One of the most famous depictions of a comet on coins goes back to ancient Rome, when Augustus Caesar issued a denarius with a comet on the reverse, along with the inscription, DIVVS IVLIVS.
A comet that portended hope. At least for people in the Netherland.
In the year 1618 at least three comets frightened the people. That was also when the 30 years war began.
The comet that was observed by skilled observers, astronomers for first time in history. Newton's cometary theory is based on it. Also it was the first that was discovered telescopically by Gottfried Kirch.
The Great Comet of 1744, whose official designation is C/1743 X1, and which is also known as Comet de Chéseaux or Comet Klinkenberg-Chéseaux, was a spectacular comet that was observed during 1743 and 1744. It was discovered independently in late November 1743 by Jan de Munck, in the second week of December by Dirk Klinkenberg, and, four days later, by Jean-Philippe de Chéseaux. It became visible with the naked eye for several months in 1744 and displayed dramatic and unusual effects in the sky. Its absolute magnitude — or intrinsic brightness — of 0.5 was the sixth highest in recorded history. Its apparent magnitude may have reached as high as -7, leading it to be classified among what are called the "Great Comets". This comet is noted especially for developing a 'fan' of six tails after reaching its perihelion.
The Great Comet of 1811, formally designated C/1811 F1, is a comet that was visible to the naked eye for around 260 days, a record it held until the appearance of Comet Hale-Bopp in 1997. There were no medal made at the time, that is no wonder because Europe burned in the Napoleonic War. And when the war was over in 1814, the memory of the comet has not yet faded away.
In 1815 at its discovery, Olbers' comet was not too bright, just about 5 magnitude. If was visible for the naked eye at all, then only as a small star it twinkled in the sky. It owes its discoverer, that it can be found on coin.
According to this modern medal the comet that appeared in March 1843 caused many to belive end of the world has come. Reading newspapers of the time shows another side of the story.
In 1890 there was no naked eye comet visible on the sky. Why did Mr. Cubash choose a comet as a design to the medal that celebrated the birth of his twins?
Probably the best-known comet is Halley. A number of its return has already been observed throughout history. Some researchers have suggested that on one coin of Tigranes Armenian king can also be seen, but only at its 1910 return it appeared on a commemorative medal for the first time.
The arrival of the comet Kohoutek generated increased expectations. The media quickly proclaimed it to the comet of the century. The exaggerated expectations did not materialize, however, the attraction fell away. Despite this, many medallion were made.
The most medals depicting comet were issued by the 1986 return of Halley's Comet. Below some of them will be shown, without effort to attain any completeness.
The most medals depicting comet were issued by the 1986 return of Halley's Comet. Medal that were issued in the United States were listed in a separate article. He a selection comes from the rest of the world.
It was the brightest and most observed comet of the 20th century. It was visible to the naked eye for a record 18 months, twice as long as the previous record holder, the Great Comet of 1811.
