HomeNumismatic TermsGnomon : What Is the Device Depicted on Coins and Currency?

Gnomon : What Is the Device Depicted on Coins and Currency?

Gnommons as they appear on a sun dial and on coins. Image: Stock Photo / Stack’s Bowers
Gnommons as they appear on a sun dial and on coins. Image: Stock Photo / Stack’s Bowers

(n.) Pronounced “NO-mahn”; from the Greek for “one that knows”.

A gnomon is the pointer on a sundial that casts a shadow when exposed to light. It appears on some Colonial paper money, as well as on the obverse of the Continental dollar, the obverse of the Fugio cent, and the reverse of the 2006 Benjamin Franklin commemorative silver dollar, among other numismatic items.

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CoinWeek Notes
CoinWeek Notes
CoinWeek Notes presents expert analysis and insights from Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker, the award-winning editors of CoinWeek.com.

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