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Home > Coin Collecting Theme Galleries > The Pantheon - Gods, Goddesses and Personifications

Most viewed - The Pantheon - Gods, Goddesses and Personifications
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Jupiter Propugnator272 viewsSeverus 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
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IOVI VLTORI272 viewsSeverus 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
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Serapis269 viewsCaracalla Denarius
Obv:– ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, Laureate bust right
Rev:- P M TR P XVI COS IIII P P, Serapis his chest bare and a modius on his head standing left holding sceptre and raising hand
Minted in Rome, A.D. 213
References, VM 60.1, RIC 208, RSC 211.

Serapis was imported from Egypt and became popular at Rome in the 3rd century A.D. He is bearded, wears a tall headdress and carries a staff. He usually is shown gesturing with a raised hand.
1 commentsmaridvnvm
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Janus on Geta denarius268 viewsP 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
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Libertas267 viewsClaudius 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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Isis on an Alexandrian diobol of Galba267 viewsAlexandria, 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
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Athena Parthenos267 viewsAttica, 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.
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Fides Militum (Maximinus denarius)265 viewsFIDES MILITUM - "The Loyal Military"
Rome Mint, AD 235-236
Ecgþeow
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Venus Genetrix265 viewsJulia Domna, died AD 217(?), wife of Septimius Severus
AR - Antoninianus, 4.89g, 21mm
Rome AD 216
obv.: IVLIA PIA - FELIX AVG
draped bust on crescent, diademed head r.
rev.: VENVS GENETRIX
Venus sitting l. on throne, holding long sceptre l. and extending r. hand
RIC IV/1, Caracalla 388(a); C.211; BMCR.434
Scarce; about VF

VENUS GENETRIX. After the defeat at the Trasumenian lake AD 217 under Q.Fabius Maximus begin of the mythos of the troian origin of the Romans as anti-karthag.-pro-greek propaganda. Getting political importness in the 1st century BC as Aeneadum Genetrix and so becoming mother of the Gens Iulia and the Roman People. V.Genetrix first used by Sulla, then at the height by Caesar, reflected in Vergil's Aeneis.
1 commentsJochen
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Vesta on Caligula as265 viewsC CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT
VESTA / S C
RIC 38 (C) ; COHEN 27
fredericweber.com
1 commentsfrederic W
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Juno (Sospita)263 views* 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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Vesta262 viewsAntoninus 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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Pietas262 viewsFaustina 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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Minerva (Alternate depiction)262 viewsCaracalla 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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Demeter260 viewsMetapontum, 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
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Venus Caelestis258 viewsJulia 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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Pannonia257 viewsTrajan 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 region
1 commentsmaridvnvm
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Apollo Delphios257 viewsApollo 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
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Pax (seated)256 viewsVespasian 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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Men255 viewsSeptimius 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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Laetitia, the personification of gladness and happiness.254 viewsFaustina 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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Moneta248 viewsDiocletian 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).
1 commentsJochen
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Aeneas248 viewsOrichalcum 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
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Securitas247 viewsHelena, died AD 328, mother of Constantin I
AE - AE3, 2.96g, 17mm
Cyzikus 2. officina, AD 325/6
obv. FL HELENA - AVGVSTA
bust draped, with necklace, pearl-diademed head r.
rev. SECVRITAS - REI PVBLICE
Securitas draped, diademed, standing l., with r. hand holding down a branch,
with l. raising her robe
exergue: SMK[B] dot
RIC VII, Cyzicus 39; cf. C.39; LRBC.1177
R2; uncirculated, partially silvered

SECURITAS, security, connected with the ideas of Peace and Victory. Sometimes depicted as leaning on a column (meaning security for itself). Here providing security for the empire.
1 commentsJochen
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Zeus Ammon, Ptolemy III Euergetes - Alexandria - Diobol - 246/222BC247 viewsAE 30.8-31.5mm : 22.97gm
OBV - Zeus Ammon, facing right
REV - Eagle standing on thunderbolt, closed wings, head facing left, cornucopia in left field, CHI RHO monogram between legs
REF - Svoronos 966
NOTE - Denomination series of Svoronos 964, 965, 966, 967, 968, 969
2 commentsPtolemAE
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Pax246 viewsProbus 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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Mars (PROPVGNATORI)245 viewsCaracalla 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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MARS ULTOR - Severus Alexander AE Sestertius245 viewsSeverus 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
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Mars Pacifero244 viewsSeverus 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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Neptune242 viewsSeptimius 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 rock
maridvnvm
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Dionysos on Maroneian AR Tetradrachm242 viewsLate 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
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Pax (with cornucopia)238 viewsDenarius
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 staff
maridvnvm
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Oceanus, Septimus Severus, denarius237 viewsSEVERVS PIVS AVG
PM TR P XVII COS III PP
RIC 229 (R) ; Cohen 530 (20 fr.)
RIC say Triton, BMC Ocean, Cohen which misdicribe this coin say Tiber, david Sear suggest the Tyne This could be the Channel too. But I thinks it's Ocean.
Frederic Weber collection
1 commentsfrederic W
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Tanit233 viewsTanit was a Phoenician lunar goddess worshiped as the patron goddess of Carthage.

