Classical Numismatics Discussion - Members' Coin Gallery
  Welcome Guest. Please login or register. Share Your Collection With Your Friends And With The World!!! A FREE Service Provided By Forum Ancient Coins No Limit To The Number Of Coins You Can Add - More Is Better!!! Is Your Coin The Best Of Type? Add It And Compete For The Title Have You Visited An Ancient Site - Please Share Your Photos!!! Use The Members' Coin Gallery As A Reference To Identify Your Coins Please Visit Our Shop And Find A Coin To Add To Your Gallery Today!!!

Member Collections | Members' Gallery Home | Login | Album list | Last uploads | Last comments | Most viewed | Top rated | My Favorites | Search
Home > Coin Collecting Theme Galleries > The Pantheon - Gods, Goddesses and Personifications

RI 132ep img.jpg
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
ANTOSE86a~0.jpg
AeneasOrichalcum sestertius (25.15,33mm, 12h) Rome mint. Struck AD 140-144.
ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P COS III laureate head of Antoninus Pius facing right.
S C Aeneas wearing a short tunic and cloac, advancing right, carrying Anchises on his left shoulder and holding Ascanius by the hand. Anchises (veiled and draped) carries a box in left hand, Ascanius wears a short tunic and Phrygian cap and caries a pedum in left hand.
RIC 627[R2], BMCRE 1292, Cohen 761; Banti (I Grandi Bronzi Imperiali) 373 (4 specimens); Foss (Roman Historical Coins) 128:57b

This issue is one of a series issued by Antoninus Pius in preparation of the 900th anniversary of Rome, figuring scenes from ancient Roman legends. The scene depicts Aeneas leaving Troy with Ascanius and Anchises. One of the descendants of Aeneas' son Ascanius (known now as Iulus) was Rhea Silvia, who, impregnated by the god Mars, gave birth to the twins, Romulus and Remus, founders of Rome.

ex John Jencek (2009)
Charles S
RI 077w img~0.jpg
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 cornucopia
maridvnvm
RI 066ba img.jpg
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
FAUSTSR-11.jpg
Aeternitas, Personification of eternity and stabilityFaustina Senior, wife of Antoninus Pius, Augusta 138-141 C.E.
AR Denarius, Rome mint, 147-161 C.E.
Obv: DIVA FAVSTINA, Draped bust, r.
Rev: AETERNITAS, Aeternitas standing l., holding phoenix and lifting fold of skirt.
RIC-347; Sear-4576; BMC-354; Cohen-11.

Aeternitas personifies eternity and stability. She is depicted with a variety of attributes which may include a torch, globe, phoenix, cornucopiae, scepter or the heads of Sol and Luna; she is often shown leaning against a column or seated on a globe.
1 comments
RI 064ad img~0.jpg
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 Africa
maridvnvm
RI 064bg img~0.jpg
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
gordianIII_SNGlev774~0.jpg
AphroditeAphrodite is the greek goddess of beauty and love. She is much older and more primordial than Venus. Venus was a more local goddess and came to Rome not before the 4th century. Aphrodite is melted together of indoeuropean-hellenistic, aegaean-anatolean and semitic-oriental elements. The origin of her name is unknown, perhaps it is related to the sem.*asthart. Her relation to Cyprus is referring to that origin. Possibly the name of the month April comes from etruscan *aprodita. So there could be an etruscan intermediation. She seems to be a conglomerate of old fertility goddesses. Her attributes dolphin and shell points to marine, dove, sparrow and and swane to caelestic and apple, rose and pomegranat to herbal sexual spheres. With Homer Aphrodíte replaces the dark weird deities as a light goddess of charm and gracefulness. She was called 'philommeides', the smiling, and she was the mistress of the Graces.
On the rev. of this coin we see Aphrodite as a later depiction as goddess of grace and seduction. She holds a mirror as the symbol of vanity. Her companions are two Erotes with torches to ignite love.
2 commentsJochen
Akarnania,_Leukas,_167-100_BC,_AR_Didrachm.jpg
Aphrodite Aeneias Akarnania, Leukas, 167-100 BC, AR Didrachm
Cult statue of the goddess Aphrodite Aeneias with stag standing right, holding aplustre, bird on standard behind; all within a laurel wreath. / ΛΕΥΚΑΔΙΩΝ ΦΙΛΑΝΔΡΟΣ (Leukadion Philandros) above prow of galley right.
BCD Akarnania 313-314; BMC 180, 101-103; Postolokas, Lambros 67, 688 var.
(23 mm, 7.90 g, 11h)

This coin was issued as the Hellenistic age was in decline, succumbing to the expansionary drive of Rome. The coins of this issue were often struck from relatively crude dies in an advanced state of wear. Yet they retain a charm and aesthetic that in some sense seems to speak of the last gasps of a dying Hellenistic age. The obverse image is thought to depict the cult statue of Aphrodite Aeneias, whose sanctuary was situated near the town of Leukas, overlooking the shipping canal that separated the island from the mainland.
prnbzw~0.jpg
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
julianII_225.jpg
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
14187006_Big.jpg
ApolloDenarius 194 ; 1,97 g. ; 17 mm.
Obv:- L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP IIII His laureate head right.
Rev:- APOLLINI AVGVSTO Apollo draped standing in front, looking at left, holding a patera in the right hand and a lyre in the left.
Cohen 42, RIC 40.

