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The Pantheon - Gods, Goddesses and Personifications

Zeus NikephorosThe image of Zeus with Nike (Zeus Nikephoros) was introduced by Seleukos I Nikator at Seleukeia on Tigris mint around 300 BC.

The initial iemissions from this mint in the name of Seleukos maintained the Zeus Aetophoros (eagle) reverse image typical of the earlier "Alexanders". However, shortly after the mint was established, the Zeus Nikephoros (Nike) image was introduced, eventually replacing the Zeus Aetophoros image on Babylonian coinage. The Nikephoros reverse was a direct allusion to Seleukos victory over Antigonos at Ipsos in 301 BC. This victory was the penultimate victory required to cement the Seleukid dynasty in a near unassailable position during the forty year struggle that ultimately saw Seleukos emerge as the most successful of the Diadochi.

VictoriaOne of the most important deities in Rome.
Victoria has given shape to christian angels.
attributes: wings, palmbranch, wreath

upleft: Traian - AR denarius; Rome; 101-102 AD; RIC 59, C 241; 3,18 g 20-18 mm
upright: Septimius Severus - AR denarius; Rome; 195 AD; RIC 64, RSC 50, Sear'88 #1747; 2,78 g 18-16 mm (celebrating victory over Pescenius Niger who was supported by Arabs and Adiabs)
downleft: Gordian III - AR antoninianus; Rome VI 238 - XII 239 AD; RIC 5. C. 357; 4,52 g 22-21,5 mm
downright: Decius - AR antoninianus; Rome; 249 AD; RIC 29c, sear5 #9387; 4,39 g 22-20 mmJ. B.

VestaVesta was the virgin goddess of the hearth, home, and family.
She isn't equivalent of greek Hestia.
She is often depicted with Palladium which Aeneas brought from Troy according legend. Palladium was stored in her temple on forum.
Their priestess (Vestal Virgins) were tending holy fire which was renewed every 1. March.
Rites of Vesta ended in 394 and Vestal Virgins were disbanded by order of Theodosius I.

upleft: Antoninus Pius - AR denarius; Rome; 153-154 AD; Vesta holding simpulum and Palladium; RIC 229a, RSC 198; 3,11g 17-16 mm;
upright: Faustina I - AR denarius; Rome; 148-161 AD; Vesta holding Palladium and patera over lit altar; RSC 116; RIC 370.4; 3,19g 17-16 mm
downleft: Faustina I - AE As; Rome; 148-161 AD; Vesta holding palladium and torch; RIC 1178, Cohen 114, BMC 1581, sear5 #4648; 9,26g 27-26 mm
downright: Julia Mamaea - AR denarius; Rome; 222 AD; Vesta holding patera and scepter; RIC 362, BMC 440, S 8218, C 85; ??? g 20-18 mmJ. B.

Venus Victrix - the rear viewSabina, AR denarius, 128 AD.
RIC 412, RSC 89, Sear RCV II,3927.
A gorgeous rear view of the goddess of love, with an elegant "Grecian bend"-curve to the figure, much more pleasing than the dumpy little ladies normally found on denarii of Domna, etc.
- Britannicus4 commentsBritannicus

Fides Militum (Maximinus denarius)FIDES MILITUM - "The Loyal Military"
Rome Mint, AD 235-236Ecgþeow

Romulus and Remus Romulus and Remus - Suckling on a wolf after their uncle Amulius, fearing that the boys would grow up to overthrow him, had them placed in a trough and thrown into the River Tiber.

Urbs Roma - Constantinople Commemorative Coin

Noah

VIA TRAIANA, TRAJANAR denarius. 112-114 AD. 3,36 grs. Laureate bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder. IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P / Via Traiana reclining left, left elbow on rock, holding wheel and reed. S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI. In exergue VIA TRAIANA.
Minted to commemorate the construction of the Via Traiana from Beneventum to Brindisium. On the left a pic of part of the road,and on the right a miliaria ( milia passuum, "one thousand paces", 4,841 feet ) or milestone.
The stone, besides the titles of the emperor, reports that it was constructed at the emperor's expense ( PECVN SVA FECIT ).

4 commentsbenito

Apollo Salutaris (the Rescuer)Trebonianus Gallus 251 - 253
Antoninianus mint of Rome
obv. IMP CAE C VIB TREB GALLVS AVG
rev. APOLLO SALVTARI
Apollo stdg. l, holding laurel-branch in l. hand and
leaning with r. hand on lyra(?) on rock
RIC IV, 32(s); C.2
VF
Struck as gratitude for rescue from plague(?) for Apollo the Rescuer
The Lyre was invented by Hermes , made from the shell of a turtoise.
Apollo on the other hand should have always a cithara!Jochen

ArabiaTrajan (98-117) AR Drachm of Arabia Patraea, Bostra. Struck 112-117.
Obverse: AYTOKP KAIC NEP TPAIANO CEB ΓEΣ M Δ Ak , laureate bust right, drapery on far shoulder.
Reverse:Arabia standing left holding branch & cinnamon sticks, camel behind.
Sydenham 189; SNG Cop. 205
1 commentsROMA

Demeter, Thrace, Byzantion (220-240BC)THRACE, Byzantion. Circa 240-220 BC. AR Tetradrachm (26mm, 12.07 gm). Veiled and wreathed head of Demeter right / Poseidon seated right on rocks, holding trident in left arm, aphlaston in right hand. Magistrate [EPI SI]LWN[OS], a man called Silo, is located below Poseidon.

Schoenert-Geiss, Byzantion, p. 135, no. 1004, pl. 44, citing and illustrating Naville I, 1920, 1135, same dies. SNG Black Sea 59-61.

From the Garth R. Drewry Collection; ex. Superior Galleries, May 30, 1995.

Owned & posted by Cogito6 comments

TanitTanit was a Phoenician lunar goddess worshiped as the patron goddess of Carthage.

