Achieving this goal necessitates the use of base metal alloys. For example, a coin may be in circulation for up to 30 years, and so must have excellent wear resistance and anti- corrosion properties. Requirements for a coinage metal Ĭoins that are intended for circulation have some special requirements based on the conditions they will encounter. In general coins intended for circulation must have metal values considerably less than their face values, for reasons discussed below. Coins not intended for circulation or for intrinsic value have also been made experimentally using an even larger variety of metals, since they function as fiat money. Precious metals are always used in bullion coins and some collectable coins. However, there are many more, even for coins made from intrinsically precious metals. The Persian coins were also very well known in the Persian and Sassanids era. However, the Persian daric was the first gold coin which, along with a similar silver coin, the siglos, (From Ancient Greek σίγλος, Hebrew שֶׁקֶל ( shékel)) represented the bimetallic monetary standard of the Achaemenid Persian Empire which has continued till today. These first coins were made of electrum, a naturally occurring pale yellow mixture of gold and silver that was further alloyed with silver and copper. Since that time, coins have been the most universal embodiment of money. Ancient India in circa 6th century BC, was one of the earliest issuers of coins in the world. Gold, silver and bronze or copper were the coinage metals of the ancient world, and most medieval coins.Īll western histories of coins begin invention at some time slightly before or after 700 BC, in Aegina Island, or, according to others, in Ephesus, Lydia, 650 BC. Historically, most coinage metals (or alloys) are from the three nonradioactive members of group 11 of the periodic table: copper, silver and gold, the copper usually being augmented with tin and often other metals to form bronze. In general, because of problems caused when coin metals are intrinsically valuable as commodities, there has been a trend in the 21st century toward use of coinage metals of only the least exotic and expensive types. Some of these elements would make excellent coins in theory (for example, zirconium), but their status as coin metals is not clear. The term is not perfectly defined, however, since a number of metals have been used to make 'demonstration coins' which have never been used to make monetized coins for any nation-state, but could be. See also Brunei dollar and Coins of the Brunei dollar.The coinage metals comprise, at a minimum, those metallic chemical elements which have historically been used as components in alloys used to mint coins. Representation of the values of Freedom, Equality and Fraternity of the French Revolution (1830) Liberator of Brazil from Portugal (1821)ĭiplomat, consolidator of Brazilian borders (1902) PersonĮxplorer and navigator discovered the sea route to Brazil (1500)Įmperor of Brazil. See also Belize dollar and Coins of the Belize dollar. Queen of the United Kingdom (1952-2022) and Queen of the Bahamas (1973-2022)ġst President of Bangladesh (1971–1972) 2nd Prime Minister of Bangladesh (1972–1975) 4th President of Bangladesh (Janu– August 15, 1975) The Duchess of Cambridge (née Catherine Middleton) ĭuchess of Cambridge (2011-2022) Princess of Wales (2022-)ĭuke of Cambridge (2011-2022) Prince of Wales (2022-) See also Australian dollar and Coins of the Australian dollar.

Main article: List of people who have appeared on Australian currency Queen and Regent of Illyria (230 BC-228 BC) The customary design on coins is a portrait of a notable individual (living and/or deceased) on the obverse or reverse, unless the subject is depicted on both sides of the coin.Įlizabeth II, former Queen of the Commonwealth realms and their territories and dependencies, features on more coins than any other person. Note that this list does not include people who have only appeared on banknotes, and is of actual people and not deities or fictional persons. This is a list of people depicted on coins in present and past circulation throughout the world, listed in two sections - coins in current circulation and coins no longer in circulation. For Banknotes, see List of people on banknotes.

American coins names