|
Post by George on Dec 22, 2004 3:59:31 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by shibolet on Dec 22, 2004 6:29:25 GMT -5
Hi George, These coins (or actually "Arras Tokens") are in the same "tradition as the beter known "Maxmillian" miniature gold peso's from Mexico (mentioned in "Bruce UWC2). They are widely used in all of the "Hispanic" world (Philippines, Spain, Latin America etc.), even though many weddings use real gold coins. The eagle on the version being auctioned is (as far as I can see) based on a Mexican eagle. Forrest Stevens' site is absolutely the best site on the internet dedicated to Arras tokens: users.pullman.com/fjstevens/tokens/ArrasTokens/There are many versions of Arras "wedding tokens". Just type "gold wedding coins" or "gold arras" on Google.com, and you'll find a miriad of sites offering different versions for sale, some based on "real" coins and some original designs. Good coin hunting, Chaim
|
|
Jorge
New Member
Posts: 7
|
Post by Jorge on Dec 22, 2004 10:55:49 GMT -5
Hi George, I´m a new member of the Society. I´m from Spain, and I know what the "Arras" means. The Arras just symbolized the groom's promise to support his family. There´re millions of different "Arras", just because the "Arras" are a symbol, and you could use the coins or tokens that you want, for example, you could use 13 1 Euro coins (it´s a "new tradition" in Spain).
Specifically, there´re people who order his own "Arras" to a craftsman with a special inscription, like the name of the couple, the date of the wedding, or similar. Usually, the materials of the "Arras" depends on the wealth of the family, or the "job of the family" (smiths, carpenter..) so there are gold coins, silver coins, wood coins, iron coins, etc....
The most popular "Arras" in Spain, South America and Philippines are the "reales" coins, silver coins minted by the Spanish Empire since 1550.
Since 1820, just Mexico use his own coins like "Arras", and the other spanish countries use the Spanish coins (during the last century, the most popular "Arras" were the 1 peseta brass coins).
Usually, the couple keep his wedding "arras" until the wedding of his sons.
I will e-mail you soon a picture of my family "Arras" if you´re interesed.
Best regards,
Jorge
|
|
|
Post by George on Dec 22, 2004 16:19:15 GMT -5
Thanks for the fascinating information guys. If there are hundreds of these in existence I might have to pass up the opportunity to expand my collecting interests; I'm already in enough debt as it is!
|
|