Until the American Revolution coins from around the world usually bore the emblems, signets & likenesses of the Royal, Imperial or Caliphal Houses that predominated in the world. In 1776 the American Continental Congress authorized the issuance of the first coinage of the revolutionary body. Designers, Benjamin Franklin, David Rittenhouse, and possibly Francis Hopkinson, as well as engraver, Elisha Gallaudet chose symbols quite different from the arbitrary and  tyrannical powers that had preceded them. Instead they chose devices such as Gallaudet had employed on the first fractional continental notes (the sundial, linked circle of chain and the rising sun) which symbolized frugality, unity and the dawn of a new era. The Great Seal of the United States also still bears the original symbols of the Rising Sun surrounded by the linked circle of chain.

       The Sun, in particular, can be seen as the first symbol of liberty employed on coins. This same motif can be found incorporated into the coats of arms of many of the Latin American states that subsequently secured their independence. Prime examples are Cuba, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Uruguay, El Salvador and interestingly, The Bahamas.

       In 1785 Engraver, George Wyon III struck a series of patterns which incorporated an allegorical female figure in obvious answer to that of England's Britannia. She bore, not a trident, but the Phrygian (Liberty) cap & rod associated with freed slaves of ancient Rome. The Liberty Cap and Liberty Pole were quintessential symbols of the American Revolution and persisted as symbols on the coinage of the young United States. These devices also were employed in popular movements to follow, most notably the French Revolution, but also throughout Latin America. The most notable examples of this motif employed on national currencies are early U.S. coins, coins of France, Argentina, Mexico, El Salvador, Bolivia, Haiti, Cuba and Columbia.

       The figure of Lady Liberty evolved over the years from the earlier retort to Britannia into a symbol of Liberty in herself. On United States coinage this in made clear as Lady Liberty has been depicted in numerous postures and profiles - from the Seated Liberty and the Liberty Bust, to the Standing Liberty and Walking Liberty - and with a number of difference devices in attendance. Of course The Statue of Liberty has become the epitome in American eyes of who Lady Liberty is, but this allegorical figure of freedom walks, sits and stands on the coins and banknotes of many countries from around the world and throughout the last 225 years.

Dan, Liz, Terry, Clark, Bob, & Kristy Anne