Background to the coin type http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-60562
1 comments
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Athena and her owl 232 viewsIn 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
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ASKLEPIOS 227 viewsPHILIP 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
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Serapis, Nero, Tetradrachm225 viewsOb. Nero, head right, radiate
Rev. Serapis, draped bust right
Year 10---63-64 AD

Serapis is usually shown with a grain-measuring basket on his head. Although derived from Egyptian deities, he often looks very Jovian and thoroughly Greek, a matter which apparently pleased the Macedonian Ptolemies, and probably helped his acceptance by the Romans.
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Genius224 viewsGenius - 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
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Aphrodite and Ares on Cilician AR Stater of Satrap Pharnabazos224 viewsCirca 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
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Nobilitas220 viewsGeta 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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Zeus Ammon, Ptolemy III Euergetes - Alexandria - Hemidrachm - 246/222BC219 viewsPtolemy III Euergetes - Alexandria - Hemidrachm - 246/222BC
AE 33.5-34.1mm : 32.9gm : 11h
OBV - Zeus Ammon f/R
REV - Eagle with closed wings standing on thunderbolt facing left w/cornucopia at left, CHI RHO monogram between legs
REF - Svoronos 965 (Plate 29 #20) SNGCOP 173-5 Weiser 72 Sear 7817
PtolemAE
julia_maesa_268.jpg
Pudicitia212 viewsJulia 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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Diana212 viewsAnontinus 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
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Hercules. The Nemean lion.211 viewsAntoninianus. 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
Victoria.jpg
Victoria202 viewsOne of the most important deities in Rome.
Victoria has given shape to christian angels.
attributes: wings, palmbranch, wreath

upleft: Traian - AR denarius; Rome; 101-102 AD; RIC 59, C 241; 3,18 g 20-18 mm
upright: Septimius Severus - AR denarius; Rome; 195 AD; RIC 64, RSC 50, Sear'88 #1747; 2,78 g 18-16 mm (celebrating victory over Pescenius Niger who was supported by Arabs and Adiabs)
downleft: Gordian III - AR antoninianus; Rome VI 238 - XII 239 AD; RIC 5. C. 357; 4,52 g 22-21,5 mm
downright: Decius - AR antoninianus; Rome; 249 AD; RIC 29c, sear5 #9387; 4,39 g 22-20 mm
J. B.
Akarnania,_Leukas,_167-100_BC,_AR_Didrachm.jpg
Aphrodite Aeneias 202 viewsAkarnania, 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.
Gallienus~1.JPG
SOL201 viewsSol - god of the sun

Gallienus AE Antoninianus

Attribution: RIC 465a, Mediolanum
Date: AD 267-268
Obverse: GALLIENVS AVG, radiate
head r.
Reverse: AETERN AVG, Sol stg. l.,
r. hand raised & l. holding globe,
MT in exergue
Size: 19.1 mm

3 commentsNoah
Corinthian_Stater_Silver~0.JPG
Athena, Corinthian Stater198 viewsLeucas, 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
full_length_gods.JPG
Pantheon of Greek Gods198 viewsHere are some of the Greek gods depicted in full length form. As you might expect Athena seems to be a favorite deity as attested by these ancient coins. All are found on the reverse side except the stater coin from Tarsos.

