To better understand the nature of art in general, it is useful to understand the nature of classicism and the important role that Greek and Roman art played in establishing certain timeless principles that are employed or even tested today. Artistic coins, or their designs, were often used as decorative elements within other works of art or utilitarian objects. For example, we find pottery vases, lamp, and plates with impressed images from identified coins. Metal vases or plates sometimes incorporated actual coins into their design. Coins were a favorite item of jewelry in antiquity, and many are found today within contemporary settings for finger rings, pendants, bracelets, or earrings. The coins exhibited here represent a broad spectrum of time and space. Geographically, they cover the lands from modern day Britain to Afghanistan - including virtually all of the major Mediterranean cultures.
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