INTERNATIONAL NUMISMATIC

SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO

CSNA 1268 - NASC 3026                                                                                      ANA C-71399 Year LXIV No. 7

Fourth Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Allied Gardens Rec Center, 5155 Greenbrier Ave., San Diego

5:15 p.m., Doors Open at About 4:45 p.m.

Topic This Month:

SOUTHERN EUROPE

Jeff DePry – Roman Emperors, Families and Usurpers That Have

Portrait Coins – Part 2

Southern Europe offers an unusually deep and diverse numismatic heritage, shaped by ancient civilizations, powerful kingdoms, and centuries of Mediterranean trade.   Greek and Roman issues anchor the region’s early history, while the medieval and Renaissance mints of Italy, Spain, and Portugal introduce striking artistry and evolving monetary systems. By the age of exploration, Southern European coinage -- especially the Spanish real -- had become truly global, circulating across the Americas, Asia, and Africa.  Modern coins and commemoratives from the region continue to reflect cultural pride, historical memory, and regional identity.  At our upcoming meeting, members are encouraged to bring coins, tokens, or  medals from any Southern European country and share the stories they reveal.  As always, please feel free to bring any material for our show-and-tell -- even if unrelated to our topic.   This promises to be an interesting and informative evening.  Bring a friend.

2026 INSSD Meeting Topics

August – World War II

September – TBA

October – MiniBourse

JULY 2026 QUIZ by Bob Fritsch

Nice lazy days of summer although the temperature is a bit hot – high 80s to high 90s.  That’s what air conditioning is for!

Southern Europe is our theme this month.  Listed are circulating commemorative coins I placed in my collection while floating around the Med in the Navy in the 70s and 80s.  Identify the subject.

1. Italy, 100 Lire, 1974, famous inventor.

2. France, 1983, 10 France, lighter-than-air.

3. Turkey, 5 Kurus, 1975, F.A.O. which stands for what?

4. Spain, 1982, all denominations, sporting event.

JUNE 2026 QUIZ

1. Which country issued the first coins bearing the portrait of Simón Bolívar, honoring his role in Latin American independence?

2. The 1960 “Independence” 1 Pound coin featuring a dove and olive branch commemorates the independence of which Middle Eastern nation?

3. The 1977 silver 10 Balboas of Panama depicts which U.S. president who helped negotiate the Panama Canal treaties, seen as part of Panama’s modern nation-building?

4. The 1957 1 Rupee of India shows the Ashoka Lion Capital. This emblem was adopted shortly after independence from which colonial power?

5. Ghana’s first coins issued in 1958 feature a star symbol. What does the star represent in the context of Ghana’s independence?

6. The 1991 Ukrainian “Independence” commemorative coin features the national trident. What is the name of this historic symbol?

7. The 1966 Botswana Independence medal features which animal, also found on the nation’s coat of arms?

8. The 1975 Portuguese “25 de Abril” coin commemorates the Carnation Revolution, which ended decades of authoritarian rule. What year did Portugal grant independence to most of its African colonies?

                           

JUNE ANSWERS

JUNE ANSWERS

1. Bolivia (1827) then Venezuela (1879)

2. Cyprus

3. Jimmy Carter

4. The United Kingdom

5. The Black Star of African freedom / national unity

6. The Tryzub (Trident)

7. The Zebra

8. 1975