Object Image

Coin case

France?

James de Rothschild followed a family tradition when, at the age of eight, he began collecting ancient coins. He was mostly drawn to gold and silver coins but his collection also includes interesting bronze examples. He kept them in this mahogany coin chest with bespoke trays to fit different sizes, marked and labelled in his own hand. Since antiquity, coins have been associated with wealth, power and status but they are also remarkable miniature works of art. They display the creativity and skill of sculptors and convey political or religious messages through compact but powerful designs. Ancient Greek coins are regarded as some of the most beautiful and sophisticated objects ever m...

c 1890
Mahogany
8385
Image and text © Waddesdon Manor, 2019

Where you'll find this

Waddesdon Manor
Permanent collection

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