This representation of apollo is probably a roman copy of a statue of Apollo citharede which we can see on Augustus and Antoninus Pius' coins too. This statue was in the temple on the Palatino.
septimus
pixo.jpg
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
Apollo_Delphios.jpg
Apollo DelphiosApollo seated on the omphalos (Apollo Delphios) was the patron god of the Seleukids from the time of Antiochos I Soter who established this reverse coin image, which was to become emblematic of the early Seleukid dynasty.

This coin was issued by Antiochos II Theos 261-241 BC and is a previously undocumented emission of Antioch on the Orontes

Further background and attribution http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-62107
1 comments
trebonianus_gallus_32.jpg
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
geta_amng1654~0.jpg
Apollo SauroktonosNikopolis ad Istrum/Moesia inferior, Geta 198-202
AE 25, 11.38g
obv. L CEPTIMI GETAC KAICAR
bust draped, bare head r.
rev. [YP AVR G]A[LL]OC NIKOPOLITWN PROC ICTRON
Apollo, naked, laureate, with crossed legs, stg. r., r. hand raised behind holding arrow, l. hand resting on tree before him; at the tree a lizard, touching Apollo
AMNG 1654, VF, lizard only partially visible due to a weak strike, but nice green patina
Rare, only one spec. in AMNG ex coll. Löbbecke

From Pliny the Elder we know the detailed description of a famous bronze sculpture of Praxiteles (4th century BC) named Sauroktonos, the Lizard-killer. The original sculpture is lost. We have two Roman marble copies in the Louvre and in the Musei Vaticani in Rome. May be the coin is the pic of Pliny's description or may be not. But the reverse shows clearly the two sides of Apollo: Here the youthful smiling bringer of light and in the same moment the merciless killer for fun.
Jochen
Trajan drachm2~0.jpg
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
FAUSTJR-40.jpg
Artemis (Diana) as the huntressThrace, Augusta Trajana. Æ 24mm, 8.9 g.
Obv: FAVCTEINA CEBACTH, draped bust right.
Rev: AVGOVCTHC TRAIANHC, Artemis standing right, holding bow, drawing arrow from quiver, hound at her side.
Similar to SGI 1729; BMC 3.177, 1.

Artemis is the twin sister of Apollo. As the huntress, she holds a bow with arrows, accompanied by a hound.
Diana_of_Ephesus_-_Claudius_AR_Tetradrachm.jpg
Artemis, (Diana of Ephesus), in her TempleTI. CLAVD CAES AVG. Claudius bare head, facing left. / DIAN-EPHE Cult statue of Diana (Artemis) of Ephesus inside a tetra style temple, set on three tiered base; pediment decorated by figures flanking three windows.
RIC I 118; RPC I 2222; BMCRE 229; RSC 30; Sear Millennium 1839. Ephesus ca. 41-42 AD.
(25 mm, 11.14 g, 6h)

The statue of Artemis (Diana) at Ephesus was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Depicted on this coin, which was minted shortly after Claudius’ accession to the throne, there remains no trace of the statue, or the temple that housed it, other than some recently stacked column remnants to mark the location. Pliny The Elder described the temple as 115 meters in length, 55 meters in width, made almost entirely of marble; consisting of 127 Ionic style columns 18 meters in height. The original temple, which stood on the site from about 550 BC, was destroyed by arson in 356 BC. It was rebuilt around 330 BC in the form depicted on the coin, only to be destroyed by the Goths in 262 AD. Again rebuilt it was destroyed for the final time by Christians in 401 AD. The columns and marble of the temple were used to construct other buildings. Some of the columns found their way into the church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople (Istanbul).

The site of the temple was rediscovered in 1869 by an expedition sponsored by the British Museum, but little remains to be seen today. A Christian inscription found at Ephesus reads Destroying the delusive image of the demon Artemis, Demeas has erected this symbol of Truth, the God that drives away idols, and the Cross of priests, deathless and victorious sign of Christ. This Christian zeal explains why so little remains of the site despite its repute in the ancient pre-Christian world.

