  In the first article in the series examining mathematics on coins, we discuss
two great scientists who are not only featured on many coins, but also
contributed to both theory and practice of coinage. The first one is Nicolaus
Copernicus, author of the treaty \emph{Monetae cudendae ratio} in which he
proposed the law governing competition between money and proposed reform of
coinage in the Royal Prussia. The second one is Sir Isaac Newton, warden and
Master of the Royal Mint, and overseer of the Great Recoinage of 1696.
