For Nolan Mattison, an undergraduate student with a passion for numismatics, a well-preserved collection of ancient coins has become the centerpiece of a transformative research journey.
Nolan Mattison at an excavation site in Paganico, Italy, 2022.
After participating in three archaeological digs in Italy, experiences that deepened his appreciation for Roman and Greek archaeology, he discovered an interest in numismatics, the study of coins and currency. Mattison, who began as an Anthropology major, then shifted his major to Classics, where he learned about the Thomas Lockwood Coin Collection, originally donated by Lockwood in 1935, and now housed in UB’s Special Collections.
He then approached John Dugan, director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Classics, about a possible independent study opportunity. With encouragement from Dugan and under the guidance of Alison Fraser, curator of Rare and Special Books and associate curator of the Poetry Collection, Mattison embarked on an ambitious project: researching and cataloging a selection of the ancient coins housed in the university’s library. “When Nolan first floated the idea of working on the Lockwood coins, I was eager to collaborate with him,” says Dugan. “This project is just the sort of experiential learning that leads a student of Nolan’s interests, abilities, and ambition to thrive.”
His research brought him face-to-face with unique artifacts like a coin featuring a bronze tripod from Kroton, an ancient city in southern Italy dating back to roughly 540 B.C. “I wasn’t expecting any of this— it really has taken me aback,” he admitted, marveling at the detailed craftsmanship and historical narratives captured in each coin’s design.
Mattison’s focus has been on coins from the Greek and Roman cultures and the historical significance of each piece. One of his primary tasks has been to decipher the coins’ origins, identifying the symbols, inscriptions, and materials used in their creation. His research has been both methodical and hands-on. He meticulously weighed and measured each coin, recorded every detail, and cross-referenced with Lockwood’s notes to fill in gaps.
Athenian owl coin
Of the coins researched by Mattison were Greek tetradrachms, coins minted specifically for external trade outside of the City State, allowing him to explore ancient economic practices and the complexities of currency distribution. A tetradrachm included in Lockwood’s collection is an Athenian owl coin, with an intricate depiction of the goddess Athena’s owl, symbolizing wisdom and military strength. “One of my favorite coins in the Lockwood collection is the Roman Emperor Augustus, who became emperor of Rome in 31 BCE after defeating his former ally Marcus Antonius in a naval battle near Actium,” says Mattison. Augustus took power discreetly while also maintaining publicly that the republic was still intact. Augustus’s two adoptive sons, intended heirs of his position, appear on this coin.
“This coin highlights Augustus’ need to institute a dynasty,” Mattison explains, “however, both sons died before Augustus, meaning that his adopted stepson Tiberius would become the next emperor. This coin highlights Augustus’ need to institute a dynasty and how fate thwarted his plans.”
The culmination of Mattison’s findings will enhance the current finding aid, adding important details to provide future researchers with fundamental insights into the historical context of each coin and the cities from which they originated. “Nolan has made careful study especially of the ancient Greek and Roman coins in the collection, and his research will provide invaluable context for other scholars, allowing us to make this collection much more accessible,” remarks Fraser. “His work is a paragon of undergraduate student scholarship using special collections.”
The project has expanded beyond the coin collection itself. Nolan’s research has led Dugan to incorporate the coins into his lectures, bringing ancient numismatic history to life for other students. “Nolan’s catalogue provides an essential guide to an otherwise unfamiliar resource in the UB Special Collections. Thanks to his work, Classics faculty will be able to integrate the coins into their teaching and allow our students to experience at first hand artifacts of huge historical interest,” remarks Dugan.
“These aren’t just old coins,” Mattison explains. “They tell stories of cities, rulers, and empires, preserving a slice of history with each stamp.” As he wraps up his work this semester, Mattison reflects on his future goals, hoping to continue studying numismatics. His dedication has not only breathed new life into the collection but has also cemented his passion for a lifelong journey in classical studies.