All’s Fair in Love and Coins

From candy hearts to Cupid’s bow, February 14th has made a name for itself. While Valentine’s Day can trace its roots back to the festival of Lupercalia in Ancient Rome, today’s celebration is a little more tame with gifts of jewelry, chocolate or flowers. But it isn’t just sweet treats and cards that you can use to tell someone how much you love them.

In fact, there are plenty of romantic coins to choose from! Whether you’re looking for a tale that transcends time, sweet couples from the animal kingdom or a presidential romance, there’s plenty of love to go around.

To quote acclaimed poet Maya Angelou, “In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.”

A Tale as Old as Time

In A.D. 522, a chance meeting would lead to decades of reform within the Byzantine Empire.  Today, more than a millennium later, the story of Emperor Justinian I and Empress Theodora has stood the test of time. The son of a farmer and the nephew of Emperor Justin I, Justinian would move mountains for his true love.

As a girl, Theodora worked as an actress (a profession considered to be shameful) to help support her family after her father’s death. However, it was while working as a wool spinner, that she would meet the heir to the empire. 

For the young couple, it was love at first sight. Enamored with Theodora, Justinian wanted nothing more than to marry her. But an obstacle stood in the way: Theodora’s previous occupation. As a former actress, the law forbade her from being able to marry anyone, let alone Emperor Justin’s heir. Yet Justinian was determined to wed Theodora only.

He appealed to his uncle to change the law. Whether the emperor was so touched by his nephew’s love for the young woman or simply amused by the request, that has been lost to time. Nevertheless, Emperor Justin agreed and the law was changed.

After the emperor’s death several years later, Justinian and Theodora inherited the throne. The two lovebirds ruled together for decades as equals. Together they were able to stabilize rebellions and create the Justinian Code. Inspired by the love he had for his wife, Emperor Justinian’s Code ensured that widows could retain their dowries, daughters could inherit equal, the same as their brothers, and actresses were not chained to their professions.

After Empress Theodora’s death in A.D. 548, Justinian erected a monastery in her memory. Heartbroken by the profound loss of his wife, he would spend the rest of his life visiting her tomb to light candles for the only woman he ever loved.  

Finding Your Significant Otter

It’s not just humans that are on the search for their other half. Thanks to the Internet, you’ve probably seen pictures of a kitten being cuddled by a gorilla or a cheetah basking in the sun with a dog. When it comes to love, scientists believe that anywhere from 3-5% percent of all mammals (that’s roughly 270 species!) and 90% of birds mate for life.

With their sweet faces and (seemingly) boundless energy, sea otters have been known to settle down. These ocean loving creatures are often found holding hands to keep from drifting apart. Sea otters will playfully romp in the surf and whistle while they work to find a mate. After all, finding your significant otter should be fun!   

Performing dazzling aerial feats in Brazil’s northeast forest are Lear’s Macaws. Known for their vibrant blue plumage, these social birds form tight bonds. And when looking for the perfect mate, these birds know what they want! A macaw’s criteria includes looking for attractive coloring, the ability to boogie and (most importantly) enjoying spending time together.  

Although the Arctic wolf may look cuddly, they’re decidedly not – at least with humans. These wolves are known to be playful and affectionate with their mate though. Around the time they turn two, the pup will leave its family unit to begin their own pack. After choosing their partner, these animals remain monogamous and can even hear each other howl from six miles away!   

Even in the animal kingdom, it’s important to find the one who is purr-fect for you!  

I Love You the Goodest

A love story that has spanned a lifetime, these romantic coins celebrate an inspiring couple, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. And it all began just 24 hours after Rosalynn’s birth.

Growing up in a small town, options for friends was limited. Rosalynn quickly became pals with Ruth Carter – Jimmy’s younger sister – and was often found around the Carter household. But it wouldn’t be until Jimmy (now 20 years old) came home from school in the summer of 1945, that the two would have their first date.

While head over heels in love, Rosalynn was determined to finish her schooling before settling down. In fact, Jimmy would propose not once but twice before she accepted. The future president even coined the acronym “ILYTG” or “I love you the goodest” for his soon-to-be bride. On July 7, 1946, the pair married and began a lifelong love affair.

Standing by her husband’s side, Rosalynn would support him throughout his time in office. President Carter began his political career in Georgia’s senate before serving as the state’s governor and then the 39th President of the United States. Working as a team, the two set out to help the nation by creating nearly 8 million jobs and reforming social services.

When the Carter’s left the White House in 1981, their work wasn’t done. For the next 42 years, until Rosalynn’s death in November 2023 and President Carter’s in December 2024, the couple kept themselves busy. Between working for nonprofit organizations, writing books and founding the Carter Center, the two hit the ground running. But their favorite job – and the one they thought of as the most important – was creating a life and family together.  

Following the loss of the former first lady, Jimmy Carter stated, “As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.”

Mint to Be

To round out the month of all things romantic, I’ll leave you with some of my favorite puns to share with the ones you love:

• Your love is a dictionary…it gives meaning to my life!
• We were mint to be together!
• Are you a lightbulb? Because you light up my life!

It’s hard not to think about all the romantic coins that have found their way into our hands. With designs celebrating Mickey & Minnie Mouse to lovebirds in the animal kingdom and everything in between, it’s easier than ever to celebrate the one you love. Which coin will you give to that someone special this year?

Sources:

Riggle, Charlotte. “Justinian and Theodora: A Love Story.” Accessed November 27, 2024 https://charlotteriggle.com/justinian-and-theodora-a-love-story/

Brooklyn Museum. “Theodora.” Accessed November 27, 2024 https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/eascfa/dinner_party/place_settings/theodora#:~:text=Theodora%20met%20Justinian%20I%20in,two%20were%20married%20in%20525.

Maranzani, Barbara. “Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s Love Story: From Small Town Sweethearts to the White House.” Accessed November 27, 2024 https://www.biography.com/political-figures/jimmy-rosalynn-carter-love-story

Olson, Emily. “‘My equal partner in everything’: Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s 77-year marriage.” Accessed December 4, 2024 https://www.npr.org/2023/11/20/1214151967/rosalynn-jimmy-carter-marriage-77-years