The Pantheon - Gods, Goddesses and Personifications
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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)Jochen
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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.
Jochen
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TranquillitasAntoninus Pius 138-161
AR - Denar, 3.27g, 18.0mm
Rome AD 148-149
obv. IMP CAES T AEL HADR ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP
head laureate r.
rev. TR POT XIIII COS IIII
Tranquillitas standing r., holding rudder and corn-ears
in exergue: TRANQ
RIC III, 202b; C.825 (without PIVS, a slip); BMC 736
scarce; EF
TRANQUILLITAS, tranquillity, an abstraction personified for the first time on coins of Hadrian and Antoninus Pius. She is shown with the attributes which seem to hint at an association with the grain supply, a rudder and ears of grain, sometimes a modius or a prow.
TRANQUILLITAS reappears on an antoninian of Philip I with sceptre and capricorne. Here she must considered an imperial virtue like Pietas or Nobilitas rather than a blessing. The legend occurs once more on the coinage from Licinius II to Constantine II in the form of BEATA TRANQVILLITAS accompanied by the type of a globe on an altar. Here the message is similar to Hadrian's, the peaceful security of the Roman Empire.Jochen
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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.
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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
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Felicitas (standing)Philipp I, AD 244 - 249
AR - Antoninian, 4.05g, 21mm
Rome, AD 246
obv. IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG
bust radiate, draped and cuirassed r.
rev. PM TRP III COS PP
Felicitas stg. l., holding caduceus and cornucopiae
RIC IV/3, 3; C.124
good VFJochen
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Virtus (female)Gordian III Pius, AD 238-244
AR - Antoninian, 4.84g, 22mm
Rome 1st emission, 5th officina, July 238 - July 239
obv. IMP CAES M ANT GORDIANVS AVG
Bust draped, cuirassed, radiate r.
rev. VIRTVS AVG
Virtus in military dress, standing front, head l., resting r. hand on oval shield,
set on ground, holding vertical spear in l.
RIC IV/3, 6; C.381
about EF, mint luster
VIRTVS, personification of military virtue, a female figur, here shown clearly by her bare breast r., so looking like an Amazon, helmeted and with military cloak. From the time of the Civil Wars AD 69 until the time of Honorius she played a big role in the imperial coinage. Later often as VIRTVS MILITVM or VIRTVS EXERCITI.Jochen
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Priapus, god of gardens and fruitfulnessThe god of gardens and fruitfulness is shown here holding a lapful of fruit, or, if you prefer to see it that way, balancing the fruit on his personal fertility symbol. A much scarcer coin than the standard Nicopolis "Look what I've got!" issues.Britannicus
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Venus Victrix - the rear viewSabina, AR denarius, 128 AD.
RIC 412, RSC 89, Sear RCV II,3927.
A gorgeous rear view of the goddess of love, with an elegant "Grecian bend"-curve to the figure, much more pleasing than the dumpy little ladies normally found on denarii of Domna, etc.
- BritannicusBritannicus
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Isis on an Alexandrian diobol of GalbaAlexandria, AE diobol of Galba, year 2 (= 68-69 AD), Isis bust r.
Emmett 179(2), Geissen 241-242, BMC 202-203.
Not a tremendously rare coin, or in spectacularly good condition, but a portrait of a real, strong-minded young person, who seems to say "hello" to me every time I hold the coin.
- BritannicusBritannicus
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MinervaTI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P
Bare head of Claudius, left.
S C
Minerva advancing, right, brandishing spear and holding shield.
Copper As. 28.5 mm 10.9 gm 180 die alignment
Ancient even for the Romans. Italian or Etruscan origin for this goddess and directly identified with the Greek Athena. Shown here wearing a Corinthian helmet. Although a war goddess, she is also the patron of wisdom and handicrafts. This latter is probably what made her attractive to Claudius who reportedly authored several histories, none of which, unfortunately, have survived.
Massanutten
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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
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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
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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
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Venus VictrixPlautilla, killed 212, wife of Caracalla
AR - Denar, 3.6g, 18mm
Rome AD 204(?), struck under Septimius Severus
obv. PLAVTILLA - AVGVSTA
draped bust, bare head r.
rev. VENVS VICTRIX
Venus bare to waist, standing l., holding apple and palmbranch, and
resting left elbow on shield; at her feet l., Cupido, holding helmet
RIC IV/1, 369; C.25; BMCR. 429
Scarce; about VF
VENUS VICTRIX, the victorious Venus. It was first Sulla who in a dream saw Venus with the weapons of Mars as Venus Victrix and made her to his personal patroness. Pompeius then was inaugurating the cult of Venus Victrix in Rome. In the night before the battle of Pharsalus 48 BC Pompeius was dreaming of Venus Victrix - seemingly a lucky sign -, whereas Caesar was sacrifying to Venus Genetrix, but issued as watchword 'Venus Victrix', and defeated Pompeius! Jochen
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Providentia DeorumLucius Verus, Co-Emperor AD 161 - 169
AR - Denar, 3.59g
obv. IMP L AVREL VERVS AVG
bare head r.
