Unite coin of Charles I 1642

This gold unite coin of Charles I was crafted by Nicholas Briot in the 17th century. The symbols on it, a crowned king with scepter and orb, are more than mere representations of royal power; they are a conscious revival of ancient Roman imperial iconography. Consider the orb, topped with a cross, a universal symbol of dominion since the Roman emperors. We can trace its evolution through Byzantine art, where emperors like Justinian were depicted holding the orb as a sign of divine right. Here, it reappears in Briot's coin, reflecting a yearning to connect Charles I's reign with the unbroken chain of historical power and legitimacy. The image serves as a potent emotional symbol of the king's absolute power, a concept that triggered intense psychological reactions, ultimately contributing to his downfall. This coin is a small object, but it is a tangible link in the long chain of cultural memory. Its symbols, constantly reshaped by history, reveal how the past continues to influence the present.