41b:47 · This sign is said to have been used on the coat of arms of the Medici family and thus comes from Italy of the Middle Ages. The Medicis were extremely rich and great lenders of money. For this reason and have become symbols for pawnshops, pawnbrokers.
    For alchemists the sign commonly signified oil.
    Compare with , the sign for the suit of clubs in the deck of common playing cards. Note that clubs often are associated with money.