This is a list of Common Inscriptions found on Roman coins.
.A.
A A A F F --- Viri Auro Argento Aere Flando Feriundo, or The Men for Striking and Casting gold, silver, and bronze.
ABVNDANTIA --- The personification of abundance. Attributes:
cornucopia, grain stalks.
ADSERTOR
LIBERTAS --- Restorer of Liberty.
ADLOCVTO --- A speech made by the emperor to his army, or Praetorian Guard, on a notable occasion such as the initiation of a military campaign.
ADVENTVS, ADVENT --- Arrival. Commemorates the return, or arrival of an emperor.
ADVENTVI AVG FELICISSIMO --- Felicitations of the Roman people upon the return of the emperor.
AEDIS, AED --- Temple or shrine.
AEGYPTOS --- The personification of
Egypt.
AEQVITAS,
AEQVIT --- The personification of equity. Atributes:
cornucopia, balance-scales,
scepter.
AETERNAE,
AETERNITAS, AETERN --- The personification of stability,drawn from the concept of eternity. Attributes: globe,
phoenix, torch,
scepter; sometimes depicted holding the heads of the sun and moon.
AETERNAE MEMORIAE --- Eternal remembrance.
AFRICA --- The personification of
North African Provinces. (modern day
Libya and Tunisia)
ALAMANNIA --- The personification of the Germanic tribe, the Alans.
AMOR --- Love.
ANCILE --- One of twelve sacred shields which fell from heaven. These shields were beaten to awaken
Mars when war was declared.
ANNONA --- The goddess of the wheat harvest, and the deity over-seeing the grain imports from
Africa. Attributes: grain stalks, prow
modius,
cornucopia.
ANNONA AVGVSTI --- Provisions from the emperor.
ANNONA AVGVSTI CERES --- Provisions from the Majestic
Ceres, the Hellenistic goddess of grain.
APOLLO, APOL, APOLLONI --- The Hellenistic sun god; also
patron of the arts and prophecy. Attributes: long hair, naked,
lyre, bow and arrow. (
APOLLONI SANCTO, Holy
Apollo.)
AR AD ---
Arabia Adiabenius.
ARA PACIS --- the
Altar of Pax.
ARMENIA --- a country
north of
Persia.
ASIA --- The personification of the province of
Asia, or modern Turkey.
AVG,
AVGG,
AVGGG;
AVGVSTI, AVGVSTO or
AVGVSTVS --- The title "Augustus", usually abbreviated, is often found on
reverse legends when refering to an attribute of an emperor.An emperor's titular
honor is
AVGVSTVS (nominative, masculine); or
AVGVSTA (feminine). If the
inscription is dedicated to the emperor, or relates an
honor given to an emperor, it would take the form AVGVSTO (to
Augustus; or plural AVGVSTIS). When the title is used with a personalized attribuet like glory, it would take the form
GLORIA AVGVSTI (glory of the emperor). During the Imperial era, especially under the
tetrarchy, the pluralgenitive form AVGVSTORVM (of the emperors), is encountered. In abbreviated forms, the last "G" is repeated to refer to the other legitimate rulers bearing the title of
Augustus at the same time. Each "G" refers to one of the emperors. (i.e.
AVGG on a
Trajan Decius coin would be refering to
Trajan Decuis as the first "G", and
Herennius Etruscus,(his son) as the second "G") .
.B.
BEATA TRANQVILLITAS, BEATA TRANQLITAS --- "Blessed calm". Refers to the stability under the rule of
Constantine I.
BIGA --- Chariot with two beasts.
BONI, BONVS, BONA, BONO ---
Good, noble, kind, honest.
BONO GENIO
PII IMPERATORIS --- The
good genius of the emperor.
BONVS EVENTVS --- An
Italic god of agriculture. and later used as a personification of
good news. Depicted pouring libations from
patera over an
altar, and holding a
cornucopia.
BRITANNIA --- The personification of the British Province. Depicted as a female sitting on a rock, holding a spear and resting arm on
shield.
Antoninus Pius issued a set of bronze
sestertius coins in
Rome to be circulated in Britian.
.C.
CADUCEUS --- A winged staff entwined with snakes. Served as a symbol for safety, speed, and was assiciated with a hearld.
CAELESTIS --- Celestial, or from the heavens. Divinity.
CAES,
CAESAR --- This was the
gens name of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and later adopted as the title for heir-apperent to the Imperial rank. Then under the
tetrarchy, this title was designated to a junoir emperor. Some adopted this title to gain prestige and legitimacy (
Otho). If there were two or more caesars at one time then the
legend would reflect this by adding another "S" for each additional
caesar. (CAESS would indicate two caesars).
CALRITAS REIPVB --- Brightness of the Republic.
CALVMNIA --- false accusation or claim.
CAPPADOCIA --- The personification of
Cappadocia, in centeral
Asia Minor.
CAPTA --- Conquered. This was used in the first and second centuries by soldier emperors to commemorate the conquest of new territories. The cooin would have either the allergorical image for that province bound and abjected, or a military
trophy. The
legend usually included the name of the province with the feminine verb of "capio" (to seize) as CAPTA. (i.e. AEGYPTO CAPTA,
DACIA CAPTA, etc....)
