José María de Francisco Olmos, Ph.D. from the Complutense University of Madrid, is a full professor at that institution in Historical Sciences and Techniques, and an expert in Numismatics. From his extensive curriculum vitae, he stands out for his work as secretary of the Spanish Confederation of Local Studies Centers. Additionally, he is a member of the Royal Matritense Academy of Heraldry and Genealogy, corresponding academician of the Royal Academy of History, and of the Royal Academy of Jurisprudence and Legislation. After this brief academic biography, we proceed with the interview.
- Although he has an extensive curriculum and a bibliography on various topics, his main specialty is Numismatics, that is, the science dedicated to the study of coins and medals. To familiarize our readers with this term, could you tell us how work is done in this field? Let's take a practical example. If I gave you a coin, what aspects would you analyze?
A coin is an official document approved by law from the issuing state; everything about it tells a story. The types speak of the organization of the state (monarchy or republic) and its symbols (coats of arms, for example), or its most emblematic buildings or economy, etc. Its legends tell us its value but also the legitimacy of power, for example, its metallic composition speaks to whether it is dedicated to domestic or foreign trade, etc. In truth, as my teacher (María Ruiz Trapero) said: a living document of history, a fixed photo that we must study in all its aspects.
- Despite being linked to subjects such as History, the History of Art or Archaeology, Numismatics barely has presence in undergraduate or master's university programs. How do you value this lack of attention towards this subject?
It is due to ignorance and a lack of specialists. A true pity; it should be core in all these subjects. For example, to know how an ancient building destroyed centuries ago looked, we have coins that represent it. We have coins from unknown Roman emperors or Visigothic kings not listed on the famous list of sovereigns. In other words, it is a fundamental source for any historical or artistic study.
- Following up on the previous question, what situation does numismatic research find itself in at different academic and popular levels?
Very scarce. In Spain there are a few associations of numismatists, such as the ANE (Spanish Numismatic Association) or the SIAEN (Ibero-American Society for Numismatic Studies), which have their own journals where collectors and specialists publish articles. At the university level, there are no specific journals; they integrate into others with historical content primarily by period.
- In your case specifically, you did your thesis on the figure of the heir prince in Medieval Spain. Although some coins are mentioned, they are not the focus of the work, more typical of a medievalist. Where does your interest in numismatics come from and why did you ultimately decide to specialize in it?
I am a medievalist, but I got a scholarship for Numismatic training and fell in love with the topic, especially from the perspective of political propaganda, where the coin is undoubtedly the best example since its creation until today. And so I decided to specialize in its study.
- Among other subjects within Historical Sciences that you have worked on, there's Sigilography (the science studying seals used to validate documents), rarely treated at universities as a minor part of Diplomatics. Also, archives don't seem prepared for this type of study, and only two State Archives have gathered their seals in specialized collections: the National Historical Archive and the Archive of the Crown of Aragon. With this situation, what challenges do you think researchers face?
The study of seals is complex; first because of their fragility, lead seals deteriorate quite a bit, wax and metal ones are very fragile, usually detaching from the document they validated or fragmenting. Therefore, studying them has always been something for few people. Additionally, it's necessary to go beyond mere description and conduct sociological and archaeological studies on them as defended by the greatest specialist in this field, Don Faustino Menéndez Pidal.
- Along with the disciplines previously mentioned, Heraldry has a significant weight in your professional trajectory. Generally, we associate it with noble emblems; is that correct? What historical and cultural scope does it cover?
Heraldry goes hand-in-hand with coins in Western Europe from the 12th century onwards. That's why I started studying it. It's a non-verbal language basic for everyone who studies medieval Europe. It appears on seals, tapestries, clothing, etc. In that era, everything was about heraldry and it is an excellent tool to date and identify characters using it and works of art they commissioned, tombs, manuscripts, etc. Later it continued in the Modern Age and even revitalized during the Napoleonic period, and today it remains current in state shields, autonomous region shields, municipal shields, religious order shields, etc.
- The heraldic system was a system constantly changing and evolving. What are the main challenges for its study? What are the primary sources to which one turns to analyze these changes?
The heraldic system didn't change so much as it became increasingly regulated over time, for example, who could grant arms: in the medieval period you could choose your own or a nobleman could give them to you, but by the end of the medieval period this right was reserved for sovereigns. Then came disputes about nobility and heraldic kings for lower nobility. Additionally, elements external to the shield became important during the Modern Age, such as coronets, orders, mottoes, helmets, etc. This is a very complex topic, and sources must always be direct from the period, not later treatises or studies. One should first look at seals, then works of art, heraldic hangings, stone carvings, tombs, etc.
- Extending the previous question, how could Heraldry be brought closer to non-specialized audiences? And, how is it present in our times?
Like any language, one must understand its "grammar" and its strength in each era, then explain why certain images appear on shields. Today, municipal coats of arms are still approved. It's heraldry the shield of football clubs or car brands use. Therefore, it remains very present in society, not just European but worldwide.
- Throughout the interview we've seen different fields you have worked on throughout your extensive research career: numismatics, sigilography, heraldry, general history... Also worth noting is your experience in Chronology (study of time-measuring systems). In fact, it's known that you explain this topic in your classes and published a manual for the Hidalguía publishing house. Could you comment on the usefulness of knowing about different calendars?
Calendars are specific to each society; they teach us their relationship with time's passage, so understanding them is key to understanding the society that uses them. Additionally, it's important to be able to convert dates into a standardized format for proper document organization and research, as otherwise correct investigation cannot take place. For example, Cervantes and Shakespeare died on the same day, April 23rd, but this isn't true; they died on the same date because Spain used the Gregorian calendar while England used the Julian one. Thus, in reality, they died ten days apart.
- And finally, what advice would you give to a future professional seeking to enter research on numismatics, genealogy and heraldry?
Patience is key; these are very complex fields requiring much time and historical knowledge to properly tackle them, but it's highly rewarding.
Interviewed by:
Mª Dolores Rodas Romero
Communication Area
Luis Fernando Fernández
ArqueoTimes Directiva
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