rev. PROV DEOR TRP COS II
Providentia standing l., holding globe and cornucopiae
RIC II, 463; C.144
nice EF
PROVIDENTIA, foreseeing, especially of the emperor, a so-called emperor's virtue in the emperor's cult. 'Monarchy, in fact, is Providence', Charlesworth. As legend it appears first under Tiberius, showing the Altar of Providence. Under Hadrian the idea of PROVIDENTIA DEORUM (Divine Providence) begins to be symbolized as the foresight of the gods.Jochen
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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.Jochen
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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.
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Three Graces, Goddesses of charm, beauty and culture.Julia Domna, wife of Septimius Severus, Augusta, 193-217 CE.
Moesia Inferior, Marcianopolis, Æ (24mm, 8.6 gm).
Obv: IOLAIA DOMNA CEB, Draped bust right, hair in bun.
Rev: MARKIANOPOLITWN, Statuary group of the Three Graces side by side.
Sear Greek Imp. 2313; AMNG (Pick) 603; Moushmov 417.
The three Graces, named Euphrosyne, Aglaia and Thalia, were the attendants of Venus/Aphrodite. They are shown on Roman provincial coins as a statuary group, nude and sometimes holding apples.
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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.
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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.
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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!Jochen
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MonetaDiocletian 284 - 305
AE - AE 2, 10.5g, 25mm
Ticinum 2. officina, ca. 300- 303
obv. IMP C DIOCLETIANVS PF AVG
laureate head r.
rev. SACRA MONET AVGG - CAESS NOSTR
Moneta standing l., r. holding scales, r. cornucopiae
exergue: ST dot
RIC VI, Ticinum 43(a); C.436
VF
MONETA, appears first as a title of Juno. 344 BC a temple was dedicated to JUNO MONETA on the Capitoline hill. The origin of this name from lat. monere = warning is doubtful. Because the first Mint of Rome stands near this temple MONETA became the personification of the Mint itself. Her attributes are like those of Aequitas: Scales and a Cornucopiae.
SACRA MONETA means: Mint of the emperor(s).Jochen
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SecuritasHelena, died AD 328, mother of Constantin I
AE - AE3, 2.96g, 17mm
Cyzikus 2. officina, AD 325/6
obv. FL HELENA - AVGVSTA
bust draped, with necklace, pearl-diademed head r.
rev. SECVRITAS - REI PVBLICE
Securitas draped, diademed, standing l., with r. hand holding down a branch,
with l. raising her robe
exergue: SMK[B] dot
RIC VII, Cyzicus 39; cf. C.39; LRBC.1177
R2; uncirculated, partially silvered
SECURITAS, security, connected with the ideas of Peace and Victory. Sometimes depicted as leaning on a column (meaning security for itself). Here providing security for the empire.Jochen
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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.Ed Flinn
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Minerva (Alternate depiction)Caracalla Denarius
Obv:– IMP CAE M AVR ANT AVG P TR P, Laureate bust right
Rev:– MINER VICTRIX, Minerva standing half-left, holding Victory and spear, shield at his feet, trophy behind
Minted in Rome. A.D. 198
Reference:– Van Meter 49. RIC 25b. RCV02 6820. RSC 159. maridvnvm
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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
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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
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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.Jochen
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NobilitasGeta 198 - 207 Caesar
AR - Denar, 3.46g, 18mm
Rome AD 199
obv. P SEPT GETA - CAES PONT
bust draped, cuirassed (?), bare head r., youthful portrait
rev. NOBI - LITAS
Nobilitas standing frontal, head r., holding sceptre r. and palladium l.
RIC IV, 13(a); C.90; BMCR. 199
Scarce; about EF
NOBILITAS, Nobility. Unlike other personifications she does not seem to have a cult at Rome. She was a imperial virtue which was claimed by the emperors.
PALLADIUM, from Pallas, a cognomen of Athena. The original P. was stolen from Troy and brought to Italy by Aeneas. It was said to have been preserved with great reverence by the Romans as the protector of their own city.Jochen
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Pluto(n)Caracalla 198-217
AR - Antoninianus, 5.3g
Rome AD 215
obv. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM
cuirassed bust, radiate head r.
rev. PM TRP XVIII COS IIII PP
Pluto with polos on head seated l. on throne, sceptre in l. hand, r.
extended towards three-headed Cerberus l., before him.
