In the dawn of Christianity, the most important holidays were Easter and Epiphany. Christmas wasn’t really celebrated until AD 336, during the reign of the Roman Emperor Constantine. As to why it is observed on the 25th of December, some would say that it coincides with the winter solstice. The date also falls on the date that coincides with the ancient pagan Saturnalia festival that worshipped the Roman god of agriculture, Saturn. Read along to learn about Christmas themed banknotes and coins.
The Father of Christmas
Though there’s no specific person who is credited with inventing Christmas, the first to come to mind for most of us might be that white-bearded stout man in a red robe, carrying a sack full of toys and sweet treats. But is it really St. Nicholas the real Father of Christmas? Read on.
This coin album comes with a Roman coin showing Emperor Aurelian wearing a spiked “radiate” crown. He was assumed to be the real father of Christmas. The devoted pagan emperor owed his success to Invictus Sol, the God of the Unconquered Sun. He made honoring the Sun God the empire’s religion, also choosing December 25 as its feast.
Afraid of Aurelian’s rage, Christians would come together to worship their own God, Jesus Christ, and make it appear they were worshipping the pagan god. Therefore, the early “Christ’s Mass” happened on December 25.
Christmas Themed Banknotes and Coins
These 50 pfennig notgelds banknotes issued by the District of Kahla in 1921 show scenes in the Nativity of Jesus on their reverse design. The obverse of these emergency christmas themed banknotes shows the denomination.
This Journey of the Magi album contains an Indo-Scythian bronze tetradrachm coin of Azes II. It features Azes II on his horse on one side and also a deity on the flip side. Coins of this kind were used to fund the journey of wise men, Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar to Bethlehem to honor the newly born baby Jesus.