Top Row: Zeus on Alexander III Tetradrachm; Apollo on Myrina Stephanophoric Tetradrachm; Dionysos on Maroneia Tetradrachm; Baal on Tarsos Stater.
Middle Row: Zeus on Bactrian Drachm; Athena Itona on Thessalian League Stater; Nike on Side Tetradrachm; Apollo on Seleukid Drachm; Athena on Cappadocian Drachm.
Bottom Row: Athena on Pergammon Tetradrachm; Athena on Seleukid Tetradrachm; Athena on Lysimachos Tetradrachm; Athena on Aigeaian Tetradrachm.
Jason T
Screen_Shot_2014-06-26_at_1_42_47_PM.png
Herakles and Zeus192 viewsMacedonian 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
0070-310~0.jpg
ROMA188 viewsNero Dupondius minted in Rome in 65 AD
NERO CLAVD CAESAR AVG GER PM TR P IMP PP, Radiate head of Nero right
ROMA in ex, SC in field, Roma seated left holding wreath and parazonium, , right foot on a helmet
13.06 gr
Ref : RCV #1966, Cohen #280
1 commentsPotator II
Dionis.jpg
Dionysus and Demeter188 viewsPerinthos, 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
Herennia_Etruscilla_Milne_3818.jpg
Athena, Herennia Etruscilla, Potin Tetradrachm, Alexandria, Milne 3818188 viewsHerennia 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
GAE505_O.jpg
Zeus Ammon, Ptolemy IV Philopater - 221/205BC - Alexandria - Tetrobol186 viewsAE 37.2-38.1mm : 41.8gm : 12h
OBV - Zeus Ammon, facing right
REV - Eagle standing on thunderbolt, wing open on right side of coin, head turned right over open wing, SIGMA control letter between legs, no symbol in left field
REF - Svoronos 1148 - no countermark or symbol in left field
PtolemAE
Diana_of_Ephesus_-_Claudius_AR_Tetradrachm.jpg
Artemis, (Diana of Ephesus), in her Temple186 viewsTI. 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
rome_sestertius_ANACS-VF-20_rev_04_cut~0.JPG
MARS ULTOR185 viewsEmperor 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
Vesta.jpg
Vesta184 viewsVesta was the virgin goddess of the hearth, home, and family.
She isn't equivalent of greek Hestia.
She is often depicted with Palladium which Aeneas brought from Troy according legend. Palladium was stored in her temple on forum.
Their priestess (Vestal Virgins) were tending holy fire which was renewed every 1. March.
Rites of Vesta ended in 394 and Vestal Virgins were disbanded by order of Theodosius I.

upleft: Antoninus Pius - AR denarius; Rome; 153-154 AD; Vesta holding simpulum and Palladium; RIC 229a, RSC 198; 3,11g 17-16 mm;
upright: Faustina I - AR denarius; Rome; 148-161 AD; Vesta holding Palladium and patera over lit altar; RSC 116; RIC 370.4; 3,19g 17-16 mm
downleft: Faustina I - AE As; Rome; 148-161 AD; Vesta holding palladium and torch; RIC 1178, Cohen 114, BMC 1581, sear5 #4648; 9,26g 27-26 mm
downright: Julia Mamaea - AR denarius; Rome; 222 AD; Vesta holding patera and scepter; RIC 362, BMC 440, S 8218, C 85; ??? g 20-18 mm
J. B.
Macrinus~0.JPG
Zeus184 viewsZeus - Greek Head Deity of Mt. Olympus

Macrinus Bronze AE 27

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

Noah
crepereiaIIII.jpg
Neptune and Amphytrite184 viewsAR denarius. 72 BC. 3,78 grs. Bust of Amphytrite right,seen from behind letter C before, symbol (crab) behind / Neptune,brandishing trident, in sea chariot right,drawn by two hippocamps,above C.Q.CREPER.M.F. / ROCVS in two lines below.
Craw 399/1b. RSC Crepereia 2. CNR Crepereia 2/3.

Amphytrite daughter of Nereid and Doris was courted by Neptune. But she fled from his advances to Atlas, at the farthest ends of the sea. There the dolphin of Neptune sought her through the islands of the sea, and finding her, spoke persuasively on behalf of Poseidon. As Hyginus writes he was rewarded by being placed among the stars as the constellation Delphinus.












1 commentsbenito
strabo2~1.jpg
Europa, L.Volteius Strabo181 viewsAR 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
HADRSE24-2.JPG
Tellus, goddess of the earth178 viewsorichalcum sestertius (24.0g, 33mm, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 137-138.
HADRIANVS [-] AVG COS III P P laureate head of Hadian facing right
TELLVS STABIL / S C [below] Woman reclining left leaning with her left elbow on a basket filled with fruits and vegetables, right hand resting on a globe.
RIC 971f (scarce); Cohen 1432; Foss (Roman Historical Coins) 121/126

Issued on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the reign in AD 137, with the Earth Goddess Tellus symbolising the stability of the world (Tellus stabilita) under Roman rule.
2 commentsCharles S
Kassander.jpg
Zeus on Kassander AR Tetradrachm178 viewsCirca 317-315 B.C. AR Tetradrachm in the name and types of Philip II, 14.31g. Pella Mint. Le Rider-531 (D281/R436), SNG ANS-450 (same dies). Obverse laureate head of Zeus right. Reverse ΦIΛIΠ-ΠOY nude youth, holding palm frond and reins, on horseback right; coiled serpent below, Boeotian shield below foreleg. EF, lightly toned, some die wear on obverse, die break and die shift on reverse. Attractive style.