RIC IV/1, 261(d); in Cohen only with Minotaur
Rare; nice EF, one of the earliest Antoniniani!
added to www.wildwinds.com
PLUTO(N), Greek HADES, god of the underworld, identified by the three-headed Cerberus. But the polos shows, that at this time Pluto was mixed up with Serapis. Caracalla should have built a Serapeion on the Quirinal. Jochen
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RomulusSeverus Alexander Denarius
Obv:– IMP SEV ALEXAND AVG, Laureate head right
Rev:– P M TR P VII COS II P P, Romulus advancing right with spear & trophy
Minted in Rome
Reference:– RIC 85. RSC 351
Romulus, founder of the city, shares the attributes of Mars but not helmeted.maridvnvm
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PannoniaTrajan Decius Ant.
Obv:– IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, Radiate, draped, cuirassed bust right
Rev:– PANNONIAE, The two Pannoniae, each holding a standard, standing half left but looking in opposite directions
Minted in Rome. A.D. 249 - 251
Reference:– Van Meter 16/1. RIC 21b. RSC 86
Pannonia was a Roman province between the Danube and the Alps, later divided into Upper and Lower Pannonia. Trajan Decius was the first emperor to come from the Danube regionmaridvnvm
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DaciaTrajan Decius Antoninianus
Obv:– IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG, Radiate, draped, cuirassed bust right
Rev:– DACIA, Dacia, wearing robe reaching feet, standing left, holding vertical staff with ass’s head
Minted in Rome. A.D. 249 - 251
Reference:– RIC 12b. RSC 16
Personification of the province of Daciamaridvnvm
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AequitasSeverus Alexander Denarius
Obv:– IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, Laureate, draped bust right
Rev:– AEQVITAS AVG, Aequitas standing left with scales & cornucopiae. Star in left field.
Minted in Antioch. A.D. 222
Reference:– RIC 274. RCV02 7856. RSC 11
'Fairness' holds a scales and cornucopiamaridvnvm
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Venus GenetrixJulia Domna, died AD 217(?), wife of Septimius Severus
AR - Antoninianus, 4.89g, 21mm
Rome AD 216
obv.: IVLIA PIA - FELIX AVG
draped bust on crescent, diademed head r.
rev.: VENVS GENETRIX
Venus sitting l. on throne, holding long sceptre l. and extending r. hand
RIC IV/1, Caracalla 388(a); C.211; BMCR.434
Scarce; about VF
VENUS GENETRIX. After the defeat at the Trasumenian lake AD 217 under Q.Fabius Maximus begin of the mythos of the troian origin of the Romans as anti-karthag.-pro-greek propaganda. Getting political importness in the 1st century BC as Aeneadum Genetrix and so becoming mother of the Gens Iulia and the Roman People. V.Genetrix first used by Sulla, then at the height by Caesar, reflected in Vergil's Aeneis. Jochen
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SpesSeverus Alexander AD 222 - 235
AR - Denar, 3.35g, 18mm
Rome AD 232
Av.: IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG
draped and cuirassed bust, laureate head r.
Rv.: SPES PV - BLICA
Spes draped advancing l., holding flower r.,raising robe with l.
RIC IV/2, 254; C.546; BMCR.897
VF
SPES, hope, with near relations to Fortuna and Salus. Under the Principat part of the religion of loyality. Depicted like Aphrodite in the Greek art, holding flower, raising garment.Jochen
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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
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Fides Militum (Maximinus denarius)FIDES MILITUM - "The Loyal Military"
Rome Mint, AD 235-236Ecgþeow
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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
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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.Ed Flinn
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PudicitiaJulia Maesa died 223, grandmother of Elagabal and Severus Alexander
AR - Denar, 2.92g, 17mm
Rome 218 - 220
obv. IVLIA MAESA AVG
draped bust, bare head r.
rev. PVDICITIA
Pudicitia seated l. on throne, holding sceptre l., lifting veil with r.
RIC IV, Elagabal 268; C.36; BMCR. 76
about EF
PUDICITIA, 'modesty, chastity', a virtue first represented on a denar of Plotina AD 112. It may be assumed that this was a new cult in honor of Plotina. She is a virtue only associated to empresses. Indicates modesty by covering herself with a veil.Jochen
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PanAE27 Elagabalus (218-222)
Nikopolis ad Istrum, consular legate Novius Rufus
Obv: AVT K M AVPH ANTΩNINOC. Laur. draped and cuir. bust r.R
Rev: VÎ NOBIOV ROVΦOV NIKOÎ OΛITΩN Î PO; In ex: CICTPΩ· Pan, stg.r., horned, holding rabbitcatcher (lagobalon) over shoulder, flute in hand, foot on panther lying supile on the ground.