Background to the coin type http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-605621 comments

Europa, L.Volteius StraboAR denarius. 81 BC. 3,76 grs. Laureate head of Jupiter right. Behind, K / Europa seated on bull charging left, holding veil which billows overhead. Thunderbolt behind, vine leaf below. L·VL·O·L·F·STRAB in exergue.
Crawford 377/1. RSC Volteia 6.
The rape of Europe. Ovid," Metamorphoses," Book II.
Majesty is incompatible truly with love; they cohabit
Nowhere together. The father and chief of the gods, whose right hand is
Armed with the triple-forked lightning, who shakes the whole world with a nod, laid
Dignity down with his sceptre, adopting the guise of a bull that
Mixed with the cattle and lowed as he ambled around the fresh fields, a
Beautiful animal, colored like snow that no footprint has trodden
And which no watery south wind has melted. His muscular neck bulged,
Dewlaps hung down from his chin; his curved horns you might think had been hand carved,
Perfect, more purely translucent than pearl. His unthreatening brow and
Far from formidable eyes made his face appear tranquil. Agenor's
Daughter was truly amazed that this beautiful bull did not seem to
Manifest any hostility. Though he was gentle she trembled at first to
Touch him, but soon she approached him, adorning his muzzle with flowers.
Then he rejoiced as a lover and, while he looked forward to hoped for
Pleasures, he slobbered all over her hands, and could hardly postpone the
Joys that remained. So he frolicked and bounded about on the green grass,
Laying his snowy-white flanks on the yellowish sands. As her fear was
Little by little diminished, he offered his chest for her virgin
Hand to caress and his horns to be decked with fresh flowers. The royal
Maiden, not knowing on whom she was sitting, was even so bold as
Also to climb on the back of the bull. As the god very slowly
Inched from the shore and the dry land he planted his spurious footprints
Deep in the shallows. Thus swimming out farther, he carried his prey off
Into the midst of the sea. Almost fainting with terror she glanced back,
As she was carried away, at the shore left behind. As she gripped one
Horn in her right hand while clutching the back of the beast with the other,
Meanwhile her fluttering draperies billowed behind on the sea breeze.
benito

Hekate TriformisJulia Soaemias -- AE20 from Mastaura (Lydia).
Hekate Triformis, was a goddess from Asia minor. Her main holy shrine was in Lagina. The Triformis created by Alkamenes, end of 5. century. Her companion a dog. 2 commentsfeatherz

Oceanus, Septimus Severus, denariusSEVERVS PIVS AVG
PM TR P XVII COS III PP
RIC 229 (R) ; Cohen 530 (20 fr.)
RIC say Triton, BMC Ocean, Cohen which misdicribe this coin say Tiber, david Sear suggest the Tyne This could be the Channel too. But I thinks it's Ocean.
Frederic Weber collection
1 commentsfrederic W

SpesSeverus Alexander AD 222 - 235
AR - Denar, 3.35g, 18mm
Rome AD 232
Av.: IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG
draped and cuirassed bust, laureate head r.
Rv.: SPES PV - BLICA
Spes draped advancing l., holding flower r.,raising robe with l.
RIC IV/2, 254; C.546; BMCR.897
VF

SPES, hope, with near relations to Fortuna and Salus. Under the Principat part of the religion of loyality. Depicted like Aphrodite in the Greek art, holding flower, raising garment.2 commentsJochen

Mars UltorSeverus Alexander 222-235
AR - Denar, 3.12g, 20.5mm
Rome 232
obv. IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG
draped, cuirassed bust, laureate head r.
rev. MARS - VLTOR
Mars walking r., holding spear and shield
RIC IV/2, 246; BMCR 831; C.161
near EF, toned

MARS ULTOR, Mars the Avenger. Two temples were dedicated to him during the reign of Augustus. The first 20 BC on the Capitol for the standards recovered from the Parthians (showed on coins!), the second 2 BC vowed during the battle of Philippi in 42 BC as a memorial to Julius Caesar.1 commentsJochen

Jupiter PropugnatorSeverus Alexander 222 - 235
AR - Denar, 3.21g, 20mm
Rome AD 232
obv. IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG
draped bust, laureate head r.
rev. IOVI PRO - PVGNATORI
Jupiter in fighting attitude l., with feet opened,
head turned r., hurling thunderbolt with r., holding
eagle in l.
RIC IV, 236; C.77
about VF
Jupiter, god of the bright heaven, one of the oldest Roman deities,
his attribute the thunderbold, with many epithets, here:
JUPITER PROPUGNATOR = Jupiter the champion(?), the defender,
the protector (oft the emperor naturally!) 1 commentsJochen

Mars PaciferoSeverus Alexander 222-235
AR - Denar, 3.12g, 20.5mm
Rome AD 222
obv. IMP CM AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG
draped, cuirassed bust, laureate head r.
rev. MARTI PACIFERO
Mars standing , head l., holding olive-branch and reversed spear
RIC IV/ 2, 160; BMCR 68; C.173
good VF

MARS PACIFER, Mars the Peace-bringer. Depicted with olive-branch and reversed spear as signs of peace. Reminds us of the old saying 'si vis pacem, para bellum (If you want peace, prepare war)'. The Corinthian helmet is borrowed from Greek art.Jochen

Cybele, the mother goddessSEPTIMIUS SEVERUS -- AD 193-211.
Thrace, Anchialus. Æ (27mm, 10.7 gm).
Obv: AV.K.L.CEP. CEVHROC., Laureate and cuir. bust, r.
Rev: OVLPIANWN AGXIALEWN. Cybele seated l., l. arm resting on drum, r. hand holding patera, two lions at her feet.
Moushmov 2817.

On coins, Cybele wears a turreted crown, holds a patera and tympanum (small drum) and is usually shown seated in a cart pulled by lions or (as here) on a throne with lion supporters.

Herakles and ZeusMacedonian Kingdom, Philip III and Alexander IV, 323 - 317 B.C.
GS70917. Silver drachm, Price 1515; ADM II Series V, 91 - 95; SNG München 474; Müller Alexander -, VF, attractive style, Troas, Abydus mint, weight 4.097g, maximum diameter 18.1mm, die axis 180o, Leonnatos, Arrhidaios, or Antigonos I;

obverse Herakles' head right, clad in Nemean lion scalp headdress tied at neck;

reverse AΛEΞAN∆POY, Zeus seated left on throne, right leg drawn back, eagle in extended right, long scepter vertical behind in left, horse leg left, Ξ under throne; ex Nemesis;

Herakles is the son of the divine Zeus and mortal Alcemene who was cursed by the jealous Hera to murder his entire family. He then had to overcome twelve labors given to him by King Eurystheus to repent for the atrocity. The first labor (defeating the Nemean Lion) is portrayed on the obverse of this coin.

Zeus is the main king of the Olympians ruling over the realm of man. He is known to be a notorious womanizer having affairs with several divine and mortal women, which constantly makes his wife Hera extremely jealous. He is associated with lightning and the eagle (as shown on the reverse of this coin) among other symbols.Colby S

Juno Regina, the Queen of the Gods.Salonina, wife of Gallienus. Augusta, 254-268 CE.
Silvered Æ antoninianus (21.1 mm), Uncertain Eastern mint, 260-268 CE.
Obv: SALONINA AVG, diademed & draped bust right on crescent.
Rev: IVNO REGINA, Juno standing left, holding patera and scepter, peacock at her feet.
RIC-92; Cohen-67.