CARITAS --- Affection or liking to.
CARITAS MVLTA
AVGG --- Great relations and affection by two emperors (
AVGG = two,
AVGGG = three).
*An exeption to this rule was the relations between
Pupienus and his co-emperor Baibinus. who didn't get along too well.
CARTHAGE --- The personification of
Carthage.
CASTRORVM --- military
fort or camp.
CENS,
CENSOR --- A temporary official duty which entailed a commision to determine the composition of the Senate. Eligibility requirements included wealth, property and moral character. With this the emperor could purify the Senate to his advantage and liking.
CERERI
FRUGIF --- The fruit bearing
Ceres.
CERES --- The Hellenistic goddess of grain (Demeter). Depicted on bronze/brass coins to suggest a plentiful food supply to the masses. Attributes: holds grain, torch, and veiled
headCIPPUS --- A stone pillar,
engraved with Imperial and Senetorial proclamations, set in public places or beside roads.
CIVITATIBVS
ASIAE RESTITVT --- Citizen rights/ Citizenship
Restored in
Asia Minor.
CLEMENTIA,CLEM --- The personification of clemency or mercy. In the first and second centuries most types were sponsored by the Senate and may refer to the emperors pardoning of a distinguished Senator accused of sedition or treason. Attributes: olive branch.
COLLEGIA SACREDOTVM --- The college of priests that governed the observance of state religion. If an emperor or carsar (heir, prince), was not elected as
Pontifex Maximus, he was co-opted into the college. These coin types usually depict several sacred instruments pecular to the priestly office that the emperor was appointed. Typical
legend: SACERD(os) COOPT(atus) IN OMN(ia) CONL(egia) SVPRANVM(erum) EX S(enato) C(onsulto).
COLONIA BOSTRA --- Colony of
Bostra (
Arabia).
COMDITOR --- The Founder. (i.e.
ROMVLO CONDITORI, "Romulus the Founder").
COMES AVG --- Companion of an emperor. Usually refers to the deity depicted on the coin
reverse.
COMITI AVGG NN --- Retinue of emperors.
CONCORD
AEQUIT --- Concord of Equity.
CONCORDIA --- The personification of unity and agreement. Often depicted in troubled times, seeking to unite public opinion behind Imperial policy. Attributes:
cornucopia,
patera,
scepter.
CONCORDIA EXERCITVS,
CONCORDIA MILITVM --- Unity of the Army or Militia. The personification of
Concordia is depicted holding military
symbols of authority, such as two standards or
scepter.
CONGIARIUM --- Donatives of food or money made to the people of
Rome during the first and second centuries. Depicted with emperor seated in a curule chair on a platform, with several attendants handing out coins to the people.
CONIVGALIBVS --- marriage. (
DIS CONIVGALIBVS = to the deities of marriage).
CONSECRATIO ---
Apotheosis. In the first and second centuries when a popular emperor or their family member died, they were consecrated as gods. Their successors built a personality cult around the dead emperor, serving as chief priest, and often dedicating temples to the dead. In the third century this custom faded out as the Cristian era evolved. Some common types of these depict a cult item or temple of the deified emperor. Some include: a cart drawing the cult image of the deified emperor, an emperor throne, a funeral pyre, an
eagle,
altar or
peacock.
CONSENSVS --- Consensus.
CONSER VRB SVAE --- Protector of the city's customs and traditions.
Conservator of
Rome.
CONSERVAT AVG,
CONSERVATOR AVG --- Protector of the emperor. Usualy refers to Sol,
Mars and
Jupiter.
CONSTANTIA --- The personification of steadiness. If dressed in armor then the personification is of courage and firmness.
CONSTANTINOPOLIS --- The personification of the city Constantinople/Byzantium (Modern day Istanbul). The capital under Constantine and then the backbone of the Eastern Empire.
CONSTITVTO --- to set up an agreed
price.
CORNUCOPIA --- The horn of plenty. Asymbol of prosperity and fortune.
CORONA CIVICA --- The
Wreath of Civic Service, awarded by the Senate for saving the life of a Roman. Upon accession, most emperors would receive this
honor for preserving the Empire against it's enemys. This award conveyed great
honor and distinction.
COS ---
Consul. The chief executive officer under the Republic. There were two elected together to serve simultaneous, for one year. An Emperor's usurped the Consul' powers, first nominating his own clients for election,then ultimately appointing Consuls himself. Most emperors served as
Consul several times during their reign. In a coin
legend the Roman numerals after the COS refer to the number of times he has held the Consuls office.
CURULE CHAIR --- A short bench that originally served as the seat of curule aedile (the moderator of senate meetings). It became the symbol of official rank and was reserved for Consuls, Praetors and the Imperial family.
CV L --- Clupeus Virtutis, Or
shield of virtue. This refers to the golden
shield awarded to
Augustus by the Senate for his virtue, clemency, justice and dutifulness. Other emperors through
Trajan were awarded with similar shields upon accession. This award was depicted on a
shield as either
CL V or
S P Q R held by the personification of
Roma or
Victory.
