Which European Silver coins match the iconic GB Godless Florin?

[Divmad]

I've had this thought to collect circulated silver coins to represent European countries, as the "best", most iconic circulating coins of the last 170 years or so. 

From what I can see so far, the Godless Florin warrants inclusion, based on design, storyline and relative scarcity.

What would other readers consider worthy of such an accolade?

[Norskgeld]

Love these Belgian 5 Francs.

 

Edited March 27, 2023 by Norskgeld

[Divmad]

1 hour ago, Norskgeld said:

Love these Belgian 5 Francs.

 

If that's yours, a nice example.

[stefffana]

There are many important coins in european history, but if you want an iconic one, my vote is going to spanish 8 reales. Used hundreds of years in Europe and all over the world as colonial currency, in my opinion is a "must have" in your collection.

I have not pictures at the moment with what I have, because I've offered them already to my daughter, but something like these:

https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces107345.html

https://fr.numista.com/catalogue/pieces11524.html.

https://fr.numista.com/catalogue/pieces3767.html.

There are also many variations, different kings and from colonies.

 

 

[arphethean]

9 hours ago, stefffana said:

There are many important coins in european history, but if you want an iconic one, my vote is going to spanish 8 reales. Used hundreds of years in Europe and all over the world as colonial currency, in my opinion is a "must have" in your collection.

I have not pictures at the moment with what I have, because I've offered them already to my daughter, but something like these:

https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces107345.html

https://fr.numista.com/catalogue/pieces11524.html.

https://fr.numista.com/catalogue/pieces3767.html.

There are also many variations, different kings and from colonies.

 

 

You should be able to find one for a realestic price

[arphethean]

 

 

11 hours ago, Divmad said:

I've had this thought to collect circulated silver coins to represent European countries, as the "best", most iconic circulating coins of the last 170 years or so. 

From what I can see so far, the Godless Florin warrants inclusion, based on design, storyline and relative scarcity.

What would other readers consider worthy of such an accolade?

In terms of iconic designs I'm not sure, but very important numismatically are the coins of the Latin Monetary Union, and they would make an excellent collection goal 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_Monetary_Union

 

In terms of a design really capturing the character of a historic era, these are very striking. Pun intended? Sure, why not. 

 

Obviously a world apart from the grace and majesty of that florin, but interesting to see the different facets and periods of a continent's history. Personally I find many coins pre 1900 very focused on Royal portraits and arms, of which I can only appreciate so many before becoming a bit bored. To me, their stiff adherence to tradition mean not many designs stand out as being interesting or characterful. That changes post WWI

Edited March 28, 2023 by arphethean

[stefffana]

13 minutes ago, arphethean said:

You should be able to find one for a realestic price

True. But is "iconic", isn't it?🙂

 

[Skybadger]

On 27/03/2023 at 22:41, stefffana said:

There are many important coins in european history, but if you want an iconic one, my vote is going to spanish 8 reales. Used hundreds of years in Europe and all over the world as colonial currency, in my opinion is a "must have" in your collection.

I have not pictures at the moment with what I have, because I've offered them already to my daughter, but something like these:

https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces107345.html

https://fr.numista.com/catalogue/pieces11524.html.

https://fr.numista.com/catalogue/pieces3767.html.

There are also many variations, different kings and from colonies.

 

 

These are great. Would love to add some to the stack!

[SidS]

If you like Spanish 8 reales, then I guess French silver ecus might be of interest. Similar era, dollar sized.