Juno was the chief female divinity in the Roman pantheon. She was the wife of Jupiter and a member of the Capitoline Triad. She had many different aspects, such as Juno Moneta, Juno Sospita and Juno Lucina, but here she is depicted as Juno Regina, "Juno the Queen." Juno is usually shown hoding a patera, scepter or a statuette of Athena, and is often accompanied by a peacock.

MARS ULTOREmperor Severus Alexander. AD232. AE Sestertius. MARS ULTOR Reverse, cut.

obv: IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG - Laureate bust right, seen from front, draped and cuirassed.
rev: MARS VLTOR - Mars with spear and shield in the 'Ready-for-Action' position.
'S C' to either side of Mars.

22.3 grams1 commentsrexesq

MARS ULTOR - Severus Alexander AE SestertiusSeverus Alexander. AD232. AE Sestertius.
Graded VF 20 by ANACS before I removed it from the slab.

obv: IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG - Laureate bust right, seen from front, draped and cuirassed.
rev: MARS VLTOR - SC below - Mars with spear and shield in the 'Ready-for-Action' position.
22.3 grams.
2 commentsrexesq

AbundantiaObv:– IMP C PROBVS . P . F . AVG, Radiate, cuirassed bust right
Rev:– ABVNDANTIA AVG, Abundatia, standing right, empting cornucopiae
Minted in Lugdunum (IIII in exe.) Emission 4 Officina 4
Date Minted – Middle to End 277 A.D.
References: Cohen 1. Bastien 195 (54 examples). RIC 17 Bust type F (Common)

Abundantia stands for abundance or plenty. Her attributes are ears of corn (grain) and cornucopiae. She is sometimes (as here) shown emptying the cornucopiae and sometimes shown seated. Her Greek name is Euthenia 1 commentsmaridvnvm

PaxProbus Ant.
Obv:– IMP C PROBVS . P . F . AVG, Radiate, cuirassed bust right
Rev:– PAX AVG, Pax standing left, holding olive-branch and sceptre
Minted in Lugdunum (IIII in exe) Emission 8, Officina 4, Autumn to Late A.D. 281
References:– Cohen 401, Bastien 367 (2 examples), RIC 91 Bust type F

'Peace' here holding an olive branch and scepter. Some coins show an olive branch with cornucopia or cadeuceus.maridvnvm

PannoniaTrajan Decius Ant.
Obv:– IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, Radiate, draped, cuirassed bust right
Rev:– PANNONIAE, The two Pannoniae, each holding a standard, standing half left but looking in opposite directions
Minted in Rome. A.D. 249 - 251
Reference:– Van Meter 16/1. RIC 21b. RSC 86

Pannonia was a Roman province between the Danube and the Alps, later divided into Upper and Lower Pannonia. Trajan Decius was the first emperor to come from the Danube region1 commentsmaridvnvm

DaciaTrajan Decius Antoninianus
Obv:– IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, Radiate, draped, cuirassed bust right
Rev:– DACIA, Dacia, wearing robe reaching feet, standing left, holding vertical staff with ass’s head
Minted in Rome. A.D. 249 - 251
Reference:– RIC 12b. RSC 16

Personification of the province of Daciamaridvnvm

AequitasSeverus Alexander Denarius
Obv:– IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, Laureate, draped bust right
Rev:– AEQVITAS AVG, Aequitas standing left with scales & cornucopiae. Star in left field.
Minted in Antioch. A.D. 222
Reference:– RIC 274. RCV02 7856. RSC 11

'Fairness' holds a scales and cornucopiamaridvnvm

RomulusSeverus Alexander Denarius
Obv:– IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG, Laureate head right
Rev:– P M TR P VII COS II P P, Romulus advancing right with spear & trophy
Minted in Rome
Reference:– RIC 85. RSC 351

Romulus, founder of the city, shares the attributes of Mars but not helmeted.3 commentsmaridvnvm

SerapisCaracalla Denarius
Obv:– ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, Laureate bust right
Rev:- P M TR P XVI COS IIII P P, Serapis his chest bare and a modius on his head standing left holding sceptre and raising hand
Minted in Rome, A.D. 213
References, VM 60.1, RIC 208, RSC 211.

Serapis was imported from Egypt and became popular at Rome in the 3rd century A.D. He is bearded, wears a tall headdress and carries a staff. He usually is shown gesturing with a raised hand.1 commentsmaridvnvm

AesclepiusCaracalla denarius
Obv:– ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, Laureate bust right
Rev:– P M TR P XVIII COS IIII P P, Aesculapius standing front, head left, with serpent-entwined wand; globe on ground at right
Minted in Rome in A.D. 215
References:- BMCRE 103, RIC 251, RSC 302

Aesclepius is the god of medicine and holds staff with a snake entwined around it. 3 commentsmaridvnvm

Sol, holding whipCaracalla Denarius
Obv:– ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, Laureate head right
Rev:– P M TR P XX COS IIII P P, Sol standing left, holding right hand up in salute and whip
Minted in Rome in A.D. 217
References:– VM 6/5, RIC 293d (Common), RSC 3892 commentsmaridvnvm

Hercules (Alternate depiction)RIC 206a
Caracalla Denarius
Obv:– ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, Laureate bust right
Rev:– P M TR P XVI COS IIII P P, Hercules standing left,holding club and lion skin plus a branch in right hand
Minted in Rome. A.D. 213
Reference:– Van Meter 60/2. RIC 206a. RCV02 6828. RSC 220.

A nice clear depiction of the Lion on this one.maridvnvm

Minerva (Alternate depiction)Caracalla Denarius
Obv:– IMP CAE M AVR ANT AVG P TR P, Laureate bust right
Rev:– MINER VICTRIX, Minerva standing half-left, holding Victory and spear, shield at his feet, trophy behind
Minted in Rome. A.D. 198
Reference:– Van Meter 49. RIC 25b. RCV02 6820. RSC 159. maridvnvm

Mars (PROPVGNATORI)Caracalla Denarius
Obv:– ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, Laureate bust right
Rev:– MARTI PROPVGNATORI, Mars in military dress, hurrying left holding spear and trophy
Reference:– BMCRE 87. RIC 223. RSC 150. maridvnvm

Dea Caelestis, goddess of CarthageSeptimius Severus Denarius
Obv:– SEVERVS PIVS AVG, Laureate head right
Rev:– INDVLGENTIA AVGG / IN CARTH, Dea Caelestis, goddess of Carthage, with elaborate headdress, looking front, riding right on springing lion, holding thunderbolt and sceptre, water gushing from rocks at left below
Minted in Rome, A.D. 203 A.D.
References:– RIC 266, RCV02 6285, RSC 2225 commentsmaridvnvm