This coin is rare with a few dozen examples known. In contrast to most examples, which show a four tiered temple base, the reverse of this coin shows a three-tiered temple base. The rectangles on the pediment of the temple are frequently identified as tables, or altars. However, it is more likely that these are windows in the pediment to facilitate lighting of the statue in the interior of the temple. The Ionic style of the columns, as described by Pliny, is clearly visible in the reverse image.
1 comments
PHILIP_II_TET~1.JPG
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
Deified_Alexander_.jpg
Athena and Deified AlexanderThe deified Alexander the Great is depicted on the obverse of this coin of Lysimachos, dating to the early third century BC.

In the years following his death Alexander the Great came to be the subject of cult worship throughout the Mediterranean basin. His corpse was appropriated by Ptolemy I who transported it to Egypt, initially interring it at Memphis, then to a mausoleum and center of worship in Alexandria. It survived until the 4th century AD when Theodosius banned paganism, only to disappear without trace.

Athena depicted on the reverse of this coin was the patron goddess of Athens. She came to be worshiped throughout much of the Mediterranean basin during Hellenistic period.
7 comments
Athen_owl_Tetradrachm_.jpg
Athena and her owl In Greek mythology, a Little Owl baby (Athene noctua) traditionally represents or accompanies Athena, the virgin goddess of wisdom, or Minerva, her syncretic incarnation in Roman mythology. Because of such association, the bird often referred to as the "owl of Athena" or the "owl of Minerva" has been used as a symbol of knowledge, wisdom, perspicacity and erudition throughout the Western world.
The reasons behind the association of Athena and the owl are lost in time. Some mythographers, such as David Kinsley and Martin P. Nilsson suggest that she may descend from a Minoan palace goddess associated with birds and Marija Gimbutas claim to trace Athena's origins as an Old European bird and snake goddess.
On the other hand, Cynthia Berger theorizes about the appeal of some characteristics of owls such as their ability to see in the dark to be used as symbol of wisdom while others, such as William Geoffrey Arnott, propose a simple association between founding myths of Athens and the significant number of Little Owls in the region (a fact noted since antiquity by Aristophanes in The Birds and Lysistrata).
In any case, the city of Athens seems to have adopted the owl as proof of allegiance to its patron virgin goddess, which according to a popular etiological myth reproduced on the West pediment of the Parthenon, secured the favor of its citizens by providing them with a more enticing gift than Poséidon.
Owls were commonly reproduced by Athenians in vases, weights and prize amphoras for the Panathenaic Games. The owl of Athena even became the common obverse of the Athenian tetradrachms after 510 BC and according to Philochorus, the Athenian tetradrachm was known as glaux throughout the ancient world and "owl" in present day numismatics. They were not, however, used exclusively by them to represent Athena and were even used for motivation during battles by other Greek cities, such as in the victory of Agathocles of Syracuse over the Carthaginians in 310 B.C. in which owls flying through the ranks were interpreted as Athena’s blessing or in the Battle of Salamis, chronicled in Plutarch's biography of Themistocles.
(Source: Wikipédia)
1 comments
AcarnaniaLeukas.jpg
Athena and Pegasos on AR Stater of LeukasCirca 320-280 B.C. AR Stater (22mm. 8.58g. 6h). BCD Akarnania 269 var. (no monogram). SNG Copenhagen 357 var. (same). Pegasi 134. Obverse Pegasus left, lambda below. Reverse helmeted head of Athena left, monogram below, lambda before stylis. EF, toned.

Ex Sukenik Collection (acquired from Brian Kritt). Ex CNG.

Leukas is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea; and according to ancient sources, a former Corinthian colony. Their coinage reflect their ties with the mother city and almost identical with the coinage of Corinth which could only be distinguished by a small Greek letter to signify where the coins were made, in case of our coin, the letter lambda for Leukas. The coin we have is a beautiful specimen with exquisite details. We could strongly confirm from this coin that the winged Pegasus is a male mythical beast. The reverse is also quite interesting since Athena’s helmet is realistically well proportioned in relation to her head. Other coins of the same type show a smaller helmet which she could impossibly use! The engraver of this coin followed the rules of proportion. Of particular importance is that Leukas is associated with Sappho and the myth of her suicide at Cape Lefkada (Lefkada being the modern name of Leukas). Recently, some scholars suggested that Leukas is the actual place of Homer’s Ithaca. Passages from the Odyssey described Ithaca as an island reachable on foot, which is the case for Leukas since it is not really an island, that it was connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway.
3 commentsJason T
Athena_Greek_Goddess_of_War.jpg
Athena Greek Goddess of WarSilver tetradrachm, references: SNG Cop 1130; condition: VF, mint: uncertain, weight: 16.590g, maximum diameter: 30.5mm, die axis: 270o, date struck: after 297 B.C.; obverse diademed head of Alexander the Great wearing the horn of Ammon; reverse BASILEWS LUSIMACOU, Athena enthroned left, rests arm on shield, transverse spear against right side, holds Nike crowning name, monogram under arm, lion's head in exergue;
Sam Mansourati Collection
An absolute beauty EX FORVM auction
Sam
erf_rp3040.jpg
Athena Panthea - Goddess of one-stop shoppingAttributes: the wings of Nike, the rudder of Tyche, the sistrum of Isis, the grain ears of Demeter, the cornucopia of nearly everybody, and her own shield.1 commentsEd Flinn
Athena_Parthenos.jpg
Athena ParthenosAttica, Athens, ca. 264-267 AD, Æ 21
Helmeted head of Athena right. / AΘHN-AIΩN Athena Parthenos standing left holding Nike, shield and spear.
Kroll, Agora, 284; Sv-pl 82, 5ff; SNG Copenhagen 384.
(21 mm, 4.98 g, 6h)