27 mm / Porosity
Moushmov 1436Gert
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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
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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) Jochen
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Venus CaelestisJulia Soaemias, killed 222, mother of Elagabal
AR - Denar, 3.50g, 18mm
Rome 218 - 222
obv. IVLIA SOAEMIAS AVG
draped bust r.
rev. VENVS CAELESTIS
Venus sitting l., holding l. sceptre and r. apple; at her feet
Cupido stretching his arms
RIC iv, 243; C.14
about VF, slighty toned
VENVS CAELESTIS, on some coins of the Severan empresses,
an adaptation of a Syrian goddess (Dea Syria, not Dea Celestis!),
brought to Rome by these eastern princesses. Jochen
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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
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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 222maridvnvm
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AfricaSeptimius Severus Denarius
Obv:– SEVERVS PIVS AVG, Laureate head right
Rev:– AFRICA, Africa, wearing elephant-skin head-dress, reclining left with scorpion & cornucopiae; basket of heads of grain (called corn ears in the UK) before
References:– VM 8/2, RIC 254, RCV02 6261, RSC 31
Personification of North Africamaridvnvm
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NeptuneSeptimius Severus denarius
Obv:– SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT, Laureate head right
Rev:– P M TR P XVIII COS III P P, Neptune standing left, holding trident dolphin, foot on globe
References:– RIC 241, RSC 542
God of the sea, Neptune is shown nude with a trident. He is often (as here)shown with one foot raised on a rockmaridvnvm
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Pax (with cornucopia)Denarius
Obv:– ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P, Bare head facing right
Rev:– TR POT COS II, Pax standing left, holding branch in right hand, cornucopiae in left
Minted in Rome, A.D. 139
References:– Cohen 857a, RIC 51
Another example of Pax but this time seen with cornucopia instead of staffmaridvnvm
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PietasFaustina Senior Denarius
Obv:– DIVA AVG FAVSTINA, Bust head right
Rev:– PIETAS AVG, Pietas standing left and altar
References:– RIC 394a, RSC 234
The virtue "Dutifulness". A respect for the natural order socially, politically, and religiously. Includes the ideas of patriotism and devotion to others.maridvnvm
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CeresFaustina Senior Denarius
Obv:– DIVA FAVSTINA, Draped bust head right, hair in bun
Rev:– AVGVSTA, Ceres standing left, holding grain ears and torch
References:– RIC 360, RSC 78
Ceres, goddess of agriculture, carries grain ears and a torch used when she descended into the underworld in search of he daughter Persephonemaridvnvm
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VestaAntoninus Pius Denarius
Obv:– ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XVI, Laureate head facing right
Rev:– COS IIII, Vesta standing left, holding simpulum and Palladium
Minted in Rome, A.D. 152 - 153
References:– Cohen 197, RIC 219
Vesta originally started out as a household spirit and she was later personified as the goddess of the hearth and given the staure of her Greek equivalent, Hestia. In the temple of Vesta her flame was kept alive by Vestal Virgins. maridvnvm
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Pax (seated)Vespasian Denarius
Obv:– IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, Laureate Head Right
Rev:– PON MAX TR P COS VI, Pax seated left, holding olive branch, left hand at side
References:– RIC 90, RSC 366
Another example of Pax but this time seated rather than standing.maridvnvm
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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
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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. Robert_Brenchley
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UberitasClaudius II Gothicus 268 - 270
AR - Antoninian, 2.78g, 19mm
Siscia 1. officina
obv. IMP CLAVDIVS AVG
cuirassed bust, radiate head r.
rev. VBER[IT]AS AVG
Uberitas standing l., holding cornucopiae and purse
RIC V, 193; C.286
good F, portrait!
UBERITAS, personification of richness and abundance,
go on from the idea of fertility goddesses. Introduced AD 249
by Decius. The object in her r. hand is interpreted as
1 purse,
2 bundle of grapes, or
3 udder of a cowJochen
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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!) Jochen
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MinervaDomitian 81 - 96
AR - Denar, 3.62g, 18mm
AD 95/96
obv. IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM PM TRP XV
laureate head r.
rev. IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P PP
Minerva standing r. on columna rostrata(!), brandishing
javelin and and holding shield; owl at her feet; below two
figures (Jupiter and worshipping figure, ref. to Curtis Clay)
RIC II, 191; C.293
EF
MINERVA, a war-goddess and also patron of wisdom and handicraft.
