The
Egyptian hieroglyph representing gold (𓋞
Gardiner S12), phonetic value nb, is important due to its use in the Horus-of-Gold name, one of the
Fivefold Titulary names of the Egyptian pharaoh.
In its
determinative usage, it identifies any precious metal,
[1] and as an
ideogram in "gold" specifically (Egyptian nbw, whence Coptic ⲛⲟⲩⲃnūb).[2][3]
The hieroglyph represents a large gold and pearl necklace.[4]Old Kingdom scenes show dwarfs metalworking the gold,[5] and "stringing the pearls of gold".[6]
Derived forms
Three variants of the gold hieroglyph are
ligatured with another hieroglyph:[7]
Egyptian language nbi, for "gild", or "gilt." (Gold and
Foot).
Gold and
was scepter-("uas scepter"), for "electrum", dj'm.
Usage
Horus-of-Gold name
One of the older uses of the gold hieroglyph is for the Horus-of-Gold,
name. Also known as the Golden Horus Name, this form of the pharaoh's name typically featured the image of a Horus falcon perched above /or beside the hieroglyph for gold.
The meaning of this particular title has been disputed. One belief is that it represents the triumph of
Horus over his uncle
Seth, as the symbol for gold can be taken to mean that Horus was "superior to his foes". Gold also was strongly associated in the ancient Egyptian mind with eternity, so this may have been intended to convey the pharaoh's eternal Horus name.
Similar to the
Fivefold Titulary Nebty name, this particular name typically was not framed by a cartouche or serekh. It always begins with the depiction of the horus falcon perched above a representation of the
sun-(hieroglyph).
The combination of the Horus falcon and the gold hieroglyph is frequently found on
Ancient Egyptian pectorals (see image).
Gold
In the
Old EgyptianPalermo Stone inscription (late 24th or early 23rd century BC),
the hieroglyph is used in the phrases "first counting of gold" and "collar of gold".
One spelling of the word "gold", nbw, in the Egyptian language, uses the melted nugget
determinative,
(a small circle), and the plural strokes (3-strokes).
Late Period coinage
One of the few coins minted for
ancient Egypt is the
gold stater, issued during the
30th Dynasty. The reverse of the gold stater shows a horse reared up on its hind legs. The obverse has the two hieroglyphs for nfr and nb: "Perfect gold", or a common-era term: 'Fine'-gold.