Post Your Coins With Coats Of Arms, Shields, Crests, Crowns, Etc.

Madagascar 1943 1 Franc

1936 Australia shilling:

1951 Vatican City.
1 Lira - Pivs XII.

This one deserves an Honorary Membership among the classic US commemorative coins (1892-1954) that depict the Seal of a city or state - the coin doesn't fully duplicate an actual Seal, but it does incorporate multiple elements of a State Seal in its design. I am talking about the the 1935-S and 1936-D commemorative half dollars issued in conjunction with the California-Pacific International Exposition - the "San Diego" half dollar - and the close connection the coin's obverse has to the Great Seal of the State of California.

Here's the California Seal:



Per the California Secretary of State: The Constitutional Convention of 1849 adopted a "Great Seal of the State of California." Two main features of the seal are the seated figure of the Goddess Minerva and the California Grizzly Bear crouching at her feet. Other design elements include a gold miner, ships upon a mountain-rimmed bay, and the motto "Eureka," which means "I have found it."

Here's the coin in question:

1935-S California-Pacific International Exposition Half Dollar



It's easy to see how strongly the California Seal influenced Robert Aiken while he was creating the design of the obverse of the commemorative coin. The primary element of the coin's design is a depiction of the Roman goddess Minerva, seated and holding a shield. Also included (and shared with the Seal): a California grizzly bear, a sailing ship, a gold miner, a cornucopia/horn of plenty and mountains in the background beyond the water of the bay. The "Eureka" motto is also present, though relocated. The elements are clearly arranged differently, but the similarity to the Seal is undeniable.

Honorary Membership status in the "Seal Club" is certainly due!


You can learn more about the coin here: 1935-S California-Pacific International Exposition and here: 1935 California-Pacific - Original Holder.

You can read other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals here: Read More: Commems Collection

Nice examples!

1913 Russia.
1 Kopek-Nicholas II.

-

France 1869-BB 5 Francs

1875 German PFENNIG