CVSTOS --- The Guardian
CYBELE --- The mother of the gods, Mother earth. Also known as Magna
Mater (the Great Mother). Attributes: turreted and veiled
head, lions; often riding a lion-drawn cart. Titles: MAGNA
MATER,
MATER DEI
.D.
DACIA --- The province of
Dacia is on the lower Danube basin, including parts of Romania and Bulgaria.
DEA CAELESTIS --- The
patron deity of the city of
Carthage. Attributes:
lion, thunderbolt,
scepter, usually riding
lion.
DECVRSIO --- To laugh at or ridicule.
DEDICATIO --- Dedication to/of. (
DEDICATIO AEDIS = dedication of a temple).
DE IVDAEIS --- "With regard to Judaea".
DEO VVLCANO --- "The god Vulcan".
DESTINATO --- Determined to be assigned.
DEVICTA --- Conquered. Defeat.
DIANA,
DIANA LVCIFERA --- The Hellenistic goddess of the
hunt and the moon goddess (
Artemis); also the patroness of children. Attributes: crescent moon, torch, bow and arrow, hunting dog, stag. Titles:
LUCIFERA (light-bringer), CONSERVATRIX,
VICTRIX.
DIS GENITALIBVS --- For having children.
DISCIPLINA --- educated instruction or disciplined training. Refers to an emperors focus on an educated, or well trained armies.
DIVI F, DIVI
FILIUS,
DIVVS,
DIVO,
DIVA, DIVI --- The title "divus" means god and refers to a deified emperor or Imperial family member.
DIVVS and
DIVA are the nomative forms (masculine and feminine respectivly). These usually appear on the
legend of the dead emperor. If the issuer of the coin is the son of a "God" then the
legend DIVI (genitive form), would appear in the
legend.
DOMINOR NOSTROR CAESS Caesars our lords.
.E.
EQVESTER ORDO PRINCIPI IVVENT --- (see
Princeps Ivventvtis) .
EQVITVM, EQVIT --- Of the cavalry. In Republican times the cava;ry was drawn from the middle class, who were able to afford the horse and armor, and were thus called the
equestrian order.
EVENTVS --- Incident or occurrence.
EXERCITVS --- The Army and the Infantry. A common
reverse type under military dictators in the fourth century.
EXPED --- refers to an emperors visit to an
area or province.
EX S C --- Ex Senato Consulto, or by Senatorial Decree. Often used to refer to the award of
honor to the emperor by the Senate.
EX S C OB CIVES SERVATOS --- A decree of the Senate bestowed for having saved the lives of citizens.
.F.
FECVNDITAS --- The personification of fertility. Assosiated with bearing Imperial heirs. These often are depicted with children. (
FECVND AVGUSTAE Fertility of the empress.)
FEL TEMP REPARATIO --- The restoration of happy times. A major theme of the reformed
billon and bronze coinage in the late Constantinian dynasty. Some
reverse types include the
phoenix, a barbarian dragging a young captive from a hut, or a Roman soldier spearing a fallen horseman (Persian cavalry).
FELICITAS, FEL, FELIC, FELICISSIMO --- The personification of happiness and success. Attributes:
caduceus,
scepter, and sometimes is leaning on a
column.
FELIX --- Lucky, fortunate, and sometimes can be noted as being
wise. Also used as a title for
Venus. (
FELIX ADVENT
AVGG N N, Happy arrival of both our emperors.)
FIDEI PVBLICAE --- The faithfulness of the officials.
FIDES --- The personification of faithful protection, or fulfillment of duties.
FIDES PVBLICA --- The promise of public protection.
FIDES EXERCITVS,
FIDES MILITVM --- Faithfulness of the Army or Militia. The personification of
Fides is depicted holding military
symbols of authority, such as two standards or a
scepter.
FISCI --- money-bag, purse.
FISCI
IVDAICI CALVMNIA SVBLATA --- refers to the remission of tax imposed on the Jews by
Nerva to fund the Temple of
Jupiter Capitolinus.
FOLLIS --- A leather bag used to hold money.
FORT RED --- Fortunate return of our emperor.
FORTI FORTVNAE --- a dedication to the brave man of Fortune.
FORTVNA --- The personification of luck and fate and accorded cult status as a minor deity by some Romans. The emperors often used the
type of
Fortuna to imply that they serve as a intermediary between fate and the Empire. Attributes:
cornucopia, olive branch,
patera, rudder or a wheel.
FORTVNA REDUX,
FORT RED ---
Fortuna, who leads one back. This
type commemorates the vows an emperor made prior to departing on a hazardous journey, and then upon his safe arrival.
FRVGIFERO, FRVGIFE, FRVGIFER, FRVGIS,
FRVG --- Fruitfulness or fertile.
FRVMENTO --- Grain, crops.
FVNDATOR --- The Founder.
.G.
GALLIA --- The personification of the Gallic provinces, Gaul, France, Switzerland, and Northern Italy.
GAVDIUM POPVLI ROMANI --- Delight of the Roman Public.
