The world seems so "small" and interconnected now, but it's funny to think about how, in the 19th century, you had such different things going on in different parts of the world that influenced why some countries did or didn't get involved in other world events. Reading this makes me think of a YouTube Video I saw a while back that ran through the real, more practical, reasons why most of the European powers ultimately chose not to become involved in the US Civil War in the 1860s. Stuff like this makes me wish that we (I) got more World History in school and less US History and Texas History.

Congratulations on finding an example, Italian coins, over many periods, seem to very difficult if you are trying to complete a date set and top quality examples of anything are scare with prices to match!

Thanks for sharing, Jack. The 1860s were certainly an interesting period in history. Congratulations on your newest acquisition! 

Thank you all for your comments

One of the great things that I love about coins is the history you learn when you take the time to research the places and times.  In this case, I came across a nice article at the US State Department website on Italian reunification.  One paragraph was very enlightening in describing the political and social aftereffects of the conquests across Europe of Napoleon I.

"The period of French invasion and occupation was important in many ways. It introduced revolutionary ideas about government and society, resulting in an overthrow of the old established ruling orders and the destruction of the last vestiges of feudalism. The ideals of freedom and equality were very influential. Also of consequence, the concept of nationalism was introduced, thus sowing the seeds of Italian nationalism throughout most parts of the northern and central Italian peninsula. "

Hi Jack!!

Another great entry.......and a great coin, as well!!! The 1860's certainly were an interesting and dynamic time in world history.....so much was changing so rapidly!!! It was probably quite an experience to live in those times.  I think about where my ancestors were then and most of them were in political entities that no longer exist.  Many of my paternal ancestors were in Bosnia, which was part of the Ottoman Empire in 1860.  My mom's people were still in eastern Prussia then.  Some of my paternal ancestors were also Welsh, and they were all still there, too.  But that one still exists.  And nationalism certainly impacted those ancestors of mine......11 years from the date of your coin, Germany unified, making my ancestors "Germans" in national identity and in ethnicity.  18 years from that date, the Ottoman Empire lost Bosnia to Austria-Hungary, so my ancestors there actually left to territories still held by the Ottomans to the south.  It's interesting to think about.

On 11/24/2021 at 1:40 PM, jgenn said:

 

One of the great things that I love about coins is the history you learn when you take the time to research the places and times.

I couldn't agree more!  I enjoy the quality and designs of the pieces I collect, but it is more often the social and historical factors surrounding their existence that hold my attention. My obsession with the Soho Mint started when I looked into the circumstances giving rise to Matthew Boulton's involvement in solving the small change crisis that plagued England for centuries. I have since abandoned all other projects and now solely focus on this niche area. Perhaps the best part of it all is that there is always something new to learn!