Commems Collection Classic: Quick Bits 116 - Latin Anyone?

The Latin phrase "E PLURIBUS UNUM" ("From Many, One") is a well-known standard on circulating US coinage and on many of the classic-era US commemorative coins. Ever wonder how many classic US commemorative coins feature a word/phrase in Latin? (Other than "E PLURIBUS UNUM".)

If you're wondering while reading this, you're in luck! Here's an illustrated list:

1. 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition $50 Gold Coins

The Pan-Pac Quintuple Eagle coins feature Roman Numerals for the issue date / Exposition date - "MCMXV" ("1915"). As Roman Numerals are taken from the Latin alphabet...





(Image Credit: Images of both varieties courtesy of Heritage Auctions, http://www.ha.com. Maybe someday...)


2. 1920 Maine Statehood Centennial

The Maine half dollar features "DIRIGO" ("I DIRECT") on a ribbon near the top of its obverse. The coin is the first silver coin in the US commemorative series to feature Latin.




3. 1935 Hudson, NY Sesquicentennial

The whimsical design of the Hudson, NY City Seal is seen on the obverse of the Hudson half dollar. It includes the Latin inscription "ET DECUS ET PRETIUM RECTI" which roughly translates into English as "BOTH THE ORNAMENT AND REWARD OF VIRTUE." A contemporary interpretation is "MORAL BEHAVIOR IS HONORABLE AND ITS OWN REWARD."




4. 1936 Norfolk, VA Bicentennial/Tricentennial

I've posted before about the "busy" design of the 1936 Norfolk, VA Bicentennial / Tricentennial Half Dollar, especially the inscription-heavy obverse. Within the center circle of the coin's multiple inscriptions is found "ET TERRA ET MARE DIVIAE TUAE" at the top and "CRESCAS" at the bottom. The Latin inscriptions are translated as "BOTH LAND AND SEA ARE YOUR RICHES" and "MAY YOU PROSPER" respectively.




5. 1936 Wisconsin Territorial Centennial

The 1936 Wisconsin Territorial Centennial Half Dollar presents the territory's creation date as "4th DAY OF JULY ANNO DOMINI 1836" with the Latin "ANNO DOMINI" translating to English as "IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD." The date refers to the date upon which Henry Dodge, the Territory's first Governor, assumed office (appointed by President Andrew Jackson).




At first glance, the 1934 Province of Maryland Tercentenary Half Dollar might seem to include a motto presented in Latin. The motto seen on the Coat-of-Arms - "FATTI MASCHII PAROLE FEMINE" (or "STRONG DEEDS, GENTLE WORDS" - the official, contemporary English translation) is actually Italian vs. Latin. So, best I can do is give an "Honorable Mention" ribbon.


For more of my stories about commemorative coins and medals, including more on each coin mentioned above and more "Quick Bits" stories, see: Commems Collection.