GENETRICI,
GENETRIX --- Mother, or ancestress. (
VENERI GENETRICI = Mother
Venus).
GENIO ANTIOCHENI --- A dedication to the
Genius of
Antioch.
GENIO AVGVSTI --- A dedication to the
Genius of the emperors, possibly refering to the guardian spirit looking over the emperor and his family.
GENIO POP ROMANI --- A dedication to the
Genius of the Roman Public. This
type commemorates the spirit of
Rome as well as the unique character of the Roman people.
GENIO SENATVS --- A dedication to the
Genius of the Senate.
GENITALIBVS --- Birth, of creation.
GENIVS, GEN --- The personification of the guardian spirit.
GERMANIA --- The personification of Germany.
GLORIA EXERCITVS --- Glory of the Army. Common
type reverse.
GLORIA NOVI SAECVLI --- The glory of the new age.
GLORIA ROMANORVM --- Glory of the Romans.
.H.
HERCVLES, HERCVLI, HERCVL --- A great Greek hero, credited with spreading civilization, to which he became a god. Used to the liking of
Trajan,
Commodus, and
Postumus.
HILARITAS, HILAR --- The personification of cheerfulness and joy. Attributes:
Palm branch,
cornucopia,
scepter,
patera.
HISPANIA --- The personification of the Spanish Provinces.
HOC SIGNO VICTOR ERIS --- Under this sign you will be victorius. This refers to Constantine's dream of being lead into battle by an angel bearing a
cross. Thus defeating
Maxentius at the battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 A.D.
HONOS,
HONORI --- The personification of
Honor.(HONOS ET
VIRTUS,
Honor and virtue.)
.I.
III VIR A A A F F --- Tres Viri Auro Argento Aere Flando Feriundo, or The Three Men for Striking and Casting Gold, Silver and Bronze. This is the Latin title for the Republican and early Imperial board of the three
moneyers, and usually appears in conjunction of the
moneyers that issued a particular coin issue.
IMP,
IMPERI, IMPERAT,
IMPERATOR --- The Emperor or supreme military commander. In Republican times the title was used to describe successful generals. Beginning with
Julius Caesar the Roman autocrats adopted the title as a
praenomen or official rank. The Senate continued to award the title
Imperator as an honorary acclamation following major victories.
INDVLGENTIA --- The personification of tenderness. To grant, leniency or concession. be kind to. be lenient to. Accorded cult status as a minor deity by some Romans.(
INDVLGENTIA AVGG IN CARTH, Indulgence of the emperor to
Carthage.)
INVICTA --- Unconquered, in reference usually to a city or goddess.
INVICTVS, INVICTO, INVICTA --- Invincible, unconquerable. see Sol.
I O M --- a shortend version of IOVI
OPTIME MAXIME, or "Jupiter the best....".
IOVI --- The dative form of
Jupiter, used in dedicatory inscriptions. (i.e. IOVI
CVSTOS, to
Jupiter, the protector)
IOVI
CONSERVATOR AVG(G) NN ---Jupiter,
conservator of our emperor (or emperors).
IOVI EXSVP ---
Jove who excels in all things.
IOVI PROPVGNATORI ---
Jupiter the defender.
IOVI STATORI ---
Jupiter the stabilizer.
IOVI VOT
SVSC PRO SAL
CAES AVG SPQR --- Vows to
Jupiter by the senate and the Roman people for the restoration of the health of the emperor.
ISIS --- An Egyptian goddess of the underworld and the wife of
Osiris, who represented the birth and death of one year. Attributes: rattle (
sistrum), bucket.
ITALIA, ITALIAM,
ITALICA --- The personification of Italy. Usually depicted as a female figure on a globe, holding a
cornucopia and
scepter.
IVDAEA --- The personification of
Judaea.
IVDAEA DEVICTA ---
Judaea conquered.
IVN, IVVENI, IVVENTIS --- Junior, young.
IVNO, IVNONIS, IVNONI,
IVNONEM ---
Juno (
Hera), the consort of
Jupiter, and the patroness of child birth. Attributes:
peacock,
scepter,
patera. Titles: CONSERVATRIX,
LVCINA,
REGINA.
IVNO FELIX --- Happy
Juno.
IVNO LVCINA --- Goddess of light.
IVNO REGINA ---
Juno the Queen.
IVNONI MARTIALI --- The war like
Juno.
IVPPITER, IOVIS ---
Jupiter, the genitive form is Jovis. The Hellenistic father of the current generation of gods (Zeus), and the god of the skies. Often posed as the protector of the state and the emperor (IOVI
CVSTOS). Attributes: thunderbolt,
scepter,
eagle, small figure of
Victory, globe; usually depicted naked, or naked with cloak across his shoulder. Titles:
CVSTOS,
CONSERVATOR, PROPVGNATOR, TONANS (Thunder),
VICTOR.
IVSTITA --- The personification of justice. Attributes: olive branch,
patera,
scepter.
.J.
JANUS --- The
Italic deity of time and the ages. A popular Republican
Type, but
rare on Imperial coins. He was the first
king of Italy and invented civilization for which he became a god.
