Vijf cent van Leopold I, koning der Belgen 1861

This coin of Leopold I, King of the Belgians, was minted by Joseph-Pierre Braemt. Look closely at the striding lion, a powerful emblem of Belgium. The lion evokes courage and strength, resonating deeply within the collective memory of nations. This echoes the ancient Mesopotamian lamassu, a protective deity with the body of a bull or lion, wings of an eagle, and human head. Like the lamassu, the lion on this coin embodies a nation’s aspiration for protection and sovereignty. Consider also the Lion Gate at Mycenae, where guardian lions stand sentinel, underscoring the symbol's enduring association with power and defense. Observe the non-linear, cyclical progression of this symbol, how it has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts. It’s a vivid reminder of the past echoing in the present, engaging us on a subconscious level.