History of Coinage in Countries Around the World

Author: Joe Cribb · Barrie Cook · Ian Carradice Liu Sen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-11-01
Features: Since the invention of coins in Asia Minor in the late 7th century BC, the history of coinage has spanned over 2,500 years. The vast number of metal coins that have survived through the ages have added a touch of glory to the countries and rulers who minted and used them. The designs on the coins also provide a detailed reflection of the issuer's understanding of the world at the time. On the coins, one can see very realistic portraits of rulers from Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Cleopatra to Philip II of Spain, Frederick the Great of Prussia, and Napoleon. Similarly, from coins of ancient Greece, India, and Islam, one can also discover precise religious doctrines. This one-volume work, "A History of Coins from Around the World," describes the history of coinage in various countries from ancient times to the present. The book aims to be written in a non-technical manner, avoiding the use of numismatic technical terms as much as possible. However, its innovative arrangement makes it a fundamental reference for historians, particularly archaeologists. It is especially important to emphasize that the book fully reflects the evolution of coin designs, the changes in coins in international trade, and the influence of coins on the development of political history. This is because we view the origin, spread, and evolution of coinage from a global perspective. A country's currency can reflect its political, economic, cultural traditions, and social life in various aspects. Therefore, the history of a country's currency can be said to be a condensed history of its rise and fall. This volume, "A History of Coins from Around the World," describes the history of coinage in various countries from ancient times to the present. The authors strive to write in a non-technical manner, avoiding the use of numismatic technical terms. The book's clear and fluent language, along with a wealth of exquisite illustrations, not only makes it a basic reference for professional historians but also appeals to a broad audience of coin enthusiasts.