JANUS, TEMPLE OF --- At times of peace the temple doors are closed.
.L.
LABARUM --- A military
standard with the Chi-Rho
monogram.
LAETITIA --- The personification of joy and
good grace. Attributes:
wreath, rudder steering globe,
anchor.
LEG --- Legion.(LEG I, LEG II, LEG III - The number of the legions).
LIBER --- The Hellenistic goddess of wine (Bacchus/Dionysios). Attributes: wine cup,
thyrsos (a staff ornamented with grape leaves), crown of ivy leaves,
panther.
LIBERALITAS, LIBERAL --- The personification of generosity, and frequently, an indirect reference to a specific Imperial donative to the urban population. Attributes:
tessera,
cornucopia, or coins flowing from a
cornucopia.
LIBERTAS, LIB --- The personification of liberty. Often used by usurpers claiming to restore the liberty of the Roman Republic. Attributes:
pileus (pointed hat),
scepter.
LVDOS ---Games. Sport or entertainment.
LVNA --- An alternative manifestation of the moon goddess, as used by
Julia Domna and
Gallienus; more appropriately a personification of the moon.
.M.
MAGNAE --- great, powerful, extensive.
MAG PIVS --- Great and pious.
MARS, MARTIS --- The god of war,
spring and regeneration.
MARS (masculine), MARTIS (genative). Attributes: spear,
shield,
trophy, olive branch, crested helmet. Appears either naked or cloaked with helmet, or fully armored. Titles:
CONSERVATOR, PACIFER (holds olive branch), PROPVGNATOR,
VICTOR,
VLTOR.
MART PAC, MATI PACIF or PACIFERO ---
Mars, the pacifier.(MARTIA
CONSERVATORI Mars, the conserver.
MARTI PROPVGT,
Mars, the defender.)
MARSUPPIUM --- A bag or pouch to carry valuables or official documents.
MATER MAGNA --- see
CYBELEMATRI --- Mother, matron. (MATRI MAGNAE = mother of great power).
MAVRETANIA --- The personification of
Mauretania ( modern day Morocco and Algeria).
MERCVRY --- The Hellenistic messenger god (
Hermes). Attributes:
caduceus,
petasos (winged cap), marsuppium.
MILITVM, MILIT, MIL --- Foot soldier, military.
MINERVA --- The Roman version of the Hellenistic
Pallas Athene.
Minerva is common on Domitan coinage, who was a great soldier and general. Attributes: spear (which she usually brandishes),
shield, crested helmet,
aegis, small figure of
Victory, prow. Title:
VICTRIXMODIUS --- A measuring device used for grain. Its depiction on coins implies an abundance of food.
MONETA --- An reflection of
Juno as the patroness of money and the mother of muses.
MVLIEBRI --- Feminine, womanly. (
FORTVNAE MVLIEBRI = feminine
Fortuna).
MVNIFICENTIA --- Generosity.
MVTVVS,
MVTVA --- Mutual, or agreed upon.
.N.
NAVALIS --- of ships. (
VICTORY NAVALIS,
victory of ships).
NEMESIS --- An avenging spirit or punisher of evil. Most frequently appears to indicate the suppression of a mutiny, as in the coinage of
Claudius. Attributes:
caduceus, snake, wheel.
NEPTVNE --- The Hellenistic god of the sea (Poseidon). Attributes:
dolphin, trident, figure
head of prow, prow.
NEPTUNE REDUX,
NEP RED --- Neptune, who leads one back from the sea. Commemorates the vows an emperor makes in anticipation of a safe sea journey and a safe return journey
home. Attributes:Trident,
acrostolium.
NILVS --- refers to the Nile river. The Nile is depicted as a male figure usualy lying, legs draped, and holding a
cornucopia and reeds. Also may have a
crocodile and/or
hippopotamus.
NOBILITAS --- The personification of aristocracy. Attributes:
palladium,
scepter.
NOST, NOSTRORVM --- Of our people. (i.e.
CAESARVM NOSTRORVM, the heir apperent of our people)
.O.
OB CIVES SERVATOS,
OB C S --- In return for civic service. This refers to the award of the Corona Civica (see CORONA CIVICA).
OBSEQVENS --- yield to with compliance, (
FORTVNA OBSEQVENS = compliant Fortune).
OPI --- the personification of power, might and influence. Usually depicted as a woman holding a
scepter and her
head resting on her hand.
OPS --- The ancient
Italic goddess of abundance and wealth. Attributes: grain stalks,
scepter.
OPTIMO ---
good, honest, brave, noble.
OPTIMO PRINCIPI --- honest, brave and noble leader.
ORIENS AVG ---
Oriens is the name of Sol when he is assosiated with the sun. This implies rising fortune for the emperor and thus the Empire.
.P.
PACATOR ORBIS --- Pacifier of the world.
PACE PR
UBIQ PARTA IANUM CLUSIT --- Portal of
Janus being closed (indicates peace).
PACE PR
TERRA MARIQ PARTA IANVM CLVSIT --- Refers to the closing of the doors of the
temple of Janus, to symbolize world peace. ?
