THE COIN COLLECTOR - World eBook Library

INTRODUCTORY
sake of collateral illustration and comparative study,
since regions geographically far distant from each other
are often found to present striking points of agreement
in their monetary laws and patterns from a variety
of agencies ; and many, again, like to have the means
ready to hand of ascertaining what is outside as well as
within their own frontiers.
It may not be superfluous to reiterate the observa-
tion, trite as it may be, that in the present class of
monument—nay, in it alone not seldom—we seek and
find many of the most precious truths pertaining to the
history and fortunes of the human race in all parts of
the globe from the sixth century before the Christian
era. The magnificent Greek series, so ably edited by
Dr. Head, is itself of incalculable value, not only in
illustrating customs, arts, and opinions, but in deter-
mining the names and situations of places no longer
known, and the titles and chronology of dynasts of
whom we meet with no other trace. The Roman
coinage, inferior in execution, variety, and antiquity,
remains an imperishable and unique record of that ex-
traordinary people in their rise, greatness, and decline,
and reflects all the stages of national progress and
decay during eight centuries of fluctuating political
life and activity.
The currencies of the European Continent, and in-
deed that of England, take up the thread where the
Romans, as it were, let it fall ; and setting aside the
money struck since the close of the old regime in 1789,
we find ourselves the inheritors of a stupendous accu-
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