AnnonaDenarius
Obv:– L SEPT SEV AVG IMP XI PART MAX, Laureate head right
Rev:– ANNONAE AVGG, Annona, standing left, right foot on prow, holding heads of grain (called corn ears in the UK) and cornucopiae
Minted in Laodicea-ad-Mare, A.D. 198 - 202
References:– RIC 501 (Common), RSC 21

Annona was the Goddess of the circling year and its harvest produce; Matron of commerce and the market place.maridvnvm

NeptuneSeptimius Severus denarius
Obv:– SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT, Laureate head right
Rev:– P M TR P XVIII COS III P P, Neptune standing left, holding trident dolphin, foot on globe
References:– RIC 241, RSC 542

God of the sea, Neptune is shown nude with a trident. He is often (as here)shown with one foot raised on a rockmaridvnvm

AfricaSeptimius Severus Denarius
Obv:– SEVERVS PIVS AVG, Laureate head right
Rev:– AFRICA, Africa, wearing elephant-skin head-dress, reclining left with scorpion & cornucopiae; basket of heads of grain (called corn ears in the UK) before
References:– VM 8/2, RIC 254, RCV02 6261, RSC 31

Personification of North Africamaridvnvm

VirtusSeptimius Severus Denarius
Obv:– SEVERVS AVG PART MAX, Laureate head right
Rev:– VIRT AVGG. Virtus standing left, holding Victory, spear and shield.
Minted in Rome in A.D. 200
References:– RCV88 1796, VM 172, RIC 171a, RCV02 6387, RSC 761

'Courage' is depicted as a helmeted soldier in armor holding a spear, victory or shield. Virtus and Mars can be distinguished since Mars is usually shown nude and Virtus is always shown clothes. Some coins appear to show Virtus as a female figure.maridvnvm

PietasFaustina Senior Denarius
Obv:– DIVA AVG FAVSTINA, Bust head right
Rev:– PIETAS AVG, Pietas standing left and altar
References:– RIC 394a, RSC 234

The virtue "Dutifulness". A respect for the natural order socially, politically, and religiously. Includes the ideas of patriotism and devotion to others.maridvnvm

CeresFaustina Senior Denarius
Obv:– DIVA FAVSTINA, Draped bust head right, hair in bun
Rev:– AVGVSTA, Ceres standing left, holding grain ears and torch
References:– RIC 360, RSC 78

Ceres, goddess of agriculture, carries grain ears and a torch used when she descended into the underworld in search of he daughter Persephonemaridvnvm

DianaAnontinus Pius Denarius (As Caesar under Hadrian)
Obv: IMP T AEL CAES ANTONINVS, Bare head right
Rev: TRIB POT COS, Diana standing right, holding bow & arrow
Minted in Rome. A.D. 138
Reference:– BMC 1006. Cohen 1058. RIC 447a [hadrian]maridvnvm

Pax (with cornucopia)Denarius
Obv:– ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P, Bare head facing right
Rev:– TR POT COS II, Pax standing left, holding branch in right hand, cornucopiae in left
Minted in Rome, A.D. 139
References:– Cohen 857a, RIC 51

Another example of Pax but this time seen with cornucopia instead of staffmaridvnvm

VestaAntoninus Pius Denarius
Obv:– ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XVI, Laureate head facing right
Rev:– COS IIII, Vesta standing left, holding simpulum and Palladium
Minted in Rome, A.D. 152 - 153
References:– Cohen 197, RIC 219

Vesta originally started out as a household spirit and she was later personified as the goddess of the hearth and given the staure of her Greek equivalent, Hestia. In the temple of Vesta her flame was kept alive by Vestal Virgins. maridvnvm

Pax (seated)Vespasian Denarius
Obv:– IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, Laureate Head Right
Rev:– PON MAX TR P COS VI, Pax seated left, holding olive branch, left hand at side
References:– RIC 90, RSC 366

Another example of Pax but this time seated rather than standing.maridvnvm

LibertasClaudius Ae AS
Obv:– TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP, Claudius facing left
Rev:– LIBERTAS AVGVSTA / S C, Libertas standing facing, with pileus and extending left hand
References– RIC 97

'Freedom' holds a triangular pileus or cap given to freed slaves. This same cap is shown on very early US coins. maridvnvm

Zeus Ammon on Ptolemy IV HemidrachmZeus Ammon portrait by master die artist. In unusually high relief and expressive style. Uncommon for this type (~ 35mm, 35gm). Issued ca. 220BC at Alexandria mint. This is one Zeus that looks like he really might just get up and step right off the coin or turn around and have something to say of great mythological significance :) 6 commentsPtolemAE

Juno (Sospita)* AR Denarius Procilia 1, moneyer L. Procili F.
* Rome 80 BC
* Obv: Laur. head of Jupiter. To l.: S•C.
* Rev: Cult statue of Juno Sospita, stg. r., wearring goatskin and holding shield in l.hand, and hurling spear with r.hand; before snake, behind: L•PROCILI / F downwards.
* 18,5 mm
* Crawford 379/1.
Gert

Mars VictorAnt. IMP C PROBVS PF AVG, Radiate and cuirassed bust R. MARS VICTOR, Mars walking R holding spear and trophy. II in exe. Lugdunum. RIC 38, Common.

Mars was the god of war. I love this giant figure striding along with a trophy casually slung over his shoulder. 1 commentsRobert_Brenchley

Aphrodite and Ares on Cilician AR Stater of Satrap PharnabazosCirca 380-374/3 B.C.(21mm, 10.39g, 11h). Struck circa 380-379 B.C. Casabonne series 3; Moysey Issue 3, 3-5 var. (dolphin on obv.); SNG France 246 var. (rev. legend). Obverse Head of nymph facing three-quarters left. Reverse Helmeted head of Ares left, Aramaic PRNBZW to left. Near EF, toned, struck from a slightly worn obverse die.

Ex CNG.

There is still an ongoing debate whether who represent the obverse and reverse of this coin type of Pharnabazos. The obverse obviously was inspired by the renowned Syracusan tetradrachm of Kimon, whose three-quarter facing head of the nymph Arethusa was widely copied throughout the ancient world. A handful of ancient poleis adopted this style to represent their local nymph or goddess on their coins. A perfect example is the numerous coins of Larissa in Thessaly representing the local nymph of the same name. It is possible to assume then that the obverse of our coin might be another female deity other than Arethusa. A current opinion holds that the obverse represents Aphrodite, the goddess of love; and the reverse depicts Ares, the god of war. The two were known in ancient mythology as lovers, and commonly paired together on ancient coins. Of special note on this coin is the reverse: while most coins of this type display static male heads with little originality, the reverse die is probably from a special issue marked by superior style and executed with extreme delicacy. It has been suggested (Leu Auction 81, lot 317) that the head of Ares may be a disguised portrait of Pharnabazos himself.