PACI AVGUSTAE --- The peace of the emperor.(an emperors personal vision of "Imperial Stability").
PACIFER --- Peace maker.
PALLADIUM --- The cult image of
Minerva (
Pallas Athene).
PANNONIAE --- The personification, depicted as two women, of the province
Pannonia. The province was along the Mid Danube basin and included parts of Yugoslavia.
Pannonia produced several emperors in the third century.
PARAZONIUM --- A short sword in its sheath.
PARTHICO --- Refers to the
Parthians. (a country south of the Caspian Sea).
PATERA --- A
bowl used to pour libations.
PATER PATRIAE, P P --- The father of the country. This honorary title was immensely lofty, the title granted to most emperors by the Senate. Most took the title upon succession, some waited modestly to accept the title (
Nero,
Hadrian).
Tiberius refused the title altogether.
PATIENTIA --- the personification of patience, endurance, suffering.
PAX --- The personification of peace. Attributes: olive branch,
scepter,
cornucopia,
caduceus.
PAX FVNDATA CVM PERSIS --- Firm peace with the Persians.
PAX ORBIS TERRARVM --- Peace of the entire world.
PERP, PERPETVITAS,PERPETVAE, PERPETVVS --- Perpetuity, perpetual. May refer to the life of an emperor,
PERP AVG.
PIETAS, PIETATI, PIET --- The personification of devotion to the gods, one's duties and the emperor. Usually depicted as veiled, and sacrificing from a
patera over an
altar.
PIETAS MVTVA AVG --- The mutual piety of the two
Augusti.
PILEUS --- The conical cap assosiated with liberty.
PIO --- Appease, or propitiate.
PLEBEI --- Common people, or lower class.
PLEBEI
VRBANAE FRVMENTO CONSTITVTO --- refers to a free dole of grain given to each citizen of
Rome in 97 A.D. under
Nerva.
PONTIF MAXIM ---
Pontifex Maximus. The chief of the board of fifteen priests who directed the Roman State religion. Many emperors held this office and coins frequently refer to it soon after an emperor has been elected. Some of the typical instruments found on these coins are: an
apex (conical cap), the
aspergillum (used to sprinkle water over an
altar ond/or victim), the
lituus (staff), the praeferculum (held wine for libations),
secespita (knife), the
securis (an axe for quartering the victim), and a simplum (wine serving ladle).
POPVL IVSSV --- By the order of the Roman people.
POTESTATEM --- the ability to rule with power and force.
PRAETOR, PRAE --- Leader, or in front of.
PRAETORIANORVM --- of the Praetorian Guard.
PRINCEPS IVVENTUTIS,
PRINC IVVENT --- First among the young men. A Republican title for the leader of the
equestrian portion of the Militia, drawn from the middle class, to be able to afford a horse and armor. In the Imperial era this title was normally bestowed by the
Equestrian order to imply that the holder was of middle class. Also given to heirs apparent to the Imperial rank. The
reverse usually depicted the awarded "Princeps Iuventis" on a
shield.
PRINCEPS --- Prince. A title for the emperor in the late Imperial period.
PRINCIPI --- leader, or first man.
PROFECTIO --- Departure. Commemorates the departure of the emperor.
PROPAGO --- Posterity or propagate.
PROPVGNATOR,
PROPVGNATORI --- The Defender.
PROV DEOR, PROVID
DEOR,
PROVIDENTIA DEORVM --- Forsight of the gods.
PROVIDENTIA, PROVID,PROVI, PRO --- The personification of foresight. (
PROVIDENTIAE CAESS, Foresight of the Caesars.) Attributes: baton, globe.
PVBLICA, PVBLICAE, PVB --- Belonging to the people. Also can indicate a state official.
PVDICITIA --- The personification of modest virtue, or chastity. Frequently used on the coins of emperesses.
.Q.
QVADRAGENS REMISSA S C ---
Gentiles remit, refers to the remission of the customs duty in Gaul and
Hispania under
Nero, and to the proscription of Nero's finance officials.
QVADRIGA --- A chariot drawn by four beasts.
QVIES --- the personification of retirement and rest. Depicted standing holding branch and
scepter.
QVIRITIVM --- Citizens of
Rome, collectively in their peacetime functions.
.R.
RAVENNA --- The personification of Ravenna, which was usually the capital for the Western Empire from the time of
Honorius.
RECTOR ORBIS --- Restorer of the World. A common
type of
Probus and
Aurelian.
REDACTAE --- to drive back, or reduce.
REDUX --- Coming back, returning.
REDVCI --- Leading back, returning.
REGI ARTIS --- The Art of Leadership. (
Claudius Gothicus)
REGINA --- "Queen". (
IVNO REGINA = Queen
Juno).
REGNA ADSIGNATA --- "the Kingdoms Alloted".
RELIG
VETERA H S
NOVIES MILL ABOLITA --- Refers to the liberality of
Hadrian in remitting debts.
REPARATIO REIPVB --- Restoration of the Republic.
REQVIES --- Rest (from labor), Retire.
RESTITVT SAECVIL --- Restoration of the spirit age.
RESTITVTAS
ORBIS --- Restoration of the World.
