Further details of the sixteenth-century medallion currently featured in the Cathedral Coins exhibition at St John’s Cathedral, Brisbane are now available:
Medallion. Ferdinand I (1556–64), Germany, cast metal, undated but c 1560 CE. OBV: Nativity scene: Infant Jesus in manger, Mary with mandorla, Joseph and magi adoring the Christ Child, while shepherds approach from left, all within a grand basilica structure; ox looking on; below R.BVEND 1578 (engraver). REV: Christ holds cross and gestures to chalice with host at his feet (left) and serpent (right) whose head is being crushed by the cross; EGO SVM VIA ET VERITAS NEMO VENIT AD PATREM NISI PER ME (I am the way and the truth … no one comes to the Father but through me). Löbbecke III, 295.
The Cathedral Coins exhibition at St John’s Anglican Cathedral in Brisbane has over 100 coins on permanent display, as well as two spaces for special displays featuring selected items.
As we move into the Great Fifty Days of Easter, these featured displays have been updated with items that celebrate the resurrection of Christ.
The first is a silver medallion made in Germany in 1578. It is 57 mm in diameter. It shows Christ holding the Cross and gesturing towards the bread and wine at his feet. The Latin words mean “I am the way and the truth. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
The other item is a bronze icon made in Russia about 1800. Although only 10 cm square it shows in great detail Christ descended to the dead where he pulls saints out of the mouth of a monster (Jonah’s whale). The saints ascend to be with Christ in heaven.
The Cathedral Coins are on permanent display and admission is free whenever the Cathedral is open for visitors, including before and after services.
The Foundation has recently acquired a large bronze coin issued by the Roman emperor, Septimus Severus (193–211 CE). This has been added to the collection of Roman Coins from the Third Century.
You can view the record for this item in the Roman Coins Third Century collection of the Foundation’s online database.
The Anglican Focus magazine of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland has recently published an essay by CCCRH researcher, Dr Peter Lewis, on the commemoration of early British missionary activities on medallions and banknotes.
The Centre for Coins, Culture and Religious History has several curated sets of historical material that are available for loan to schools, churches and community groups.
Exhibition sets that are currently available include the following, and more sets will be created over time:
The coins of Ephesus
34 coins from the seventh century BCE to the third century CE. Each coin is attached to an A4 card. The city and its connection with St Paul are explained.
The coins of Tarsus
35 coins from the fifth century BCE to the third century CE. Each coin is attached to an A4 card by a ribbon. Tarsus was the home-town of St Paul.
A history of coins
There are 23 coins from the beginning of coinage in the 7thcentury BC to 2018. There are also some large Roman coins for the students to handle. Each coin is attached to an A4 card by a ribbon. Four of the coins are replicas.
Albert Schweitzer
Stamps, coins and medals illustrate the life of Albert Schweitzer, the famous medical missionary and Nobel Peace Prize recipient. The exhibits include letters hand-written by Schweitzer.
The Bible in English
Bible manuscripts and early printed Bibles tell the story of how the Bible came to be written in English. The exhibition includes a page from a first edition copy of Erasmus’ Greek New Testament
Books of Liturgy
Manuscripts and printed books are used to illustrate the history of liturgy and to explain what liturgy means. The emphasis is on what the major denominations have in common.
The Reformation
The display consists of 4 parts: 1. MSS before the printing press, including a papyrus fragment from the first century CE; 2. Devotional works (Books of Hours) and music texts; 3. Printed documents and other historical materials; 4. Coins, icons and other items.
For more information please visit the CCCRH website or contact Dr Lewis at pelew3@gmail.com
The aim of these travelling exhibitions is to stimulate interest in the history of Christianity.
Each exhibition consists of a number of items such as coins, Bible manuscripts and maps. A PowerPoint presentation explains each exhibition.
CCCRH researcher, Dr Peter Lewis, sets up the display in consultation with college staff. It can be supervised by RE teachers, chaplains and librarians, and suitable sites include the college library. Usually, an exhibition is at a college for a week. Dr Lewis can show the PowerPoint presentation to staff after setting up the display. He can also make prior visits.
Questionnaires for students to complete are available. Possible student projects include inviting each student to “adopt” an item. They would have to learn about it and explain it to other students or write a one-page essay. The prize could be an ancient coin.
Albert Schweitzer is not such a familiar name among younger people these days, but the students at Emmaus College at Jimboomba were enthralled by a recent CCCRH travelling exhibition that featured his amazing life and work.
Schweitzer was born on 14 January 1875 and died—more than 90 years later—on 4 September 1965). Coming from the French-German border areas, Schweitzer represented the best of the cultural currents of his day. He excelled as a theologian, organist, writer, humanitarian, philosopher, and physician. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952 and his contribution to biblical scholarship remain of interest to new generations of students, even if they no longer shape the field.
Books, medallions, coins and stamps were on display at Emma’s College for students and staff to experience first-hand. In addition, there was a letter and a signed postcard written by the man himself. The visiting collection had a big impact on many in the school community.
Assistant Principal Religious Education Tony Bourke noted, “it was a privilege to be able to share the Schweitzer story with our students”.
There was an overwhelmingly positive response with over 500 students viewing the display. Students volunteered feeling in awe of being so close to such a display of historical artefacts, and even being allowed to pick them up.
I loved the coin and the stamps!
Jack M 7FLEA
The display was really good. The medals and the stamps are really amazing. Talia A 7FLEA
I can’t believe we have a display like this in our school.
Harrison D 9COAR
Students understood the huge privilege they had been granted and were justifiably impressed; many noting that they couldn’t believe that someone had shared their treasures so generously.
The Schweitzer Exhibition is now available for loan to other schools and churches wishing to host the material for a week or two at a time.
Enquiries to the Executive Director, Dr Gregory C. Jenks: 0426067344
