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Coins can be about value or aesthetics, with their deep symbolic meanings carried on metal plates. Сoins with an angel confirm this, as they bear skillful design and are often endowed with blessing, protection, and good luck. Here, we will try to uncover the secrets behind these angel coin tokens and examine why they attract collectors, numismatists, and art lovers.
The Symbolic Meaning of Angels on Coins
Golden coin with an angel on it is popular all over the world, for it is usually associated with prosperity, good luck, and divine power. Just like it was and still is with expensive gold Roman coins. It is believed that such instances are particularly helpful and attract good luck in financial matters. In traditional European culture, angels are represented as heavenly inhabitants, good messengers protecting their wards from troubles and misfortunes.
Famous Gold Coins with Angels
French Gold Angel Coin
The French gold coin with an angel on it is considered one of the most iconic and symbolic instances of its kind. It was designed by the famous French engraver Augustin Dupré and was first issued in the late 18th century.
Design: An angel standing in front of an altar writing the law and the inscription “RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE” (obverse). The rooster and the slogan “LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ” (reverse).
Main Characteristics:
900 gold (90% gold and 10% copper to improve durability)
Weight: 6.45 grams
Diameter: 21 mm
Investment potential: Today the coin is interesting primarily to collectors and numismatists. Due to the large circulation of this coin (minted at many mints in France), its value is not huge - about 300-400 dollars or less.
Interesting fact: As legends promote Napoleon always carried this coin with him as a talisman until he lost it before the Battle of Waterloo (and failed, as we all know). Soon, the fame of the coin's “good luck” spread around the world, and its owners tried to keep it with them all the time.
Angel Coin (English Gold Coin)
This golden angel coin was named after the image of the Archangel Michael defeating a dragon. This design symbolizing the victory of good over evil was introduced into circulation by Edward IV and remained an important part of the English coinage system until the early 17th century.
Design: The Archangel Michael with a raised sword striking a dragon (obverse). A ship in sunlight with the coat of arms of England and a cross (reverse).
Main Characteristics:
23-carat gold
Weight: about 5 grams
Diameter: 21 mm
Investment values: The Angel coin is valued for its rarity, historical importance, and high quality of mintage. Its worth depends on its condition, year of issue, and collector interest (the approximate range of value can range from $1,000 to several tens of thousands of dollars).
Interesting fact: this instance was often used as a reward to knights for battle honors. It also played a role in church ceremonies, where it was presented to the church as a gift.
Related article: Ancient Roman coins.
Gold Coins with Images of Angels on Both Sides
At the same time, there are several legendary two-sided issues. Pieces with angels on both sides are quite unusual and rare, they have more religious character and symbolism, which is why they are worth more than most of the usual specimens.
Modern British Commemorative Issues Depicting Saint Michael and the Angels
Coins depicting St. Michael and other angels are very popular. Since they are commemorative, they are not released into general circulation but remain the collector's items symbolizing protection and spiritual blessing.
Design: The Archangel Michael towering over a defeated dragon (obverse).
Main Characteristics Concerning Commemorative Coins:
Usually, this gold coin with angels on both sides are made of gold (24 carat)
They often weigh between 3 and 28 grams
The denomination of the coins often varies (between £1 and £100) or the equivalent in another currency, depending on the country of issue.
The coins are of high minting quality and limited mintage.
Investment potential: These have a high (both artistic and symbolic) value.
Interesting fact: Which angel coin, gold or silver one, do you prefer? Sometimes these are made of high-grade silver (usually 99.9% silver) in limited editions, which makes these silver instances value higher.
Please note that these specifications may vary depending on the specific issue and design of the numismatic creation you have. It is recommended to consult official sources and catalogs or use modern tools like Coin ID Scanner for accurate data.
Scan a coin in your collection with the camera of your mobile device, find out basic information regarding the object of your collection and the latest news in the world of numismatics. The coin identifier app is based on an extended coin database and can make your hobby more convenient, rewarding, and enjoyable.
Angel and Archangel Сoin from the Vatican
The Angel and Archangel coin from the Vatican is also a commemorative one and reflects the symbolism of the divine, angels, and archangels. Angels on both sides are celestials and patrons, which are very popular in religious circles and are of great value among religious people with the second angel on the reverse seen as an additional amulet and stronger protection.
Design: The obverse and reverse often depict archangels or angels, as stated in the name. The most common design includes the archangel Michael fighting a dragon or other archangels such as Gabriel, guardian angels, celestial scenes, or religious symbols characterizing victory over evil and divine protection
Main Characteristics of this Commemorative Series:
The year of issue may vary. Coins dedicated to angels can be issued as part of a series or in separate issues.
The materials of production are gold, silver, or copper. The most popular options are gold (22 carats) and silver (99.9% silver) though.
The weight of a gold coin can be up to 31 grams, while a silver coin can weigh the same or more.
Investment value: Vatican coins, especially those with religious images like double sided angel gold coins are valued highly by collectors and investors. These may be worth a few hundred euros and up to several thousand euros depending on their rarity and condition.
Interesting fact: Commemorative coins or those from the jubilee series are often created by private workshops or mints as decorative or collector's items without signatures or printed stamps. These typically lack official denomination and are not issued by the state, as their purpose is purely symbolic or decorative.
Numismatic creations with images of angels combine mysticism, traditional beliefs, and convictions with real material value and significance. We have a unique opportunity to own rare and significant assets that may be said to offer protection, blessings, and stability in all affairs.
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