Mathematical formulae on coins, parts I and II

TL;DR

This paper explores the presence and significance of mathematical formulae on coins, analyzing examples from simple to complex expressions to understand their relationship with mathematical sciences and numismatics.

Contribution

It provides a survey of coins featuring mathematical formulae, highlighting the connection between mathematical expressions and numismatic art and symbolism.

Findings

Examples range from universal formulas to specialized symbolic expressions.

Mathematical formulae on coins reflect scientific and cultural values.

The study enhances understanding of the intersection between mathematics and numismatics.

Abstract

In the article "The Tale of Two Queens and Two Towering Figures" published in CNJ in 2012 (CNJ vol. 57 No. 5, pp. 304-315), we discussed the contributions of Copernicus and Newton to coin minting and monetary reforms, as well as the commemoration of their achievements on contemporary coins. In the current article we will examine more explicit aspects of the relationship between mathematical sciences and numismatics, namely the presence of mathematical formulae on coins. We will survey examples of coins depicting mathematical formulae, ranging from some universally recognizable ones to more advanced symbolic expressions which are known only to specialists.