Images

This sculpture shows Panchika, the Buddhist god of wealth, and Hariti, a mother goddess. The prosperity they bring is symbolized by the piles of money being poured from bags at their feet. Schist sculpture, from Gandhara, modern-day Pakistan...

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

This monument commemorates the Cherusci chief Arminius and the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 CE when the Germanic tribes under Arminius annihilated three Roman legions led by Publius Quinctilius Varus.

The rebel Carausius (Marcus Aurelius Mausaeus Valerius Carausius) declared himself emperor, making Britain his base. Although he had no authority in Rome, he stressed his Roman identity by citing the poet Virgil on his coins. He also used...

Roman gold coins were set into rings to be worn. Decorative frames were added to turn others into brooches. The image of the emperor was believed to be a good luck charm, so it made sense to carry it around all the time. Gold coin of Emperor...

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...