Tag: copper

Leopold II: a currency for the Congo Free State?

At the end of the 19th century, the Congo, with its territory 80 times bigger than Belgium, became the personal property of King Leopold II of Belgium. After the 1885 Berlin Conference, Leopold II was internationally recognised as the sovereign of the Congo Free State. In other words, he became the absolute sovereign ruler of the free State, with sovereignty being fully incarnated in the king’s persona.

Monday April 4th, 2011 – 09:22 AM | Posted in Object of the month | Also tagged , , | Comments Off

From the aes rude to the aes grave

During the first millennium BC, the Italian peninsula played a key role in Mediterranean history. As early as the 8th century BC, Etruscan cities sprang up as major commercial powers which were for a long time able to trade on a level footing with the Carthaginians and the Greeks. It is nevertheless surprising to note that, despite their respective importance, the Etruscans and the Romans did not mint their own coins until later.

Tuesday March 1st, 2011 – 11:56 AM | Posted in Object of the month | Also tagged , , | Comments (1)

Katanga Crosses

In June 2010 the Democratic Republic of Congo celebrated the 50th anniversary of its independence, giving us a good opportunity to bring up a very unusual object hailing from one of the country’s southern provinces, Katanga. It is the copper cross.

Thursday July 1st, 2010 – 08:41 AM | Posted in Object of the month | Also tagged , | Comments (1)