A Social History of Coins: Money and the Making of Civilization

FAIN: FZ-261345-18

Frank Lee Holt
University Of Houston (Houston, TX 77204-3067)

Research and writing leading to publication of a book on the study of coins (numismatics) that explains their relevance in history and everyday life.

Nearly every branch of the humanities may be illuminated by numismatics - the study of coins and related forms of money. Since the invention of the first coins, called croesids, in the late seventh century BCE, states have used these mobile disks of information technology as an official means of mass communication. Coins carried far and wide a durable record of what was happening, from wars and religious festivals to the latest achievements in art, architecture, and technology. Money is the maker and mirror of civilization. I seek to write a book that explains what coins tell us about ourselves and our society. This work will appeal to those interested in history, art, philosophy, religion, architecture, economics, and the extraordinary structures of everyday life.

Media Coverage

(Media Coverage)
Date: 7/23/2019
URL: http://www.uh.edu/

Associated Products

Coins, the Overlooked Keys to History (Article)
Title: Coins, the Overlooked Keys to History
Author: Casey Cep
Abstract: A delightful new book argues that numismatics—the study of coins—is the “beautiful science of civilizations.”
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://www.newyorker.com/books/under-review/coins-the-overlooked-keys-to-history
Publisher: The New Yorker

When Money Talks: A History of Coins and Numismatics (Book)
Title: When Money Talks: A History of Coins and Numismatics
Author: Frank Holt
Abstract: Coinage--it is one of the most successful and consistent technologies ever invented. Nothing else we still use in everyday life has a history quite like it. Look around at all the things that would bewilder a Greek, Roman, or Renaissance ancestor; then, dig into your purse or pocket for that one artifact that they would immediately recognize as part of their world. Historian Frank L. Holt takes us on a lively journey through the history of numismatics, the study of coins--one of the oldest and most important contributions to the arts and humanities. For 2600 years, poets, economists, philosophers, historians, and theologians have pondered the mysteries of money. Who invented coins, and why? Does coinage function beyond our control as if it had a mind of its own? How has it changed world history and culture? What does numismatics reveal about our past that could never be discovered from any other source? How has numismatics advanced using modern science? Does it still suffer from racist ideas about physiognomy and phrenology? What does its future hold? The approach taken in this richly illustrated book is as multi-faceted as coined money itself. Coins are integral to our economic, social, political, religious, and cultural history. When Money Talks: A History of Coins and Numismatics explores each aspect of coinage, and takes a special interest in how coins have appeared in literature and pop culture, ranging in its analysis from Greek drama and the New Testament to T.V. sitcoms and meme theory.
Year: 2021
Publisher: Oxford
Type: Single author monograph
ISBN: 9780197515659
Copy sent to NEH?: Yes

What the Badger Found (Article)
Title: What the Badger Found
Author: Michael Kulikowski
Abstract: Review of the book resulting from the grant.
Year: 2023
Primary URL: http://https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v45/n03/michael-kulikowski/what-the-badger-found
Periodical Title: London Review of Books
Publisher: London Review of Books

A Silver Thread Through History (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: A Silver Thread Through History
Writer: Frank Holt
Abstract: Vlog about the book resulting from the grant.
Year: 2022
Primary URL: http: blog.oup.com/2022/03/a-silver-thread-through-history/
Format: Video

The Page 99 Test (Blog Post)
Title: The Page 99 Test
Author: Frank Holt
Abstract: Discussion of the book resulting from the grant.
Date: 7/27/2021
Primary URL: https://page99test.blogspot.com/2021/07/frank-l-holts-when-money-talks.html

Historically Speaking Episode 217: When Money talks (Blog Post)
Title: Historically Speaking Episode 217: When Money talks
Author: Frank Holt
Abstract: Interview of author.
Date: 8/9/2021
Primary URL: https://historicallythinking.org/episode-217-when-money-talks/

Coin World Podcast: Messages Through Money (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Coin World Podcast: Messages Through Money
Writer: Frank Holt
Abstract: Interview of author.
Year: 2021
Primary URL: https://www.coinworld.com/news/us-coins/cwpod_ep123

Why Coins Continue to Stand the Test of Time (Radio/Audio Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Why Coins Continue to Stand the Test of Time
Writer: Frank Holt
Abstract: Interview of author on Radio New Zealand
Date: 8/29/2021
Primary URL: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/sunday/audio/2018810146/why-coins-will-continue-to-stand-the-test-of-time
Format: Radio
Format: Web

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