NNP

Coat of Arms.  Elaborate heraldry symbology. Originally the garments worn over armour in the 15th and 16th centuries, often embellished with heraldry bearings. Later the heraldry symbols encompassing the shield and attributes. These were elaborate creations drawn upon prescribed rules and symbology. Coats of arms were created for prominent families, royalty, countries, cities and towns, dutchies, principalities, other municipal divisions. Many have appeared on numismatic and medallic items.  See heraldry.

excerpted with permission from

An Encyclopedia of Coin and Medal Technology

For Artists, Makers, Collectors and Curators

COMPILED AND WRITTEN BY D. WAYNE JOHNSON

Roger W. Burdette, Editor