Bird on IVNO REGINA?

[Ed Flinn]

IVNO REGINA reverses were issued for many empresses, with a design featuring a large bird at Juno's feet.  This bird is frequently described as a peacock (I blame Sean O'Casey).



With prominent plumes on the head and tail folded up neat, this seems an odd depiction of a peacock.

I was recently paging thru the May 2003 Numismatist and saw an article on a medallion issued in France for their WWI ace Georges Guynemer, who flew with Les Cigognes.  The medallion's reverse includes the squadron's namesake storks in flight, and they appear to be the same bird as is seen on the IVNO REGINA coins.

I'm having no luck looking for a picture of a stork with prominent plumes (or one of the Guynemer medallion), so I'm interested to in your thoughts.  Peacocl, stork, or something else?

[Robert_Brenchley]

It reminds me of the Constantinian phoenix, without the nimbus. I've no idea whether this would be appropriate for Juno though.

[frederic]

Hi

I think it's really peacock.
Look this coin:http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sear/s1841.jpg

Regards
frederic

[Jochen]

I too vote for a peacock. You can see his tall tail behind. Here it is not opened but closed.

Regards

[slokind]

But Sean O'Casey would blame Juno and the empresses and their coins.  They are what inspired his title, his motif.  As time goes on, Dionysos' panther becomes even odder than Juno's peacok.  Pat L.