In a fascinating article titled "The Evolution of Coin Design: Tracing History from Ancient to Modern Times", coins are elevated from being mere currency to being conversations that weave together "our past, present and dreams for tomorrow". Taking the thread of that word "weave" and running with it, this article will explore the intersection of coins, fashion and technology.
Endubis was the first known king of Aksum to mint coins. His coins feature him wearing a regnal headcloth/helmet and many jewels. "The headcloth had some image perhaps representing pleats, rays, or sunburst in the front, as well as the tied end of a cloth or fillet to hold the helmet or headcloth in place." Another Aksum king, Aphilas, added a high crown on top of the headcloth. "The crown featured colonnades of arches supporting high spikes, on top of which rested large discs of unidentified composition." The coins of Aphilas also had additions such as "tassels with fringes to the imperial robe...amulets and bracelets."
The silver tetradrachms of Alexander the Great showed him as Hercules draped in a lion skin. While impressive, this would not pass the current sustainable fashion tests, since in the 21st century, use of animal skins is generally frowned upon and fur-free fashion brands are celebrated. Some of these brands include Giorgio Armani, Prada, Donna Karan's DKNY, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, Versace, Gucci and Calvin Klein. Sustainability is definitely fashionable as evidenced by The Sustainable Angle's Future Fabrics Expo, which has become "the largest dedicated showcase of innovative and sustainable material solutions for the fashion industry, with over 5800 materials exhibited to professionals around the world every year."
Speaking of the future and sustainability, the evolution of coin design article notes that due to technological advancements, "the boundaries of what a coin can be are being redefined." We are prompted to imagine "coins embedded with microchips, capable of storing digital data or even interacting with smartphones" and also "designs that shift and shimmer like a hologram under sunlight, telling a story as dynamic as the age we live in." With augmented reality, one will be able to scan coins to reveal a wide variety of information, including historical facts. In terms of sustainability, coins will be made from recycled metals or biodegradable substances.
I wonder, will future fabrics be part of finance? In the past, one common currency in Africa was woven goods such as the cotton woven strip roll and the raffia mat or bundles. "Strip cloth known among Nigerians as gabanga was often plain and undyed...Variations in width and the quality of the weave gave the parties of the transaction a means to negotiate value." There was no regulation of cloth production so the circulation of this unique currency was limited by the effort of production, the cost and the demand.
In East Africa, the leso evolved into a symbol of wealth and empowerment. Women were advised to invest in lesos upon marriage "as a form of insurance in case of a failed marriage." They could trade their lesos for goods or money, thereby giving them a sense of financial security.
One brand's augmented reality feature "allows collectors to take their digital assets beyond the app and into the real world" for example, if you would like to "showcase a digital artwork on your wall..." An important part of the leso is the proverb or saying on it, which could be likened to the inscriptions on coins. Could technology, including augmented reality, be used to transform lesos and their sayings into collectible items?
