Cash is king is a common phrase. But is it true? Who or better what rules when cash is king? Philosopher Andreas Sommer answers this question.

During the 7th century AD the Japanese government started to issue Chinese-style bronze coins. This text summarizes the history of these coins.

What does the pilgrimage to St. James mean to Spain? And what role did the Way of St. James played for European Christians of medieval times? Here you get the backdrop of the design of the Spanish 1, 2 and 5 cent coins.

It was a long way until the old deities were finally replaced by Christian Trinity in the Roman Empire. The images on coins testify to this change of religion being a difficult one.

Isis, Osiris, Mithras and Cybele – they all were venerated in a way that bears strong resemblance to Christianity. What was the difference of these cults from the traditional kinds of religion in the ancient world?

Bertha von Suttner was at the forefront of a peace movement that considered in the early 20thcentury that all future wars could be prevented. Thus, she is a worthy protagonist for the Austrian euro coins.

The euro coins are a splendid means for all countries in the eurozone to convey their own self-conception, addressing their own citizens who use the small change on a daily basis, addressing all European citizens to whom the coins find their way… So, how do the individual countries represent themselves? What do they deem important enough to be praised on their coins and for what reason? What do the different designs of the euro coins mean in the state where they have been minted? And why did they find their way into the national coinage?

The magical belief of a people of plain peasants constitutes the cornerstone of Roman religion. As the Roman Empire expanded, so did the Roman pantheon as we can deduce from the designs of the Roman coins.

Who believes the Greek gods to be peculiar characters suited to act in comedies à la Orpheus in the Underworld is wrong. They mirror fundamental human experience as the images on coin testify.

What is meant, when we make use of the term ‘luxury’? Is there legitimate and required luxury and at what point does luxury start to be illegitimate? Philosopher Andreas Sommer reflects on this very special word.