The statue of Athena depicted on the reverse of this coin is a representation of Phidias cult statue of Athena in the Parthenon on the acropolis of Athens. The statue is stood in the Parthenon until the Fifth century AD, when it was destroyed by fire.

This is amongst the last of the “Roman series” of coins issued from the mint in Athens. In 267 AD Germanic raiders sacked the city bringing to an end the operations of the Athenian mint.
Corinthian_Stater_Silver~0.JPG
Athena, Corinthian StaterLeucas, Akarnania, Greece, 350 - 300 B.C.
Silver stater, BMC Corinth p. 133, 97 - 101 var (Λ behind neck and mast, monogram below), rough VF, Leucas mint, weight 8.132g, maximum
diameter 22.4mm, die axis 270o, 350 - 300 B.C.; obverse Pegasos with pointed wing flying left, Λ below; reverse head of Athena (or Aphrodite)
left wearing Corinthian helmet over a leather cap, mast with yard behind;

SRukke
Herennia_Etruscilla_Milne_3818.jpg
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 Rare
1 commentsConstantine IV
mazaios~0.jpg
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
Pergamon.jpg
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!
Massanutten
1 comments
RI 049b img~0.jpg
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 Persephone
maridvnvm
julia_paula_211(1).jpg
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
SEVERUS KYBELE.jpg
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.
RI 096d img.jpg
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 Dacia
maridvnvm
RI 064t img~0.jpg
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 222
5 commentsmaridvnvm
Metapontum_Demeter_200.JPG
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
thrace_byzantion_tet.jpg
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 Cogito
6 comments
RI 048j img~0.jpg
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
GG-TiClaudDiana56__5~1.jpg
DianaAR Denarius, Rome mint, 79 BC
Obv: Diademed and draped bust of Diana right, bow and quiver over shoulder. S.C. before. Border of dots
Rev: Victory in biga right, holding palm branch and reins in left hand, and laurel wreath in right hand. Control-mark A.IIII above exergue. TI.CLAVD.TI.F/ APN in exergue. Border of dots.
Weight: 3.88g
Crawford 383/1 Sear RCV I 310 RSC Claudia 6

Diana, the sister of Apollo, was regarded as the moon-goddess, but she was also the protectress of the young and the goddess of the chase. It is in this latter guise that she is depicted here with her attributes of bow and quiver depicting her as a huntress.
nemesis
FAUSTJR-26~0.jpg
Diana (Artemis) as the moon goddessFaustina Junior -- Died 175/6. Wife of Marcus Aurelius. Augusta, AD 147-175/6.
Orichalcum sestertius (30 mm), issued posthumously, Rome mint, AD 176-180.
Obv: DIVA FAVSTINA PIA, Bare-headed and draped bust right.
Rev: SIDERIBVS RECEPTA S C, Diva Faustina, as Diana Lucifera, draped, wearing crescent on shoulders behind neck, standing r., holding lighted torch in both hands.
RIC-1715; BMC-1584; Cohen-215.

