ROMAN EMPIRE, Diadumenian, mid May - 8 June 218 A.D.

Diadumenian, mid May - 8 June 218 A.D., SH33336. Silver denarius, SRCV II 7450, RIC IV 117, Choice EF, Rome mint, weight 2.999g, maximum diameter 20.4mm, die axis 0o, as caesar, Jan - May 218 A.D.; obverse M OPEL ANT DIADVMENIAN CAES, draped and cuirassed bust right, from behind; reverse SPES PVBLICA, Spes advancing left, flower in right, raising skirt with left; lustrous, nice hoard silver gently cleaned, near full circles strike

Spes was the Roman personification of Hope. In art Spes is normally depicted carrying flowers or a cornucopia, but on coins she is almost invariably depicted holding a flower in her extended right hand, while the left is raising a fold of her dress. She was also named "ultima dea" - for Hope is the last resort of men. On this coin, the Caesar, Diadumenian, the designated successor of the emperor, is identified as the future hope of the Roman people.