Browse Items (13 total)

Inscription content: 開元通寶
Inscription transliteration: Kaiyuan tongbao

Cowrie money, used in the Kingdom of Bambara, Africa

Cowries throughout Africa are symbols of wealth and well-being and, in some parts of West Africa, were used as a form of currency. In Akan communities cast gold cowrie shells were worn by high-status individuals such as the Asantehene, paramount…

Neck rings, such as this imposing gold example, are cited in early sources as playing a role both in the glorification of military heroes and in coronation ceremonies. This pectoral necklace is composed of a plain, hollow neck ring attached to a…

Print, American, 1938

Silver Tetradrachm of Ptolemy I Soter, minted in Egypt (r. 323-285 BCE)
Obv.: Head of Alexander in lion skin and aegis r., with horns of Zeus Ammon; dotted border.
Rev.: Athena Alkidemos, r., holding spear and shield; to r., an eagle clutching…