Diana in her lunar aspect here holds a torch and is shown with a crescent moon on her shoulders. SIDERIBVS RECEPTA = "received by the stars". Diana Lucifera lit the way for the dead to journey to their new home among the heavens, appropriate for a posthumous issue.
00postumdog.jpg
DIANA and LELAPS.AR denarius. 74 BC. 3.52 gr. Bust of Diana huntress right,bow and quiver on shoulder. / Hound running right,hunting spear below. C. POSTUMI/TA (in monogram) below. Toned. Craw 394/1a . RSC Postumia 9
Myth of Lelaps and the fox.
Procris was a mortal woman, a great favorite of the Goddess Diana, the goddess of hunting. Diana (also famous for her hunting hounds) made a gift of a dog to Procris. Lelaps was the swiftest of dogs and could outrun any rival. Diana also gave a JAVELIN that would never miss its target to Procris.
Procris fell in love and married a beautiful youth by the name of Cephalus. Cephalus was also a great hunter, and so Procris gave the presents of the hound and javelin to her husband.
It came to pass that some angry deity had sent a ravenous fox to plague the country, snatching his prey from under the farmers very noses. All the hunters turned out in great numbers and strength to kill the fox, but their efforts failed. None had a hound that could run this supernatural fox to ground.
At last the people came to Cephalus and begged him to set Lelaps, the famous gift hound from Diana, after the fox.
Lelaps was loosed and darted away faster than the eye could follow. It was said that if the men had not seen his footprints in the sand they would have thought he had taken flight. Cephalus and the hunters stood on a hill and watched the pursuit.
The fox tried every trick, every sly, cunning art he knew to evade the hound. He ran in a circle and turned on his track, he doubled back, he leapt over water and trotted across fallen logs, but no trick he knew would fool swift and clever Lelaps. The hound came on relentless, breathing on the foxes heels and snapping at his brushy tail, missing by only a hair!
Cephalus threw the magic javelin when suddenly both dog and fox stopped, frozen in mid-motion. The heavenly powers that had given both hound and fox their powers were not willing that either should conquer - or lose. In that very moment, they turned to Stone .ZEUS cast them into the stars as the constellations Canis Major (Lelaps) and Canis Minor (the Teumessian fox).[


1 commentsbenito
Maroneia.jpg
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
Dionis.jpg
Dionysus and DemeterPerinthos, Thrace. AE 25
Circa 1st Century BC-1st Century AD.
Wreathed head of Dionysos right.
Demeter standing left, holding grain ears and torch.
Very Rare; Mionnet Supp II 1171
Elagabalus_Varbanov_I,_Marcianopolis_1457.jpg
Elagabalus, AE25, Hermes, Varbanov I 1457Elagabalus
Augustus, 218 – 11th March 222 A.D.

Coin: AE25

Obverse: AVT K M AVPH ● ANTΩNEINOC, Laureate bust facing right.
Reverse: VΠ CEPΓ TITIANOY MAPKIANOΠOΛΙΤΩΝ, Hermes, standing, facing left, holding a Purse with his right hand and a Caduceus with his left.

Weight: 10.65 g, Diameter: 25.3 x 26 x 3 mm, Die axis: 20°, Mint: Marcianopolis, Consular Legate: Sergius Titianus, Reference: Varbanov I 1457

Rated Rare (R3, 500 - 1000 examples known)
Constantine IV
strabo2~1.jpg
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
FAUSTJR-4~0.jpg
Fecunditas, goddess of fertilityFaustina Junior, wife of Marcus Aurelius. Augusta, 147-175/6 CE.
AR Denarius (19mm, 3.16g), Rome mint, 161-175 CE.
Obv: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right, a double band of pearls around her head.
Rev: FECVNDITAS, Fecunditas standing right, holding scepter & child.
RIC 677; RSC 99; BMC 91; Sear 5252; Cohen 99.

Although many coin reference books classify Fecunditas as a personification of fertility rather than as an actual deity, Fecunditas was recognized as a Roman divinity by Nero, who erected a statue to her. Tacitus notes that upon the birth of Claudia Neronis, the senate decreed the construction of a temple of Fertility to be built at Antium.

Fecunditas is always portrayed as a female figure holding a child, or children and often a scepter, cornucopia, palm branch or caduceus. Sometimes the children are depicted standing at her feet. Coins portraying her usually advertise the fertility of the imperial family who issued the coin.
julia_mamaea_338.jpg
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
philippI_3~0.jpg
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 VF
Jochen
V10105TN~0.jpg
Fides Militum (Maximinus denarius)FIDES MILITUM - "The Loyal Military"
Rome Mint, AD 235-236
Ecgþeow
geta3.jpg
FORTUNA REDUX.AE sestertius. Rome, 211 AD. 28.05 gr. Laureate head right. P SEPTIMIVS GETA PIVS AVG BRIT. / Fortuna seated left on throne, holding rudder on globe and cornucopiae, wheel under seat. FORT RED TR P III COS II P P S C. BMCRE 40. RIC 168a.
Fortuna is the Roman Goddess of Luck, Fate, and Fortune. Usually depicted holding in one hand a cornucopia, or a horn of plenty, from which all good things flowed in abundance, representing her ability to bestow prosperity; in the other she generally has a ship's rudder, to indicate that She is the one who controls how lives and fates are steered. She could also be shown enthroned, with the same attributes of rudder and cornucopia, but with a small wheel built into the chair, representing the cycles of fate and the ups and downs of fortune.
Fortuna Redux, one of the many aspects of Fortuna, was in charge of bringing people home safely, primarily from wars—redux means "coming back" or "returning". She may be one of the later aspects of Fortuna, as the earliest mention of Her is of an altar dedicated by the Senate in 19 BCE for the safe return of the Emperor Augustus
3 commentsbenito
FAUSTJR-21.jpg
Fortuna, Personification of good luckFaustina Junior, wife of Marcus Aurelius, Augusta 147-175/6 C.E.
AR Denarius (18.5 mm), Rome mint, 161-175 C.E.
Obv: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, Bare-headed & draped bust r.
Rev: FORTVNAE MVLIEBRI, Fortuna enthroned left, holding rudder and cornucopiae.
RIC-683; Sear-5253; BMC-96; Cohen-107.