1 commentsJason T

Venus VictrixPlautilla, killed 212, wife of Caracalla
AR - Denar, 3.6g, 18mm
Rome AD 204(?), struck under Septimius Severus
obv. PLAVTILLA - AVGVSTA
draped bust, bare head r.
rev. VENVS VICTRIX
Venus bare to waist, standing l., holding apple and palmbranch, and
resting left elbow on shield; at her feet l., Cupido, holding helmet
RIC IV/1, 369; C.25; BMCR. 429
Scarce; about VF

VENUS VICTRIX, the victorious Venus. It was first Sulla who in a dream saw Venus with the weapons of Mars as Venus Victrix and made her to his personal patroness. Pompeius then was inaugurating the cult of Venus Victrix in Rome. In the night before the battle of Pharsalus 48 BC Pompeius was dreaming of Venus Victrix - seemingly a lucky sign -, whereas Caesar was sacrifying to Venus Genetrix, but issued as watchword 'Venus Victrix', and defeated Pompeius! 2 commentsJochen

Apollo / Zeus Labraundos, Pixodaros Didrachm340-334 BC. AR Didrachm (21mm, 6.98 g). Laureate head of Apollo, facing slightly right / Zeus Labraundos standing right, holding double axe (labrys) and lotus-tipped sceptre.5 comments

ASKLEPIOS PHILIP II as Caesar. AE Tetradrachm of Alexandria. Struck A.D.245 - 246.
Obverse: M IOV ΦIΛI&PiΠOC K CEB. Bare headed and draped bust of Philip II facing right.
Reverse: No legend. Asklepios standing facing left, sacrificing over flaming and garlanded altar out of patera held in his right hand and holding staff, around which a serpent coils, in his left; in left field, LΓ.
Diameter: 23mm | Weight: 11.9gms | Die Axis: 12
Not in GICV
VERY RARE

*Alex

Felicitas (standing)Philipp I, AD 244 - 249
AR - Antoninian, 4.05g, 21mm
Rome, AD 246
obv. IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
bust radiate, draped and cuirassed r.
rev. PM TRP III COS PP
Felicitas stg. l., holding caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC IV/3, 3; C.124
good VFJochen

Bacchus, Cista MysticaTetradrachm of Pergamon, Mysia (133-67 B.C.)
Obv: Cista mystica containing serpent, all within wreath (of grapes?).
Anepigraphic.
Rev: Bow case between two coiled serpents, MOE above, snake entwined Asklepian staff to right, mint monogram to left.
25.8 mm 12.2 gm

They can keep the snakes, but a healthy glass of wine about now would be a winner!
Massanutten1 comments

NILUSPtolemaic Bronze ca. 180BC - Ptolemy V - VI
Svoronos 1378 (K control letter in eagle's legs)
Rare type with expressive portrait of Nilus rather than typical Ptolemaic Zeus.
AE20 5.98gm 11h
Part of scarce series of coins with 'K' control letter, 5 sizes each with different designs.
Few specimens known in books, museum collections.
Some thought that the K might represent Kleopatra I, mother of Ptolemy VI. Exact date unknown but likely ca. 190-170BC. Apparently the only Ptolemaic bronze type with a representation of the 'River God', Nilus.PtolemAE

Priapus, god of gardens and fruitfulnessThe god of gardens and fruitfulness is shown here holding a lapful of fruit, or, if you prefer to see it that way, balancing the fruit on his personal fertility symbol. A much scarcer coin than the standard Nicopolis "Look what I've got!" issues.Britannicus

Serapis, Nero, TetradrachmOb. Nero, head right, radiate
Rev. Serapis, draped bust right
Year 10---63-64 AD

Serapis is usually shown with a grain-measuring basket on his head. Although derived from Egyptian deities, he often looks very Jovian and thoroughly Greek, a matter which apparently pleased the Macedonian Ptolemies, and probably helped his acceptance by the Romans.

DemeterMetapontum, Lucania
AR Didrachm (21mm, 7.8g)
330-300 BC
O: Head of Demeter right, wreathed in grain and wearing triple earring and necklace; ΔAI under chin.
R: Ear of barley with seven grains, leaf to right; plow above leaf, MAX below, META to left.
SNG ANS 470 / SNG Cop 1227 / HN Italy 1581 / Johnston C-1 / Sear 416v

2 commentsEnodia

Baal or Zeus (Interpretatio Graecia) on Cilician Stater of Satrap MazaiosCirca 361-334 B.C. AR Stater (10.88g, 24mm, 5h). cf. SNG Levant-106; SNG Paris-. Obverse Baal of Tarsos enthroned left, head facing, holding club, bunch of grapes, wheat ear, and eagle in right hand, lotus-headed scepter in left hand, B’LTRZ (Baaltarz) in Aramaic behind, M below throne, all within a circle of dots. Reverse lion bringing down bull, attacking with teeth and claws, MZDI (Mazdai) in Aramaic above, unlisted ankh symbol, wheat ear below, all within a circle of dots. Sharply struck on an excellent metal with areas of flat strikes on high points. Choice superb EF/EF. Toned, lustrous.

Ex Ponterio and Associates Sale No. 84, November 1996, lot 141. Ex Stacks Bowers and Ponterio Sale No. 172, November 2012, lot 11680. Ex Pars Coins.

The depiction of Phoenician-Canaanite god Baal on Cilician coinage suggests the preeminence of his cult in Tarsos. He is shown enthroned, most probably on Mount Zaphon. The symbols corn-ear/barley and grapes suggest Baal’s capacity as a god involved in the seasonal cycles of life and death, or a more specific reference to Cilicia’s fertile plains. The iconography of this late coinage is also a syncretic mixture of other cultures, including Greek. The treatment of the god’s body gives us a hint of the extent of influence of Hellenic culture exerted in Eastern Asia Minor long before Alexander’s conquest, and it is said that Baal could be equated with Zeus in the Greek context. After the conquest of Alexander III of the East, Mazaios was appointed governor of Babylon. The new coinage of Alexander was strongly influenced by Mazaios’ pre-Alexandrine coinage (the Zeus Aetophoros commonly found on the reverses of his tetradrachmai is a direct descendant of this). The reverse depicts the City’s Emblem and clearly has an underlying meaning now lost to us. Some say it symbolizes the victory of Day over Night, while others suggest military conquest and subjugation of the enemies by the Persian Empire. Marvin Tameanko has persuasively argued (see Celator, Jan. 1995, pp. 6-11) that the kneeling bull (without the lion) is symbolic of Zeus, as attested on scores of later Greek and Roman coins; and the lion is symbolic of the supreme god Baal of the Cilicians. This concludes the lion-over-bull motif on this coin delivers a message that is blatantly direct and simple, if the argument put forward is to be believed.
5 commentsJason T

