Stanley Lane-Poole was an archaeologist and orientalist, but he also wrote many works on other subjects too. This particular book was first published in 1874, and is on the subject of numismatics (the study or collection of currency). It is a collection of essays on oriental coins, which includes numerous plates on their appearance, and translations of their inscriptions. To compliment the republication of this work, a brand new introductory biography of the author has been added.