St George
My 21st Century (2008 retro Crown) iconic figure of the triumph of good over evil is Saint George slaying the dragon. This particular sculpture was first used in 1817 on English gold sovereigns and has continued for a couple hundred years to today when my 2008 UK Mint crown retro was produced. Benedetto Pistrucci deserves special mention for designing this enduring symbol in his engraving for the Royal Mint of England. There is a balance and beauty of the heroic Greek Roman figure; a righteousness and superior position of conquering the threats in our path to self survival. It is a common and admirable theme when practiced out of necessity. A religious or nationalistic component ups the ante. Many examples with Christian crosses on shields of armor and military/ political leader images are found on coins.
I had recently bought an oxidized 1850 Upper Canada half penny meeting a Craig's List internet seller at our nearby McDonalds at exit 8. Cleaning it up with vinegar brings out the copper definition as long as it's not too corroded. The London Royal Mint produced this coin using the same sculpture when they owned Canada and it was only composed of the lower (Quebec) and upper (Ontario) provinces.
I've come to believe that this same symbol was morphed on to my Lithuanian coins as it is extensively used in Russia. Many countries seem to claim St George but perhaps he was born in the 3rd Century in Russia's Georgia, thus the derivation of his name. Not too sure what is myth or fact, but there are plenty of people honoring him.
There are coins, sculptures and paintings all over Europe with this symbol. Some St George and the Dragon images go back to the 11th Century and this (.pdf download) link has the enchanting fairy tale story that Grandma used to read to me (false memory?).
The Greek & Roman warrior image goes back to the beginning of recorded history. The famous Battle of Thermopylae in the fifth century BC featured the Spartan warriors with flowing headdress like today's USC Trojan Warrior or the Michigan State Spartans. Why was the Roman warrior image used on the English coin? England was part of the Roman Empire up to Hadrian's Wall near York, England.
In a continuation of the theme, perhaps this Egyptian government rep on camelback is feeling righteous and entitled to trample what he perceives as evil doers.
The dragon is also reputed to be a basilisk or king of the serpents according to European legend to have the power to kill with a single glance. It is also related to the cockatrice such as seen in Central Park, NY. You may also see this in your kids video games as a wyvern.
The Sailor King, King William the IV, previous commander of the Royal Navy, is on the opposite side of the crown retro at the top of the page.