Halley's comet of 1066 was considered to be the omen for the defeat of Harold by William the Conqueror
This 240 page book presents a revolutionary and controversial look at the widespread use of astronomical symbology on medieval European coinage, with an emphasis on the period between the years 1000 and 1350. The book also provides a transistion of the usage of the symbols from the earliest Greek coinage through the Roman and early middle ages.
Common coinage of the period serves as metallic rosetta stones for the understanding of the mindset of medieval man. Celestial events were used by counts and kings alike as propagandistic tools to claim their right to authority. These coins clearly demonstrate that astrological beliefs during the second half of the middle ages were certainly much more prevalent than the church described in its written record.
Celestial symbols on coins give a new understanding to unanswered questions in history. A new insight is found for the heavenly visions of the cross by Constantine on the eve of the Battle of Milvan Bridge, and by Alfonso Henriques of Portugal prior to his great victory over the Moors. Coinage design shows why Philip II of France was known as "Philip the God Given." And a small star on coinage of Louis IX of France tells why he landed at the Bay of Tunis for his last crusade.
The book is of interest to coin collectors, historians, astronomers, and students of religion and astrology.