SerapisMaximinus II Daia 309 - 313
AE - Follis (Bronce), 5.00g, 22.2mm
Cyzokus 4. officina, 311 - 312
obv. IMP C GAL VAL MAXIMINVS PF AVG
laureate head r.
rev. SOLE IN - VICTO
Sol radiate standing l. in long robe, r. raised, l. holding head of Serapis
field: Delta
exergue: MKV
RIC VI, Cyzikus 92; C.156
Scarce; good VF
from Forum Ancient Coins, ex Scott coll., thanks!
SERAPIS was a syncretic deity made of Osiris and Apis. Introduced by Ptolemaeus
as state deity. Later he was the highest deity with reminiscence of Zeus and even Christ(!). Because of that he connected Eastern, Egyptian religion with the Western world. Replaced by Christianity, after a short attempt by Julian II. 3 commentsJochen

Hercules. The Nemean lion.Antoninianus. 287-289 AD. Lugdunum. 3 off. 5 ems. Radiate, helmeted, and cuirassed bust right . IMP MAXIMIANVS AVG. / Hercules standing right, strangling lion; club thrown behind him at feet. VIRTVTI AVGG. RIC V 456.Lyon 227.
First Labor of Hercules - Nemean Lion
From Apollodorus. " When Hercules heard that, he went to Tiryns and did as he was bid by Eurystheus. First, Eurystheus ordered him to bring the skin of the Nemean lion; now that was an invulnerable beast begotten by Typhon. On his way to attack the lion he came to Cleonae and lodged at the house of a day-laborer, Molorchus; and when his host would have offered a victim in sacrifice, Hercules told him to wait for thirty days, and then, if he had returned safe from the hunt, to sacrifice to Saviour Zeus, but if he were dead, to sacrifice to him as to a hero. And having come to Nemea and tracked the lion, he first shot an arrow at him, but when he perceived that the beast was invulnerable, he heaved up his club and made after him. And when the lion took refuge in a cave with two mouths, Hercules built up the one entrance and came in upon the beast through the other, and putting his arm round its neck held it tight till he had choked it; so laying it on his shoulders he carried it to Cleonae. And finding Molorchus on the last of the thirty days about to sacrifice the victim to him as to a dead man, he sacrificed to Saviour Zeus and brought the lion to Mycenae. Amazed at his manhood, Eurystheus forbade him thenceforth to enter the city, but ordered him to exhibit the fruits of his labours before the gates. They say, too, that in his fear he had a bronze jar made for himself to hide in under the earth, and that he sent his commands for the labours through a herald, Copreus, son of Pelops the Elean. This Copreus had killed Iphitus and fled to Mycenae, where he was purified by Eurystheus and took up his abode."

1 commentsbenito

Tyche, ZeusMaues, Drachm, Senior 3.1d
Tyche enthroned, holding torque and sceptre / Zeus Nikephoros Pekka K

Dionysos on Maroneian AR TetradrachmLate 2nd-mid 1st centuries B.C. AR Tetradrachm, 16.18g, 31mm, 12h. Schonert-Geiss-1150 (V51/R158); SNG Copenhagen-; Dewing-1296 (same as obverse die). Obverse wreathed head of young Dionysos right. Reverse Dionysos standing half left, holding grapes and narthex stalks; monogram to inner left & right. Near EF, toned, minor die wear on reverse.

Ex CNG 88 (14 Sept. 2011) lot 52. Ex CNG e-Auction 286 lot 22.

Maroneia, together with Thasos and other Thracian poleis, was famous for its excellent wine in the ancient world. Therefore, it is no wonder that that the god of wine Dionysos is so prominent on their coins.3 commentsJason T

ZeusZeus - Greek Head Deity of Mt. Olympus

Macrinus Bronze AE 27

Attribution: Varbanov I 3527,
Hristova/Jekov No.8.23.1.8,
Nicopolis ad Istrum, Moesia Inferior mint
Date: AD 217-218
Obverse: AUT K M OPELLI
CEUH MAKRINOC, laureate
head r.
Reverse: Y Π CTATI Λ ON Γ INOY
NIKO Π O Λ IT Ω N Π , Zeus
seated l., scepter in l., patera in r.; POC ICT in exergue
(reverse legend refers to Consular
Legate (Governor) Statius Longinus)
Size: 25.2 mm
Weight: 8.6 grams
Noah

Hermes - Uncertain Dynast of Lycia AR diobolUncertain Dynast of Lycia (possibly Tlos or Patara). Circa 450-430 BC. AR Diobol (1.11 gm). Helmeted head of Athena right / Head of Hermes right, wearing winged petasos; caduceus before, diskeles behind. Both Tlos and Patara struck coins with similar designs; this coin though lacks any identifying inscription. Greater similarities with Patara examples than Tlos.

SNG von Aulock 4196 var. (no caduceus of diskeles); Traité pl. ci, 21 var. (same). Ex CNG Triton IV (5 December 2000), lot 284. Ponterio & Assoc. Sale #134 (22 April 2005), lot 1445.

Posted by cogito.

Providentia DeorumLucius Verus, Co-Emperor AD 161 - 169
AR - Denar, 3.59g
obv. IMP L AVREL VERVS AVG
bare head r.
rev. PROV DEOR TRP COS II
Providentia standing l., holding globe and cornucopiae
RIC II, 463; C.144
nice EF

PROVIDENTIA, foreseeing, especially of the emperor, a so-called emperor's virtue in the emperor's cult. 'Monarchy, in fact, is Providence', Charlesworth. As legend it appears first under Tiberius, showing the Altar of Providence. Under Hadrian the idea of PROVIDENTIA DEORUM (Divine Providence) begins to be symbolized as the foresight of the gods.2 commentsJochen

Juno Lucina, the protectress of midwives and childbirth.Lucilla, wife of Lucius Verus, sister of Commodus. Augusta, 164-182/3 CE.
AR denarius (18mm, 3.24g), Rome mint, 166 CE.
Obv: LVCILLAE AVG ANTONINI AVG F, Bare-headed and draped bust right.
Rev: IVNONI LVCINAE, Juno standing. l., holding baby in swaddling clothes in left arm.
RIC-771, Sear-5485, BMC-313, Cohen-38.

