coins of the British empire/commonwealth

General discussions about canadian coins.
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JNOD
Posts: 52
Joined: Sat Sep 28, 2019 6:53 pm

coins of the British empire/commonwealth

Post by JNOD » Sat Dec 21, 2019 8:13 am

One of the things I find most interesting about the coins of Canada is how, historically at least, they have reflected and reinforced the connections between this country and those of the British empire.

Imagine a 20 year old who had lived his or her entire life in Ceylon standing on a street in Colombo on 21 December, 1910. Now teleport them to St. Johns, Newfoundland; same date and same year. It's likely that much of what they saw would be unfamiliar but they would certainly have recognized the local money as money. If s/he were to compare a new 10 cent piece from the two places they would see Edward VII on the obverse - one would say "King & Emperor" and the other whereas the other would say "D.G. Rex Imperator" but aside from minor details like that there would be no problem recognizing the two as money.

I find it weirdly amazing to think of this - more than half the population of the earth would have had this connection.

henrysmedford
Posts: 183
Joined: Sat Jun 29, 2013 10:44 am
Location: Oregon

Re: coins of the British empire/commonwealth

Post by henrysmedford » Mon Dec 23, 2019 1:23 pm

Thanks for the post. Makes you think. I would hit the like button if there was one.

JNOD
Posts: 52
Joined: Sat Sep 28, 2019 6:53 pm

Re: coins of the British empire/commonwealth

Post by JNOD » Mon Dec 23, 2019 9:38 pm

Well thanks - they're funny little things.... I often find myself wondering why I care so much!

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