The church season of Advent runs from Sunday 1st December to Tuesday 24 December 2024. Advent calendars began in Europe in the Nineteenth Centuries as a way of counting the days to Christmas. Each day would feature a picture or verse about the story. This is my suggested Advent Coin Calendar to prepare for the holiday.

1. Angels

Angels appear in the story to announce the news of the coming birth of Jesus.

The angel was an English gold coin introduced by Edward IV in 1465. The name derived from its representation of the archangel Michael slaying a dragon. Reverse: Depicts a ship with arms and rays of sun at the masthead. Legend: PER CRUCEM TUAM SALVA NOS CHRISTE REDEMPTOR, meaning "By Thy cross save us, Christ Redeemer."

2. The Star

The Wise Men were led to the stable by a star. Comets and heavenly bodies often appear on ancient coins.

Julius Caesar, Julius Caesar, Denarius, P. Sepullius Macer, c. 44, wreathed bust of Cæsar right, star behind, rev. Venus standing, holding Victory and sceptre, 3.71g/6h (Craw. 480/5b; RSC 41). Very fine

3. Chocolate coins

Christmas is a time for presents of course. Chocolate coins are traditionally given to children as both a Christian and secular tradition at Christmas time and Saint Nicholas Day and in Jewish tradition during Hanukkah.

In 2011 the British Daily Mail newspaper reported that shops were stopping selling Euro chocolate coins and were going back to sterling (pound) chocolate coins. Even German-owned chain Lidl switched from a chocolate version of the euro to British pounds and pence.

Numismatists are encouraged to enjoy chocolate coins as part of their research.

4. Bethlehem

The Baby Jesus was predicted to be born in Bethlehem.

This is a transport token from Bethlehem, but not the town in the Middle East but the one in Pennsylvania. I do not know the date. It must have been a promotion to encourage shopping.

5. Chocolate

Some of us have too much of this at the festive period. This piece promotes the Gold Coast in West Africa.

Drink More Cocoa 1924-1925 Advertising token for Gold Coast at The British Empire Exhibition 1924 - Aluminium

6. Christmas Tree on a coin from Latvia

Latvia 2009 1 Lats coin with decorated Christmas Tree Christmas trees became popular in the UK in the Nineteenth Century when households copied Prince Albert who decorated a tree for the royal family. Latvia has produced a marvellous series of coins featuring Christmas themes.