One of the 'Capitoline Triad', with Jupiter and Juno a grouping certainly of
Etruscian origin. Her bird is the owl, head covered with a helmet.
Jochen
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SerapisMaximinus II Daia 309 - 313
AE - Follis (Bronce), 5.00g, 22.2mm
Cyzokus 4. officina, 311 - 312
obv. IMP C GAL VAL MAXIMINVS PF AVG
laureate head r.
rev. SOLE IN - VICTO
Sol radiate standing l. in long robe, r. raised, l. holding head of Serapis
field: Delta
exergue: MKV
RIC VI, Cyzikus 92; C.156
Scarce; good VF
from Forum Ancient Coins, ex Scott coll., thanks!
SERAPIS was a syncretic deity made of Osiris and Apis. Introduced by Ptolemaeus
as state deity. Later he was the highest deity with reminiscence of Zeus and even Christ(!). Because of that he connected Eastern, Egyptian religion with the Western world. Replaced by Christianity, after a short attempt by Julian II. Jochen
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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. maridvnvm
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VirtusSeptimius Severus Denarius
Obv:– SEVERVS AVG PART MAX, Laureate head right
Rev:– VIRT AVGG. Virtus standing left, holding Victory, spear and shield.
Minted in Rome in A.D. 200
References:– RCV88 1796, VM 172, RIC 171a, RCV02 6387, RSC 761
'Courage' is depicted as a helmeted soldier in armor holding a spear, victory or shield. Virtus and Mars can be distinguished since Mars is usually shown nude and Virtus is always shown clothes. Some coins appear to show Virtus as a female figure.maridvnvm
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PaxProbus Ant.
Obv:– IMP C PROBVS . P . F . AVG, Radiate, cuirassed bust right
Rev:– PAX AVG, Pax standing left, holding olive-branch and sceptre
Minted in Lugdunum (IIII in exe) Emission 8, Officina 4, Autumn to Late A.D. 281
References:– Cohen 401, Bastien 367 (2 examples), RIC 91 Bust type F
'Peace' here holding an olive branch and scepter. Some coins show an olive branch with cornucopia or cadeuceus.maridvnvm
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Sol, holding whipCaracalla Denarius
Obv:– ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM, Laureate head right
Rev:– P M TR P XX COS IIII P P, Sol standing left, holding right hand up in salute and whip
Minted in Rome in A.D. 217
References:– VM 6/5, RIC 293d (Common), RSC 389maridvnvm
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SerapisCaracalla Denarius
Obv:– ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, Laureate bust right
Rev:- P M TR P XVI COS IIII P P, Serapis his chest bare and a modius on his head standing left holding sceptre and raising hand
Minted in Rome, A.D. 213
References, VM 60.1, RIC 208, RSC 211.
Serapis was imported from Egypt and became popular at Rome in the 3rd century A.D. He is bearded, wears a tall headdress and carries a staff. He usually is shown gesturing with a raised hand.maridvnvm
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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 maridvnvm
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Salus, goddess of health safety and general welfare.Crispina -- Died 182/3 CE. Wife of Commodus. Augusta, 177-182/3 CE.
Orichalcum Sestertius (31 mm, 21.12 gm). Rome mint, 177-182 CE.
Obv: CRISPINA AVGVSTA, Bare-headed & draped bust r.
Rev: SALVS SC, Salus seated l., feeding out of patera snake coiled round altar, l. arm on side of chair.
RIC-672a, BMC-420, Cohen-33, Sear-6010.
Salus was an old Roman goddess often identified with Hygieia, a daughter of Aesculapius. While the name SALVS appears on many Roman coins, it is often not in a true medical context, but rather in a political sense that peace and safety prevailed in the Empire. She usually holds a scepter and is shown feeding a snake from a patera.
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MenSeptimius Severus Ae23
Obv:– L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP, Radiate bust right
Rev:– ANTIOCH COLONIA CCA, Mên standing facing, head right, wearing phrygian head, holding sceptre and Nike, left foot on bucranium (cowhead); to left, a rooster
Minted in Pisidia, Antioch.
The temple of Mên was situated on a hill three and a half kilometres to the south-east of Antioch in Pisidia, on a small mountain, 2,000 metres high. The temple was also dedicated to Cybele. Antioch in Pisidia is mentioned in the bible as one of the locations that St. Paul visited.maridvnvm
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. featherz
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SOLObverse: IMP CONSTANTINVS AVG
Reverse: SOL INVIC-TO COMITI
Left Field: T
Right Field: F
Exergue: BTR
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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 cornucopia
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