TheEgyptian hieroglyph representinggold (𓋞Gardiner S12), phonetic valuenb, is important due to its use in theHorus-of-Gold name, one of theFivefold Titulary names of the Egyptian pharaoh.In itsdeterminative usage, it identifies any precious metal,[1] and as anideogram in "gold" specifically (Egyptiannbw, whence Copticⲛⲟⲩⲃnūb).[2][3]
The hieroglyph represents a large gold necklace whose ends drape off either side and seven pearl pendants dangling from the middle.[4]Old Kingdom scenes show dwarfs metalworking the gold,[3] and "stringing the pearls of gold".[3]
12th dynasty pectoral, featuring twice a combination of the Horus falcon with the gold hieroglyph
One of the older uses of the gold hieroglyph is for the Horus-of-Gold,
name. Also known as theGolden 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 ofHorus over his uncleSeth, 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 theFivefold 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 thesun-(hieroglyph).
The combination of the Horus falcon and the gold hieroglyph is frequently found onAncient Egyptian pectorals (see image).
ThePalermo piece of the 7-piecePalermo Stone. (Obverse)
In theOld 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 nuggetdeterminative,
(a small circle), and the plural strokes (3-strokes).
One of the few coins minted forancient Egypt is thegold stater, issued during the30th Dynasty. The reverse of the gold stater shows a horse reared up on its hind legs. The obverse has the two hieroglyphs fornfr andnb:"Perfect gold", or a common-era term: 'Fine'-gold.
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