Fortuna and Mining

The inscription on the obverse derives from a passage often attributed to Cato the Elder but is probably associated with a much later author, perhaps Dionysius Cato: "Fronte capillata, post est occasio calva" (Hairy in front, opportunity is bald behind). The personification of Opportunity or Fortune on the obverse essentially completes the inscription. The Hercynian Forest (including the Black Forest on its western end) was a vast, densely wooded area that extended east from the Rhine River and was well known to ancient writers. It was also home to various mythological creatures mentioned by, among others, Caesar.

Source: Scher, Stephen K., et al. The Scher Collection of Commemorative Medals. New York and London, 2019.