The 1 Thaler coin from the Austrian Empire, minted between 1705 and 1710 during the reign of Joseph I, features an interesting design element – the portrait of the emperor himself. The obverse side of the coin depicts Joseph I facing to the right, wearing a crown and royal robes, while the reverse side shows the coat of arms of the Habsburg dynasty. This design was a departure from the traditional design of thalers, which typically featured an image of the Holy Roman Emperor on the obverse and the coat of arms of the minting city on the reverse. The use of Joseph I’s portrait on the coin was a nod to his status as the ruler of the Austrian Empire and reflected the growing influence of the Habsburg dynasty during that time.
The Antoninianus – Valerianus coin was issued during a time of great turmoil in the Roman Empire, known as the Crisis of the Third Century. This period saw a series of civil wars, corruption, and external invasions that threatened the empire’s stability. Despite these challenges, the coin’s inscription, CONCORDIA MILIT, or “military concord,” suggests that the Roman government was still emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation among its citizens and military forces. This coin serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the Roman people during a difficult period in their history.