This legend, unique to this empress, dedicates the type 'to the Fortune of Women'. Festus speaks of a statue of this goddess at the fourth milestone from Rome.

Fortuna personifies good fortune, luck and prosperity. She is usually depicted holding a rudder or cornucopiae; she sometimes holds a wheel at her side.
DOMNA-13~0.JPG
Four SeasonsJulia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus, Augusta, 193-217 C.E.
AR Denarius (3.24g, 20.0mm), Rome mint, AD 207.
Obv: IVLIA AVGVSTA, draped bust right.
Rev: FECVNDITAS, Terra reclining left under tree, left arm on basket of fruits, right hand set on globe, spangled with stars, in background four children representing the four Seasons.
RIC 549, RSC 35, BMC 21, Sear 6579.
Ex FORVM Ancient coins.

The four seasons--spring, summer, fall and winter--are typically personified by four nude boys at play.
1 comments
Antoninus_pius~0.JPG
GeniusGenius - male spirit of the Roman family

Antoninus Pius Denarius

Attribution: RIC 70, BMC 207,
RSC 405
Date: AD 140-144
Obverse: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS
P P TR P COS III, bare head r.
Reverse: GENIVS POP ROMANI,
Genius standing front, head r., with
scepter & cornucopia
Size: 18.9 mm

1 commentsNoah
ANCIENT_GREEK_Apollonia_Pontica.jpg
Gorgon, Greek, Apollonia PonticaSilver Drachm
Obverse : Gorgon Facing with tongue protruding.
Reverse :Upturned anchor, crayfish and A to either side.
Apollonia Pontica Mint , 450 - 404 BC ( Before Christ ).

XF , Max Dia 14mm , 2.9 gr. scarce.
References : SNG 160f

Historical & Numismatic Note:
This is a scarce and interesting authentic ancient silver drachm from Apollonia Pontika.
Apollonia Pontika was a Greek colony on the Black sea in Thrace. It was settled around 600 B.C., and was first called Antheia before being renamed after the town's most prominent feature, a Temple dedicated to Apollo centering around a colossal statue of the Greek God. The city's name means, literally, “City Of Apollo On The Black Sea.” This coin features a spectacular image of Medusa on the obverse side. In ancient Greek mythology, if you gazed at Medusa's face you would immediately turn to stone. Perseus overcame this obstacle, slaying Medusa and using her head to adorn the face of his shield. And despite it's frightening visage, the image of Medusa was used as a protection talisman in many of these ancient Greek societies. The reverse of this coin shows the city's connection with the Black Sea, and displays an anchor turned upside down, flukes up, as if it were hanging off the edge of a ship. There is a crawfish to the right and an A, for Apollonia Pontika, to the left.


Mrs. Amy Savasta - Gauthier Collection.

EX The Sam Mansourati Collection.
Sam
Hadrian. Hades.jpg
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
soaemias3.jpg
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
Screen_Shot_2014-06-26_at_1_42_47_PM.png
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
Herakles_plus_Zeus_Aetophoros_accompanied_by_Helios.jpg
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=-60892
3 comments
Hrcules.jpg
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
gord2~1.jpg
HerculesThis medallion of Gordian III represents the third labour of Hercules. This labour was to capture the Hind of Cerynaea, the hind was known as Cerynitis. Eurystheus bestowed this task upon Heracles knowing full well that the animal was the sacred property of Artemis, that meant he would be committing impiety against the goddess. Artemis found a small herd of five while out hunting, she captured four to harness to her chariot, but the fifth escaped to Mount Cerynaea which borders Arcadia and Achaea. The animal was larger than a bull, brazen-hoofed also with huge golden horns or antlers of a stag.
With the hind being swift of foot it took Heracles a whole year to get close to the creature. He tracked the hind through Greece and into Thrace, (in some versions it says the chase took Heracles as far as Istria and the northern lands of the Hyperboreans). Never daunted by the long chase, Heracles was waiting for the hind to tire, this was not to be, and the hind seemed to have plenty of stamina and agility left.
Heracles knew he must disable the creature in some way, then by chance the hind stopped to drink at a river. Taking an arrow and removing the blood of the Hydra from the tip, Heracles took aim and hit the hind in the leg, making it lame, this made catching the creature much easier. Heracles bound the wound and then set off on his long journey home. On the way to the palace of Eurystheus he was met by the goddess Artemis and her twin brother Apollo. On seeing the Ceryneian Hind, the huntress accused Heracles of sacrilege. Heracles pleaded with them, saying it was a necessity to return the sacred hind to the court of king Eurystheus, as he was bound by the labor imposed on him. Artemis granted Heracles forgiveness and he was allowed to carry the hind alive to the palace.
Upon bringing the hind to Eurystheus, he was told that it was to become part of the King's menagerie. Heracles knew that he had to return the hind as he had promised, so he agreed to hand it over on the condition that Eurystheus himself come out and take it from him. The King came out, but the moment Heracles let the hind go, it sprinted back to its mistress, and Heracles left saying that Eurystheus had not been quick enough