Lucina is the Roman name for the Greek goddess, Eileithyia, who was the protectress of midwives and who assisted during birth. She was later identified with Hera or Artemis. On Roman coins, Lucina is identified as an aspect of the goddess Juno associated with light and childbirth, during which she eased the pain and made sure all went well. Coins portraying Lucina may commemorate a birth in the Imperial family or that the help of the goddess had been invoked. She is usually portrayed with or holding children. A variety of objects may accompany her, sometimes a patera and scepter--attributes of Juno--or more commonly, a flower.1 comments

LiberalitasPhilipp I Arabs 244 - 249
AR - Antoninian, 5.4g, 23mm
Rome AD 244-247
obv. IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
bust draped and cuirassed, radiate head r.
rev. LIBERALITAS AVGG II
Liberalitas standing l., holding abacus and cornucopiae
RIC IV/3, 38(b); C.87
nice EF

LIBERALITAS, liberality, the personification of generosity.
The so-called ABACUS is a misattribution! Really it is a kind of shovel with depressions on its surface, designed to pick up from a bag the correct number of coins when a distribution of money was being made, the 'largitio', largesse; here the second largesse of the emperor.1 commentsJochen

MarsyasL. Censorinus, gens Marcia
AR - Denar, 3.68g, 24.17mm
Rome 82 BC
obv. (no legend)
bust of Apollo, laureate, r.
rev. L. CENSOR
Marsyas walking l., gazing upwards, raising r. Hand, with wineskin above
shoulder; tall column behind, surmounted by a draped figure (Minerva?)
Crawf. 363/1d; Syd. 737; Marcia 24
gVF/nEF

Marsyas was a Silen who found the flute which Athene had invented some times before. But when Athene saw in a mirror how awful her face was looking when playing the flute, she throw it away with a curse. Marsyas then learned to play the flute better as everyone else so that he challenged Apollo to a contest. The Muses should be the arbiters. But in this contest Apollo outsmarts Marsyas by singing to the cithara what Marsyas was not able to do with his flute. So he lost the contest and Apollo hung him up in a tree and let him skinned by a Skyth alive. His blood or the tears of the Muses then became the river Marsyas.
(Ovid, Metamorphoses, lib.VI, 382-400)1 commentsJochen

Zeus on Kassander AR TetradrachmCirca 317-315 B.C. AR Tetradrachm in the name and types of Philip II, 14.31g. Pella Mint. Le Rider-531 (D281/R436), SNG ANS-450 (same dies). Obverse laureate head of Zeus right. Reverse ΦIΛIΠ-ΠOY nude youth, holding palm frond and reins, on horseback right; coiled serpent below, Boeotian shield below foreleg. EF, lightly toned, some die wear on obverse, die break and die shift on reverse. Attractive style.

Ex CNG1 commentsJason T

Venus CaelestisJulia Soaemias, killed 222, mother of Elagabal
AR - Denar, 3.50g, 18mm
Rome 218 - 222
obv. IVLIA SOAEMIAS AVG
draped bust r.
rev. VENVS CAELESTIS
Venus sitting l., holding l. sceptre and r. apple; at her feet
Cupido stretching his arms
RIC iv, 243; C.14
about VF, slighty toned

VENVS CAELESTIS, on some coins of the Severan empresses,
an adaptation of a Syrian goddess (Dea Syria, not Dea Celestis!),
brought to Rome by these eastern princesses. Jochen

ConcordiaJulia Paula, Augusta AD 219, 1. wife of Elagabal
AR - Denar, 2.95g, 19mm
Rome AD 219
Av.: IVLIA PAVLA AVG
draped bust, diademed head r.
Rv.: CONCORDIA
Concordia draped sitting l. on throne, holding patera r. and resting l. arm on
back of throne.
star in l. field
RIC IV/2, 211; C.6; BMCR.172
Scarce; good VF

CONCORDIA, like the Greek Homonoia, but in a more political sense. 121 BC after the war against the Gracchi a great Concordia temple was built on the Forum where the Senatus often assembled. Together with Providentia, Fides and some others a numen with big importness for the genus humanum and therefore assumed as divine. She was one of the most worshipped deities in Rome.
Jochen

FelicitasJulia Mamaea, died 235, mother of Severus Alexander
AR - Denar, 3.22g, 19mm
Rome AD 230
obv. IVLIA MA - MAEA AVG
draped bust, diademed head r.
rev. FELICITAS - PVBLICA
Felicitas sitting l., holding caduceus l. and cornucopiae r.,
l. foot on footstool

FELICITAS, personification of 'happiness' in the sense of prosperity and
success, here of the state (PVBLICA)
1 Caduceus, herald's staff, originally carried by Mercury, later decorated
at the top with a pair of serpents and often winged. Suggesting peace,
stability and concord
2 Cornucopiae, 'horns of plenty', overflowing with fruits and ears of grain,
a motif borrowed from Greek art, symbol of prosperty (brought to the people by
the emperor) 1 commentsJochen

PudicitiaJulia Maesa died 223, grandmother of Elagabal and Severus Alexander
AR - Denar, 2.92g, 17mm
Rome 218 - 220
obv. IVLIA MAESA AVG
draped bust, bare head r.
rev. PVDICITIA
Pudicitia seated l. on throne, holding sceptre l., lifting veil with r.
RIC IV, Elagabal 268; C.36; BMCR. 76
about EF

PUDICITIA, 'modesty, chastity', a virtue first represented on a denar of Plotina AD 112. It may be assumed that this was a new cult in honor of Plotina. She is a virtue only associated to empresses. Indicates modesty by covering herself with a veil.Jochen

Venus GenetrixJulia Domna, died AD 217(?), wife of Septimius Severus
AR - Antoninianus, 4.89g, 21mm
Rome AD 216
obv.: IVLIA PIA - FELIX AVG
draped bust on crescent, diademed head r.
rev.: VENVS GENETRIX
Venus sitting l. on throne, holding long sceptre l. and extending r. hand
RIC IV/1, Caracalla 388(a); C.211; BMCR.434
Scarce; about VF

VENUS GENETRIX. After the defeat at the Trasumenian lake AD 217 under Q.Fabius Maximus begin of the mythos of the troian origin of the Romans as anti-karthag.-pro-greek propaganda. Getting political importness in the 1st century BC as Aeneadum Genetrix and so becoming mother of the Gens Iulia and the Roman People. V.Genetrix first used by Sulla, then at the height by Caesar, reflected in Vergil's Aeneis. 1 commentsJochen

ApisJulian II the philosopher 360 - 363, nephew of Constantin I
AE - Maiorina, 7.30g, 25mm
Thessalonica 1. officina, summer 361 - June 26. 363
obv. DN FL CL IVLI - ANVS PF AVG
bust draped and cuirassed, pearl-diademed head r.
rev. SECVRITA[S R]EI PVB
diademed bull r., head facing, two stars above
exergue: TESA between palmbranchs
RIC VIII, Thessalonica 225; C.38
Rare; good F

APIS, holy bull of Memphis/Egypt, herald of god Ptah, making oracles in the name of the god. Each new bull should have a white triangle on the forehead or a moon-like spot at the sides. After his death buried as Osiris-Apis, from which the Serapis cult developed. Julian II has renewed this cult. For a new interpretation of the bull see the remarks in 'Jochen's Folles' to Julian II RIC VIII, 163! Jochen

JesusJesus Christ - the incarnate son of the living God according to the Christians; a rebellious and blasphemous troublemaker according to the Jewish authorities; and the leader of an annoying cult in Judea according to the Romans.

