Images

This vase and 66 coins were part of a group of offerings dedicated to the Buddha by a man named Vagramarega (his name was inscribed on the vase), for the benefit of himself and his family. Coins were often included in Buddhist offerings in...

The Chu State in south-east China had a unique culture of its own, yet also interacted with other states. This is reflected in the variety of its coinage: small bronze coins (known as "ant-nose" money modelled on cowrie shells), spade money...

Medallions with designs similar to coins could be worn as a symbol of allegiance, or given as prestigious gifts. They were specifically to be attractive, as display or presentation pieces. Gold medallion of the Roman Emperor Constantine I...

Medallions with designs similar to coins could be worn as a symbol of allegiance, or given as prestigious gifts. They were specifically to be attractive, as display or presentation pieces. Both of these medallions depict the Colosseum (Flavian...

China's bronze-casting traditions can be traced back to about 2000 BCE. Elaborate bronze vessels were made for ritual and ceremonial use, often to make offerings to ancestors. The materials and technology of this long-standing tradition were...

One side (reverse) of this elaborate gold pendant has designs based on coins of the Kushan rulers Kanishka I (100-126 CE) or Huvishka (126-163 CE); it shows an image of the goddess of wealth. On the other side (obverse, this image), the image...

Alexander conquered large areas of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The coin types produced during his lifetime were still used after his death in 323 BCE. These had the same imagery and weight standard, with local symbols to distinguish the...

This coin depicts Vadfradad I, king of Persis (Fars) in Southern Iran, who can be identified on both sides of the coin by his special headgear. On the back (lower image), a figure holds up a royal headband (diadem) as a symbol of kingship...

The bronze bell at the Buddhist Sangwonsa temple in Pyeongchang. The bronze-cast bell dates to 725 CE and is the oldest surviving such bell from ancient Korea.

A detail of the dragon suspension of the bronze bell at the Sangwonsa temple in Pyeongchang. The bronze-cast bell dates to 725 and is the oldest surviving such bell from ancient Korea.