5 commentsbenito
RI 066ak img~0.jpg
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
maximianus~0.jpg
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
Lycia_Tlos_or_Patara_Dynast_AR_diobol_lot1445_SNGvA_4196v.jpg
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.
08691q00.jpg
HilaritasThe most amusing goddess! Silver denarius, S 5254, RIC M. Aur. 686, RSC 111, gVF, 2.92g, 16.6mm, 180o, Rome mint, 161-175 A.D.; obverse FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right; reverse HILARITAS, Hilaritas standing left holding palm branch and cornucopia1 comments
erf_rp2012.jpg
Horus (Harpokrates) & BesΑVΤ Κ Π ΛΙΚ ΓΑΛΛΙΗΝΟC CΕΒ, Laureate draped cuirassed bust right / LΙ_Ε, Horus (Harpokrates) standing facing, head right, palm in right field, Bes in left. Regnal year across fields.3 commentsEd Flinn
GORDIAN3-1.jpg
Hygieia, the personification of healthGordian III and Tranquillina
Moesia Inferior, Tomis. Æ 4 Assaria (?) (27mm, 11.2 gm), struck AD 241.
Obv: AVT K M ANTWNIOC GORDIANOC, TRANKVLI/NA, Laureate bust of Gordian III, facing right, confronting diademed and draped bust of Tranquillina, facing left.
Rev: MHTROPONTOV TOMEWC, Hygeia standing, feeding snake from patera.
Moushmov 2288. (Contributed by EmpressCollector).

Hygieia is usually said to be a daughter of Asklepios, along with her sisters, Panacea and Iaso. Hygieia, though, was the most important of the attendants of Asklepios and was thought by some in antiquity to be not his daughter but his wife. She was more important than other members of the family and more on par with Asklepios himself. Hygieia is remembered today in the word, "hygiene." She appears on numerous coins, usually depicted feeding the sacred snake from a patera. She was often identified with Salus, an old Roman goddess.
CARACAL-2.jpg
Indulgentia, Personification of indulgence and mercy.Caracalla
AR Denarius, Rome mint, 211 C.E.
Obv: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, Laureate head right.
Rev: INDVLG FECVNDAE, Julia Domna as Indulgentia, wearing polos, seated l. on curule chair, extending r. hand and holding scepter.
RIC-214; Sear-6805; BMC-370,73; Cohen-104.
This coin is thought to commemorate Julia Domna's indulgence following the murder of Geta.

Indulgentia personifies gentleness, leniency or mercy. She is typically portrayed with a scepter and sometimes a patera.
0240-210.jpg
IOVI VLTORISeverus Alexander, Denarius minted in Rome in AD 225
IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, Laureate head of Severus Alexander right
IOVI VLTORI, Jupiter seated left holding victory and spear
3.26 gr
Ref : RCV #7873, Cohen #97
4 commentsPotator II
isis F.jpg
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.
- Britannicus
Britannicus
6ce51g7.jpg
Janus on Geta denariusP SEPT GETA PIVS AVG BRIT
TR P III COS II PP
RIC 79 (S); Cohen 197 (6 fr.)
Collection Frédéric Weber (ex. Spink)
frederic W
jesus.jpg
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
Procilia1obre.JPG
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
LUCILLA-2.jpg
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
SALONINA-7.JPG
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.
AntoSe94.jpg
Juno Sospitaorichalcum sestertius (26.6g) Rome mint. Struck AD 140-144.
ANTONINVS AVG PI[-]VS P P TR P COS III laureate head of Antoninus Pius facing right
IVNONI SISPITAE (around edge) S C (in field) Juno Sospita wearing goat skin advancing right preceded by a snake, brandishing javelin and holding shield which is pinched in the middle.
RIC 608 (Scarce), Cohen 473, BMC 1248

Juno Sospita was the goddess of Lanuvium, the birthplace of Pius, and one of the most ancient figures in the Roman pantheon.
Charles S
severus_alexander_236.jpg
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
FAUSTJR-32.jpg
Laetitia, the personification of gladness and happiness.Faustina Junior, wife of Marcus Aurelius. Augusta, 147-175/6 CE.

