Servia, 20 Paras, from the series Coins of All Nations (N72, variation 2) for Duke brand cigarettes 1889

This lithograph from around 1888 by W. Duke, Sons & Co. depicts a bagpiper alongside a coin from Servia, a land of ancient crossroads. Notice the bagpipes, a symbol deeply entwined with identity. While often linked to Scotland, instruments of this kind echo through diverse cultures and faraway lands. The pipes, and the music they create, represent communal identity, expression, and shared history. The sounds evoke primal emotions and cultural memories. Consider, too, how music in general is a powerful force, engaging listeners on a subconscious level, stirring feelings of belonging, and uniting communities in celebration. This card speaks to how symbols evolve, migrate, and are adapted, acquiring new layers of meaning, with each iteration resonating with our collective past.