Symbolic objects

Many concrete human artifacts have, as their reason for creation, the purpose of serving as symbols for abstract concepts; for example, the flags of nations. In this category are royal crowns, crests, and heraldic devices, seals, sceptres, orbs, and signets. Club emblem jewellery, organization symbol lapel pins, textile insignias (patches), and two-dimensional and three dimensional representation of trade-marks and logos (logotypes) are additional symbolic items. Such objects have as their only, or prime purpose, to serve as symbols. The ecclesiastical crozier and the medical caduceus are ancient examples, as are totem poles and ships' figureheads. The hood ornaments of automobiles once constituted an array of figures, some simply decorative, others indicative of the imputed qualities of the motor or driver e.g. fleet animals. Some items have a functional as well as symbolic significance such as a royal-throne, a conductor's baton, or a string of prayer beads or rosary. These objects, while at the same time being symbolic, belong to a class of chrematomorphic items. The most common concrete symbol for an abstract concept is money. This takes the form, in most countries, of paper and metal currency, postal and fiscal stamps, and other negotiable financial paper.

Symbolic objects represent such things as sovereign power, energy, and strength and, more rarely, restraint and wisdom. Symbolic objects can become debased and lose their sign-value. This has happened with currencies in several countries in modern times.