Why Would A Coat Of Arms Symbol Appear On A Coin?

In fact, the whole idea may seem odd and antique – so really, what could a coat of arms symbol mean?

If “arms” makes you think of armament or armor, you’re on the right track.

When knights suited up in their combat gear – their suits of armor – there was little to distinguish friend from foe.

The coat of arms was a fabric tunic worn over the metal armor. The cloth bore symbols of the noble or king to whom the knight owed allegiance. Coats of arms, or “arms,” became associated with those who wore them.

As nations grew from kingdoms, the king’s arms became emblematic of the nation and its people.

Pursuing the meaning of coats of arms introduces the concept of heraldry. Heraldry, a system of symbols, colors and terminology, pertains not only to the coins of Europe, but also the Americas, and other countries formerly colonial possessions.

The coins at the top of this page bear elements of national coats of arms. Four nations are sampled: Great Britain, Spain, France, and the United States. But almost every nation's coinage bears some symbolic content related to the experience of its people.

Among the images in use are those of flora and fauna, along with icons of political, religious and historical significance.

To really make your coins come alive, look into the meaning of each element of its design. The following pages should get you started:


Fleur-De-Lis -- shared by France, England, and Spain

British Lion -- He first roared in French!