Æ As (25 mm, 8.6 gm), Rome mint, 161-175 CE.
Obv: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, draped bust right, wearing circlet of pearls, hair in chignon behind.
Rev: LAETITIA SC, Laetitia standing right, holding scepter and wreath.
RIC-1657; Sear-5300; BMC-987; Cohen-152.

Laetitia personifies happiness, and as such, she resembles Hilaritas. There seems to be no set iconography for her and she has a variety of attributes: she may hold a scepter, ears of grain, a wreath, an anchor or a rudder on globe.

Jones (1990), p. 156, states that on the coins of empresses, Laetitia may signal a birth in the Imperial family.
liberalitas_person.JPG
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
RI 015b img~0.jpg
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
GG-JuDomnLuna52__8~0.jpg
Luna LuciferaAR Antoninianus, Rome mint, struck in A.D.215 (under Caracalla)
Obv: IVLIA PIA - FELIX AVG Diademed, draped bust right, crescent behind shoulders
Rev: LVNA LVCIFERA Luna, crescent on her head, driving biga pulled by horses left, drapery billowing in a semi-circle behind her head.
Weight: 5.12g

RIC.C.379a Sear RCV II 7096

ex F Sternberg Auction, Zurich, November 1975, Lot 153

Luna, the moon-goddess, is depicted only rarely on Roman coins, and is usually equated with Diana Lucifera (the Light Bringer). She is only named on coins of Julia Domna, Gallienus and Salonina. Luna is depicted in a biga pulled by two horses only on coins of Julia Domna, as in this example. However, a very similar depiction is shown on another coin of Caracalla, where the biga is pulled by bulls that have a definite attribution to Diana Lucifera. Otherwise Luna Lucifera is depicted with a crescent on her head standing holding a long torch.
nemesis
GG-GallnsLuna27__5~0.jpg
Luna LuciferaBase AR Antoninianus of Cyzicus of Gallienus, Sole Reign, A.D.260-268

Obv: GALLIENVS AVG Radiate draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev: LVNA LVCIFERA Luna, crescent on head, holding long torch in both hands.

RIC S646 RSC IV 601a Not listed in Sear RCV III
Weight: 3.58g

This is the alternative depiction of Luna Lucifera, the Light-Bringer, where she is shown holding a long torch and wearing the distinctive crescent on her head.
nemesis
caracalla_284~0.jpg
Luna/DianaCaracalla AD 198 - 217
AR - Denar, 3.13g, 19mm
Rome AD 217
obv. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM
laureate head r.
rev. PM TRP XX COS IIII PP
Luna/Diana with crescent on head and scarf flying
behind her, standing in bull-biga, driving l.
RIC IV, 284; C.396
Scarce; good EF

LUNA, goddess of the moon. Her usual attribute is a crescent worn at top of her head. She first appears early 2nd century BC on Bigati. Equated with DIANA and sometimes impossible to make any clear distinction between these two. The bull is connected to DIANA by a myth, in which sacrificing a big bull would bring great power to the city of the person who sacrificed him. Thus Rome was given the imperium! Diana was the patron of the Biga racing driver too!
2 commentsJochen
RI 066ag img~0.jpg
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
severus_alexander_160~0.jpg
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
severus_alexander_246~0.jpg
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
rome_sestertius_ANACS-VF-20_rev_04_cut~0.JPG
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 grams
1 commentsrexesq
rome_AD232_AE-sestertius_mars-ultor_ANACS-VF20_obv_01_rev_01_90%.JPG
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
Probus MARS VICTOR RIC 38~0.jpg
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
elagabalus_AD218-219_AR-antoninianus_mars_5_73gr_rev_01.jpg
MARS VICTOR - Elagabalus Silver AntoninianusEmperor Elagabalus (AD218-222)
obv: IMP CAES M AUR ANTONINUS AUG - Radiate bust right, draped and cuirassed.
rev: MARS VICTOR - Mars, nude except for cloak flowing in the wind and helmet, walking right holding spear, and carrying trophy over shoulder.
5.73grams.
rexesq
L.Censorinus_marcia_24.jpg
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
174 files on 2 page(s) 1

All coins are guaranteed for eternity
Forum Ancient Coins
PO BOX 1316
MOREHEAD CITY NC 28557


252-497-2724
customerservice@forumancientcoins.com
Facebook   Instagram   Pintrest   Twitter