneta — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 11:10:00 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This companion piece to the 1 Zloty of 1925 was also minted in London (dot after date). Only high-end auctions will feature better examples struck at the scarcer mints of Birmingham or Philadelphia. Part of the Ceres & Folk-maid series. This one also has hairlines and surface characteristics of cleaning. Scarce in this condition.

Latvia 5 Lati 2012

Moneta — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 10:41:03 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This beautiful and iconic coin of Latvia is a modern restrike of the famous 5 Lati of 1929-32. The central theme is of a "Folk-Maid" with the overtones of Ceres as a goddess of agriculture, particularly of the staple crop of wheat. This coin celebrates the 90th Year of the Bank of Latvia. Of particular note is the minting method which is described as 'tamped back', a new term that I'm unfamiliar with but the method seems to follow many modern mint products that bear evidence of digitization that expresses itself as matte finish. The inscriptions DIEVS, SVĒTĪ and LATVIJU, separated by three hexagonal stars. You can read all about this beautiful coin at the Bank of Latvia web site: http://www.bank.lv/en/money/5-lats-silver-collector-coin

Czech. Rep. 1 Koruna 1938

Moneta — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 11:19:52 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Acquired for the Folk Maiden/Ceres series but it's badly corroded with spots.

Metapontion - Lucania

Moneta — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 16:19:43 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: AR stater of Metapontum [under arch of the boot of Italy]. OB: head of Demeter, right, wearing corn [wheat] wreath, wearing earring; Rx: Ear of corn, META to the left, right, plough in field. [330 - 300 B.C.] Similar to Sear 416 and BMC 1.98

Latvia 5 Lati

Moneta — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 13:09:13 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Latvia's finest from first year of issue - 1929. The theme also fits in my Ceres & National Maiden special project area in the Moneta Museum. These are common but getting one in MS 65 or better is nearly impossible - I'll keep trying...

Peru Peseta 1880

Moneta — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:30:32 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This coin is from the very short Provisional Coinage period (1879 - 1882) that featured Pesetas rather than Soles. This coin fits in nicely for the Peruvian "National Maiden" project.

Poland Zlote 1925

Moneta — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 13:32:07 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Polish Republic, another that qualifies as a "National Maiden"design with wheat stalks that also put this scarce coin in the "Ceres" category. Sold to me as very high grade it's obviously only XF and has probably been cleaned/polished. London mint issue of 1925.

Poland 2 Zlote 1934

Moneta — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 13:21:44 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Republic 2 Zlote. Another for my "National Maiden &Ceres" head collection - this from Poland. Fairly high grade but with mottled toning. Key date with only 250K minted for '34 vs 15.7 M for '32 and 9.25M for '33.

Italy 20 C. - 1920

Moneta — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:07:14 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Ceres or allegorical Italy holds wheat ear, reverse depicts flying victory. This example has a better strike, nearly full hair detail, than my 1922. I've seen a slabbed, full hair strike, 1919 sell for $600. I consider this design one of the Top 10 World's Best! The ANA's "Numismatist" for Oct 2020 (p.39) has a nice little feature on the coins of Vittorio Emanuele III at this: http://onlinedigitalpublishing.com/publication/frame.php?i=673359&p=&pn=&ver=html5

Belgium - National Maiden

Moneta — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:07:24 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This is about the only selection I could find for the Ceres/National Maiden special project I have in the works representing Belgium. This was issued in French and Dutch (not Flemish?), this is the French version. BELIQUE.

Greek 1930 - Demeter

Moneta — Sat, 25 Feb 2006 14:27:47 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: This is one of the wonderful neo-classical coin designs that Moneta strives to present in the Gallery. This Greek Republic issue and another (Poseidon, 20 Dr) in this period are re-creations of classical Greek designs. In this case exact attribution to the ancient counterpart is unknown (info sought!). Obverse shows a veiled goddess Demeter and the reverse is a type common to the Greek colony (in Italy) of Metapontum (& others in Italy) showing a ear of wheat [under the Roman pantheon she is Ceres]. Italy used this motif in their neo-classical designs of the early 20 th Century. This is a one-year type and scarce this nice. A BU slabbed example sold for $700 in 2011.