Friday, November 02, 2018

Strength in Unity: Letter to the Editor

To: William GIbbs
Editor, Coin World Magazine

Sir,

I enjoyed Chris Bulfinch’s article Fasces on U.S. Coins in the October 29 edition. I’d like to expand on the symbolism behind this bundle of rods. To me, the fasces represents first and foremost the idea that there is strength in unity.  A single rod is easily broken, but a bundle of rods is very difficult to break. 

Viewed from this perspective, the fasces represented much more than authority and power. It was a potent symbol of ideals for citizenship and governance. We are stronger united than divided - an idea worth pondering in the midst of the bitter divisiveness that plagues our nation.  

“E pluribus unum” - from many, one. 

Image: Wikimedia