Coins have long served as more than just a means of currency; they are often used to convey messages, commemorate events, and honor individuals. Some coins even hide secret messages within their designs, adding an extra layer of intrigue for collectors and enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll explore eight coins with hidden messages and delve into their meanings.
1. The Sacagawea Dollar
Secret Message: Braille Inscription The Sacagawea Dollar, introduced in 2000, features a unique design element—a series of raised dots on the edge of the coin, spelling out “E Pluribus Unum” in Braille. This covert inscription pays homage to the coin’s theme of unity and diversity, translating to “Out of Many, One.”
2. The British 2019 Brexit 50p Coin
Secret Message: Hidden Morse Code In 2019, the United Kingdom issued a commemorative 50p coin to mark its departure from the European Union, commonly referred to as Brexit. Hidden within the coin’s design is a sequence of dots and dashes, forming the Morse code message “Peace, Prosperity, and Friendship with all Nations.”
3. The Canadian 2019 D-Day Commemorative Coin
Secret Message: Morse Code Tribute To commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day, Canada issued a special 2019 commemorative coin featuring a covert tribute to the Allied invasion of Normandy. Embedded within the coin’s design is a sequence of Morse code, spelling out the message “D-Day” in dots and dashes.
4. The 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin
Secret Message: Binary Code In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, the United States Mint issued a series of commemorative coins in 2019. Among them was a curved silver coin featuring a hidden message in binary code, marking the historic milestone and its anniversary.
5. The 1944 Belgian 2 Francs Coin
Secret Message: Morse Code Resistance During World War II, the Belgian underground resistance movement used covert means to communicate messages of hope and defiance. The 1944 Belgian 2 Francs coin features a clandestine Morse code message hidden within its design, translating to “God Protect Belgium.”
6. The Dutch 2011 5 Euro Coin
Secret Message: QR Code In 2011, the Netherlands issued a commemorative 5 Euro coin featuring a modern twist—a hidden QR code. When scanned with a smartphone or QR code reader, the QR code reveals a message related to the theme of the coin, adding an interactive element to the numismatic experience.
7. The Greek 2002 10 Euro Coin
Secret Message: Ancient Greek Inscription The Greek 2002 10 Euro coin, part of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games series, features a hidden inscription in ancient Greek. The inscription, which translates to “ΕΥΦΡΟΣΥΝΗ” (“Euphrosyne” or “Happiness”), reflects the spirit of the Olympic Games and the pursuit of excellence.
8. The Australian 2012 $2 Coin
Secret Message: Microscopic Text The Australian 2012 $2 coin, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, features a hidden message in microscopic text. Viewed under magnification, the tiny text reveals the names of 2,000 Australian soldiers who served in the war, paying tribute to their sacrifice and service.
Conclusion
These eight coins with secret messages demonstrate the creativity and ingenuity of coin designers in conveying meaningful messages within the confines of a small canvas. Whether through Braille inscriptions, Morse code tributes, or modern QR codes, these hidden messages add an extra layer of significance to these already cherished coins. As collectors and enthusiasts uncover these covert messages, they gain a deeper appreciation for the stories and symbolism behind each coin, connecting them to the rich tapestry of history and culture.