RESTITVTOR EXERCIT --- Restorer of the Army.
RESTITVTOR AFRICAE ---
Restitutor or ruler of
Africa.
RESTITVTOR ORBIS ---
Restitutor or ruler of the world.
RESTITUTOR VRBIS --- Restittutor or ruler of the city (
Rome).
RESVRGES --- Resurgent (i.e.
ROMA RESVRGES, resurgent
Rome).
ROM ET AVG --- A cult of
Roma and
Augustus, worshipped almost exclusively in the Provinces. This cult is reffered to on the popular
altar reverse asses of
Lugdunum (
Augustus and
Tiberius).
ROMA --- The goddess of the city of
Rome as well as the personification of
Rome. Depicted as wearing armor and holding a small figure of
Victory.
ROMAE AETERNAE, ROMAE AETERINITAS --- (Dictated as) to Eternal
Rome.
ROMANORVM --- of the Romans (i.e.
GAVDIVM ROMANORVM, Delight of the Romans)
ROMA PERPETVA --- Everlasting
RomeROMA RENA,
ROMA RENASCENS --- Revived or renewed
Rome.
ROMVLO CONDITORI --- "Romulus the founder".
.S.
SACERDOS --- Priest (or priestess). Mostly refers to the issuer of the coin was a priest of the divine. (also see
CONSECRATIO).
SACRA --- Sacrafice, or to make sacred.
SAEC, SAECVLI, SAECVLO, SAECVLARES --- The passing of a human generation which was celebrated with music, dance and festivals. Some of the participating emperors were
Augustus,
Claudius, Domitan and
Septimius Severus. Some
reverse types include: sacrifices, sellisternia (feast), a stone pilar (
cippus), or later , the games (gladiator, animal sacrificing, etc..) . (FELIC
SAEC = happiness of the era, or age).
SAECVLARES --- Refers to the Saecular games. Some
reverse types include
animals that were displayed, and then slaughtered during the games. Some
animals include the
lion, gazelle, antelope, stag, goat, or a she-wolf.
SAECVLI FELICITAS --- The Era of Prosperity.
SAECVLVM FRVGIFERVM --- A personification of the fruitful age, or Golden age.
SALVATOR REIPVLICAE --- Savior of the Republic.
SALVS,
SALVTARIS, SALVTI --- The goddess of health and safety. On the basis from an old
Italic custom of pleasing the gods by sacrificing a virgin to the sacred snakes.
Salus usually appears on a coin after suppression of a coup against the emperor, or when an emperor recovers from an illness. Attributes: sacrificing to snake from
patera. The snake is usually rising from the
altar or being held in arms.
SALVS GENERIS (GEN) HVMANI --- Salvation to human kind.
SANCTO --- Holy or sacred. (
APOLLONI SANCTO = Holy
Apollo).
SAPIENTIA PRINCIPIS --- The Wisdom of our Prince.
SARMATIA --- The personification of
Sarmatia, which is located partly in moderm Russia and Poland. This tribe raided the Empire frequently in the fourth century.
S C ---
Senatus Consulto. By Senatorial Decree.
SECVRITAS --- The personification of freedom from danger. Usually issued after the suppresion of a plot against an emperor, or after repelling a foriegn incursion.
SEGENTIA --- The Roman goddess of the ripening of wheat, or crops.
SELLESTERNIVM --- A ritualistic faest heald in
honor of the gods, and to try and charm them into clemency. Usually issued after a great disaster, plague, or some terrible moment in time.
SENATVS --- Senate.
SERVATOS --- Guard or protect.
SICILIA -- To be scilent, or not speak about.
SIDERIBVS RECEPTA --- "Received by the stars".
Reverse usually depicting
Diana Lucifera holding a torch.
Diana lit the way for the dead to journey to their new
home in the heavens and stars.
SOL, SOL INVICTVS --- Originally the personification of the sun (
Helios), then later became a kind of vague status as a deity.
Aurelian founded the Temple of Sol Invictus and used this cult as a spiritual model for the
recovery of the Empire that was in recovery from the anarchy. A festival was held for Sol on his birthday, December 25, which was later co-opted by the Christians as Christmas Day. Attributes:
radiate crown, globe, whip, is depicted naked with cloak. Titles:
COMES, INVICTVS,
ORIENS.
SOLI INVICTO COMITI --- (dedicated as) to his companion (emperor), the unconquered Sol.
SOSPITATORI --- to defend or preserve.
SPES --- The personification of
hope, or imminent
good. Attributes: holds flower, lifts her robe as she walks.
SPES PVBLICA --- Hope of the Public.
SPES REPVBLICAE --- Hope of the Republic.
S P Q R ---
Senatus Populusque Romanus, or The Senate and the People of
Rome. This was a
standard legend for expressing the authority on Senatorial decrees. On coins it was used to emphasize the importance of the
honor that was awarded to an emperor. Usually depicted
engraved upon a
shield (Honorary
Shield of Virtue, see
CL V , Clupeus Virtutis).
SVBLATA --- to take away or remove. Steal
.T.