Silver Grosh, 1331 to 1355 AD, Europe: The obverse (front) of this coin is JESUS CHRIST wearing a halo. The reverse scene is Ivan Alexander and his co-ruler Michael Asen (died in 1355).

Noah

Isis on an Alexandrian diobol of GalbaAlexandria, AE diobol of Galba, year 2 (= 68-69 AD), Isis bust r.
Emmett 179(2), Geissen 241-242, BMC 202-203.
Not a tremendously rare coin, or in spectacularly good condition, but a portrait of a real, strong-minded young person, who seems to say "hello" to me every time I hold the coin.
- BritannicusBritannicus

Providentia, Marcus Aurelius Silver DenariusMarcus Aurelius (7 Mar 161 - 17 Mar 180 CE), Silver Denarius, RIC III 170, RSC II 881, BMCRE IV 439, Hunter II 37, Cohen III 881, SRCV II -, EF, sharply struck, beautifully toned, radiating flow lines on the obverse, reverse slightly off-centre with some weakness in legends and scattered light porosity, closed flan crack, plain edge, weight 3.25g, composition Ag, diameter 19.0×18.0mm, thickness 3.13mm, die axis 180°, Rome mint, Dec 166 - Dec 167 CE; obverse M ANTONINVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX, laureate head right; reverse TR P [X]XI•IMP IIII COS [III], Providentia, draped, standing half-left, wand over globe in right hand, long sceptre vertical in left; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (3 Dec 2022); ex Dipl.-Ing. Adrian Lang Collection, Part II, Leu Numismatik web auction 21 (19 Jul 2022), lot 4265; ex Peus 378 (28 Apr 2004), lot 658; £375.00.

Providentia is most often depicted clothed in a matron’s gown, holding a cornucopia or long sceptre in her left hand and in her right a short wand, which she points to a globe. She holds this globe in her right hand or it lies at her feet. The type is intended to mark the power and wisdom of the emperor, who ruled the Roman world.

Providentia is the personification of the ability to foresee and to make provision for the future. This ability was considered essential for the emperor and providentia was among the embodiments of virtues that were part of the imperial cult. Cicero said that providentia, memoria (memory) and intellegentia (understanding) are the three main components of prudentia, the knowledge what is good or bad or neither.1 commentsSerendipity

PIETAS, Trajan, 98-117 AD DenariusStruck 107 AD
Ag 3,0 g.
OBV: IMP. TRAIANO. AVG. GER. DAC. P. M.TR. P. COS. VI. P. P.
Laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder
REV: S. P. Q. R. OPTIMO. PRINCIPI PIET
Pietas standing left holding sceptre and dropping inscense into lighted altar

HerculesIMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG - Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right
VIRTVTI AVGVSTI - Hercules, naked, standing right, right hand on hip, left hand on club resting on rock, lion-skin beside club
jimwho523

PIETAS, HerenniaAR denarius. 108 BC. 3,87 grs. Diademed head of Pietas,with necklace,right. PIETAS ( AT in monogram) behind / Amphinomus carrying his father aloft right, who looks back. M. HERENNI behind. Control letter E before.
Herennia 1a. Cra 308/1b.

The reverse of this coin shows the iconography of the saga of the Catanean brothers in Sicily.
As Pausanias writes ( X.28.4.) " The ancients charished their parents highly as you can see in Katane by the so-called "pious", who when the fire from the Mt. Aitna was flowing onto Katane gold and silver regarded for nothing but escaped one carrying his mother, the other his father. Because they advanced only badly the fire reached them with its flames, and because even then they didn't set down their parents, the fire-stream is said to have split in two parts and the fire flowed around the youth and their parents without causing harm to them. Therefore they were worshipped until now by the Katanaians."
benito

Athena, Herennia Etruscilla, Potin Tetradrachm, Alexandria, Milne 3818Herennia Etruscilla
Augusta, 249-251 A.D.

Coin: Potin Tetradrachm

Obverse: ЄP KOVΠ AITPOVCKIΛΛA CЄ, draped bust facing right, wearing a Stephane.
Reverse: Athena, standing, facing to the left, holding a Spear with her left hand and looking at Nike, whom she holds in her right hand. A Shield to the left. L - B across the fields.

Weight: 13.43 g, Diameter: 21 x 22 x 4.4 mm, Die axis: 330°, Mint: Alexandria, Year: 2 (LB, 251 A.D.), Reference: Milne 3818

Rated Rare1 commentsConstantine IV

Herakles plus Zeus Aetophoros accompanied by HeliosHerakles on the obverse with Zeus seated with his eagle (Zeus Aetophoros) on the reverse was the standard reverse typology of Alexander the Great and his immediate successors (the Diadochi). On this coin of Babylon the image of Zeus Aetophoros is accompanied by an image of Helios in the left field. Three gods for the price of one!

Further background http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-608923 comments

SecuritasHelena, died AD 328, mother of Constantin I
AE - AE3, 2.96g, 17mm
Cyzikus 2. officina, AD 325/6
obv. FL HELENA - AVGVSTA
bust draped, with necklace, pearl-diademed head r.
rev. SECVRITAS - REI PVBLICE
Securitas draped, diademed, standing l., with r. hand holding down a branch,
with l. raising her robe
exergue: SMK[B] dot
RIC VII, Cyzicus 39; cf. C.39; LRBC.1177
R2; uncirculated, partially silvered

SECURITAS, security, connected with the ideas of Peace and Victory. Sometimes depicted as leaning on a column (meaning security for itself). Here providing security for the empire.1 commentsJochen

Tellus, goddess of the earthorichalcum sestertius (24.0g, 33mm, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 137-138.
HADRIANVS [-] AVG COS III P P laureate head of Hadian facing right
TELLVS STABIL / S C [below] Woman reclining left leaning with her left elbow on a basket filled with fruits and vegetables, right hand resting on a globe.
RIC 971f (scarce); Cohen 1432; Foss (Roman Historical Coins) 121/126

Issued on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the reign in AD 137, with the Earth Goddess Tellus symbolising the stability of the world (Tellus stabilita) under Roman rule.2 commentsCharles S

Hades, HadrianHadrian. (117-138 AD). Silver cistophoric tetradrachm (11.35 gm). Lydia, Sardes. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS P P, head bare right / COS III, Hades standing left in quadriga of horses leaping right, carrying away protesting Persephone and holding scepter and reins in left hand.2 commentsROMA

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