I love putting out these mystery items. I always learn so much from all of you. These coins/pendants were found by a friend at a garage sale. The round item looks like a chinese coin but we're not sure about the oddly shaped item. Looks like a pendant to me but I have no idea about the significance of the symbols. Anybody have any ideas???? Do tell...
UPDATE ON MYSTERY COINS:
Eva posted lots of good info on Facebook about these coins and I have done a bit further research. It is all in the comments below. They are called 'spade coins' and there's lots of info about them here.
And a little while ago, I was the winner, on
Morna's blog, of this lovely heart pin. Thank you Morna. Can't wait to wear it.
11 comments:
Well I don't have any idea, but it will be interesting! Maybe rune symbols? Lovely little pin from Morna.
well, I think you might be right, Peggy. I looked up 'rune symbols' and found quite a few that are on the pendant. we'll see if someone else can shed more light on this. I'm wondering if the combination of symbols has a special meaning. I think you've started the ball rolling, as they say. thanks.
I'm absolutely at sea on this one - I'll check back in a day or so to see whether you've found out!
it so happens I have a book on signs: The Book of Signs, by R.Koch (Dover publ. isbn 0-486-20162-7)
Bearing in mind the context here is unknown to me, I cannot claim the possible explanations are relevant; however here goes.
The signs on one back-side of the oddly shaped item could mean, quote: 'the vertical stroke represents the one-ness of God(...)it also symbolizes power descending upon humankind from above, or in the opposite direction, the yearning of mankind towards higher things.'
There is a rune that looks like this, meaning Ice, or the letter i.
the X shape-with-bars could mean, quote 'Both figures now start moving towards one another, and as they touch each other with their apexes they form another figure, entirely new in appearance, without however, either of the original figures being damaged or interfered with in any way.'
and there is another possible meaning, (context!) quote 'Saracen talisman, when two triangles are joined in this way, the upper half of the sign becomes the water triangle of kindness, gentleness and nobility, whilst the lower triangle is the triangle of fire, of the fiery rage of God.'
Turned 180 degrees it could mean Day in rune, or the letter d.
There is also, I think, a Latin cross, quote '...the most exalted emblem of the Christian faith, the sign of all signs. By far the greater number of signs in the Western world are based on part of)the shape of the cross, whether they be imperial monograms, masonic signs, family signs, chemical symbols, or trademarks.'
On the front side:
the X with the stroke through it could mean, quote 'the intersection is complete, and results in a six-pointed star. The two figures (..) are completely absorbed by the new figure which radiates strength on all side from a central point and which, though motionless itself, generates motion all around it.'
or it could refer to Christ, quote 'Chrismon composed of an I and a Greek X.'
or it's an astrological sign, meaning, quote 'Sextile, or 60 degrees'
I'm afraid I have no idea what the other symbols mean, and am not sure this has made matters any clearer.
saskia, you are a wealth of information. this is great. thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I will forward this info to my friend.
I think Eva Nerling has hit the nail on the head with this info that she posted on facebook:
http://behropet.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/dsc00494.jpg
"These are the shapes of ancient coins, too. They symbolize the shape of a human. They should be replicas, I guess!" "They are called 'spade coins'.
Lots of good pics and explanations at this site...scroll down a bit at this link:
http://www.calgarycoin.com/reference/china/china1.htm
thank you Eva.
Really interesting 'coins' and beautiful pin from Morna :)
Well, I'm not so sure about what I wrote in my comment saying it had a human shape; I deleted that later. Maybe it was my idea! Google taught me about spade money. The signs are probably the ancient form of chinese signs; I rather think that these coins are modern replicas.
fascinating! I have learnt something else so thank you!
fascinating Deanna....so many knowledgeable people out there too!
The round one looks like a Japanese 5 yen piece. Coins with holes in the centre are supposed to be lucky. I have three that I use for throwing the I Ching.
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