TELLVS STABIL --- "The stable world". Tellus was an allegrical figure of the world, or mother earth.
TEMP, TEMPORVM --- of the Times (i.e.
FELICITAS TEMPORVM, prosperity or happiness of the Times).
TEMPVLM, TEMPL --- Temple. ( TEMPVLM DIV AVG REST = Temple for the God
Augustus himself).
TERRARVM --- of the World
TESSERA --- A cubic tablet mounted on a
handle.
TOGA,
TOGATE --- The
Toga was the mantle or outer garment of a Roman citizen. Special designs were reserved for those who served on the Senate or
Consul. On a coin the emperor is usually refering to his Consular rank.
TR P,
TRI POT --- Tribunicia Potestas, or Tribunician Powers. This refers to the Republican office of the Peoples' Tribune, an official elected to see to the political needs of the Plebeians. This position had the power to veto power over the Senatorial Decrees, so the emperor (until the
tetrarchy), found that holding this title would be to his advantage. This was a one year term, and on the
anniversary of his acclamation, he would have his powers formally renewed. The Roman numerals appearing after his title refers to the number of times he has held the office, and to include the year. This becomes useful when trying to date a coin. (i.e.
TR P VI, means the sixth year of an emperors reign).
TRANQVILLITAS, TRANQ --- The personification of tranquillity. Attributes: holds rudder and grain ears.
TRES GALLIAE --- The three regions of Gaul. Aquicania, Lugdunsis and
Narbonensis.
TRIVMFATOR GENTIVM BARB(arorum) --- Triumphant over the barbarian tribes.
TROPAEA --- A Roman military
trophy was constructed from the arms and armor of a vanquished enemy, set up to put fear into the enemy so they do not return. (looks like a scare crow)
TVTATORI --- Guard, defend or protect against.
.V.
VBIQVE --- Everywhere, anywhere. (
VBIQVE PAX = peace everywhere)
VENVS, VENERI, VENERIS ---The Hellenistic goddess of love and beauty (Aphrodite). She was the
patron goddess of
Julius Caesar and then the Julian line (
Venus Genetrix). (VENERIS is the genative form) Attributes:
apple, small figure of
Victory. Titles: CAELESTIS (of the skies),
FELIX,
GENETRIX,
VICTRIX.
VESTA --- The goddess of public hearth (
Hestia). She was attended by twenty priestesses, the
Vestal Virgins, who ensured that the fire on her
altar would burn for eternity. The ancient Roman religion revolver around the belief in tutelary spirits that protected each house or hearth. The
head of the house (
pater familias), were to tend to the spirits that protected the house.
Vesta was the greatest of these spirits and looked after the entire population. Emoerors used this cult figure of
Vesta as a patriotic allusion to their role as the
patron of the state (
pater patriae) as well as the
Pontifex Maximus. Attributes:
patera and
scepter, simplum,
palladium. Titles:
MATER, SANCTA.
VICTOR --- The
victor (not the personification of
Victory). Usually refers to the agent OF
victory such as
MARS VICTOR.
VICTORIA --- The Hellenistic goddess of
Victory (
Nike). Frequently appears as an attribute to other deities, such as
Roma,
Jupiter and
Venus. Attributes:
wreath, wings.
VICTORIA OTHONIS ---
Victory of
Otho. Minted to pay troops during his campaign against
Vitellius.
VICTORIAE LAETE
PRINC PERP --- Joyful victories of the long lived princes.
VICTRIX --- Conqueror.
VIRTVS --- The personification of manliness, courage and virtue. Frequently appears in armor, thus stressing the military values of the emperor.
VIRTVS EXERCITVS --- The virtue of the Army.
VLTOR --- The Avenger.
VNDIQVE VICTORES ---
Victory on all fronts (undique, means from all sides).
VOLCANO, VVLCAN --- The Hellenistic goddess of iron, fire and wepons (Hephaistos). Attributes: hammer, tongs, anvil.
VOTA,
VOTIS,
VOTVM --- Vows (to the Gods). The Roman custom of offering vows of a certain sacrifice to the Gods in return for the granting of some favor or wish. At the beginning of his reign, the emperor would offer vows to have a prosperous ten year term. The
legend VOTA SVSCEPTA, refers to the vows at the beginning of a ten year reign.
VOTA SOLVTA, refers to the sacrifices made in fulfillment of those vows. In the fourth century , the emperors had lowered their expectations and vows were offered for a five year reign (
VOT V). Rulers that lived and reigned for longer periods, offered vows after a completion of a term, and offering for another would be,
VOTIS XV MVLTIS XX (because of the vows, 15 years, through more vows, 20 years). This would be issued after the 15 year reign, and to offer vows for the next 5 years (= 20 years). Later during the fifth century, it was used as
just an essential
inscription on an ornamental
shield held by
victory, and the numbers do not refer to any specific
anniversary.
VOTA PVBLICA --- Vows of the People. This commemorates the reign of two emperors embarking on a joint Consulate, and the vows made for a prosperous term in office.
VRBANAE --- of the City. Urban.
VRBS --- A "city".
VRBS ROMA BEATA --- Blessed city of
Rome.
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