File under there are really no new ideas.
Comparette saw what I see on RRC 12/1 a century ago. It’s kind of relieving to know one’s views might seem obvious to others. I don’t think I’m able to really believe the connection to Pliny’s observations or that line of interpretation, but maybe… just maybe, that norunt sidera!
Liv Mariah Yarrow 
Dear Liv,
I have long believed that the Cock on these coins is (also?) to be seen in its status as an attribute of Mercury…thus signaling (when combined with the Minerva on the other side) an alliance in both trade and military matters/defense.
As an aside, when Kip graduated from Trinity, we wanted to give a small gift to the then President of the school, Jimmy Jones (who had become a friend of Kip’s and was supportive through the very trying times of his roommate’s death). Prior to becoming an administrator, Dr. Jones was a professor in French. We picked up one of these (from Cales) for him for a whole slew of reasons…the rooster as a symbol of Gaul (if not actually so on this coin), its use of the Latin alphabet, and especially because the school mascot at Trinity is the Fighting Bantam. Then there is the military/trade alliance announced by the coin which resonated with Dr. Jones’ work with NESCAC and fundraising for Trinity. It really was perfect.
Kenneth L. Friedman of
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