Ex CNG
1 commentsJason T
AntoSe94.jpg
Juno Sospita177 viewsorichalcum 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
ANTOSEb4.jpg
Tiber river god177 viewsorichalcum sestertius (22,9g). Rome mint. Struck AD 140-144.
ANTONINVS AVG [-] PIVS P P TR P COS III laureate head of Antoninus Pius facing right
TIBERIS S C River god the Tiber, draped about waist, reclining to left, leaning with elbow on urn which pours out water, resting right hand on ship's prow and holding reed in the left.
RIC 642a (rare), Cohen 819 (fr.20), BMC 1313-15, Foss (Roman Historical Coins) 129:60
ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. Auction 401; Ex NAC AG, Auction 54; ex Busso-Peus Nachf sale 351 (1997).

Struck in preparation of the 900th anniversary of Rome celebrated in AD 147.
The river god Tiber plays a very important role in ancient Roman legends such as Rhea Silvia, the mother of Romulus and Remus, who was thrown into the river to be drowned. She fell into the arms of the River god who married her; Romulus and Remus were saved by the river god Tiber who safely left the twins in a pool where they were rescued by a wolf.
1 commentsCharles S
elagabalus_AD218-219_AR-antoninianus_mars_5_73gr_rev_01.jpg
MARS VICTOR - Elagabalus Silver Antoninianus176 viewsEmperor 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
GG-TiClaudDiana56__5~1.jpg
Diana176 viewsAR 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
img588.jpg
PIETAS, Trajan, 98-117 AD Denarius176 viewsStruck 107 AD
Ag 3,0 g.
OBV: IMP. TRAIANO. AVG. GER. DAC. P. M.TR. P. COS. VI. P. P.
Laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder
REV: S. P. Q. R. OPTIMO. PRINCIPI PIET
Pietas standing left holding sceptre and dropping inscense into lighted altar
Nilus.jpg
NILUS175 viewsPtolemaic Bronze ca. 180BC - Ptolemy V - VI
Svoronos 1378 (K control letter in eagle's legs)
Rare type with expressive portrait of Nilus rather than typical Ptolemaic Zeus.
AE20 5.98gm 11h
Part of scarce series of coins with 'K' control letter, 5 sizes each with different designs.
Few specimens known in books, museum collections.
Some thought that the K might represent Kleopatra I, mother of Ptolemy VI. Exact date unknown but likely ca. 190-170BC. Apparently the only Ptolemaic bronze type with a representation of the 'River God', Nilus.
PtolemAE
Maues.JPG
Tyche, Zeus174 viewsMaues, Drachm, Senior 3.1d
Tyche enthroned, holding torque and sceptre / Zeus Nikephoros
Pekka K
GG-CMamilMerc74__4[2]~1.jpg
Mercury174 viewsAR Serrate Denarius, Rome mint, 82B.C. by C. Mamilius C.f.Limetanus

Obv: Draped bust of Mercury right, wearing winged petasus, caduceus over shoulder, control letter M behind.
Rev: Ulysses walking right, holding staff and extending his right hand to his dog, Argos. C MAMIL on left, LIMENTAN (TA in monogram) on right.

Crawford 362/1 Sear RCV I 282 RSC Mamilia 6

Mercury was alleged to be the son of Jupiter and daughter of Maia, daughter of Atlas. It is thought that he was originally an Etruscan deity who was borrowed by the Romans. They later transferred all the myths and legends of the Greek god Hermes to Mercury. One of his main characteristics was his faithful attendance to Jupiter, to whom he acted as messenger. Among other occupations he was regarded as the patron of merchants and thus denoted by the winged hat (petasus) he wore. It was said that all business negotiations should be kept hidden under the hat and that the wings signified that the bargaining should be swiftly completed, like a bird flying through the air.
2 commentsnemesis
AntoSe08-2.jpg
Ops168 viewsorichalcum sestertius (24.0g, 33mm, 6h) Rome mint. Struck AD 140-144
ANTONINVS AVG PI[-]VS P P TR P COS III laureate head of Antoninus Pius facing right
OPI AVG / S C [in ex.] Ops seated left, holding sceptre, left hand drawing back drapery.
RIC 612 (Scarce); Cohen 569 (fr.8); BMC 1258-62; Foss (Roman Historical Coins) 130:67

Ops stands for plenty, properity, power, fertility... Her cult goes back to the earliest times, supposedly founded by Romulus. She is the wife of Saturn, sometimes equated with Cybele. Appears on Roman coins only twice (also on issues of Pertinax). The issue under A. Pius is most probably associated with the 900th anniversary of Rome.
1 commentsCharles S
GG-HadNemes33__3~0.jpg
Nemesis166 viewsHadrian, AR Denarius, Rome mint, A.D.135
Obv: HADRIANVS - AVG COS III P P Bare head right
Rev: VICTORIA AVG Nemesis advancing right, holding out branch downward in left hand, pulling out fold of dress with right hand.

RIC.282 BMCRE.757 RSC 1454 Sear RCV II 3547

Nemesis was latterly regarded by the Romans as the avenger of crimes and punisher of wrong-doers. She is usually depicted as winged, like Victory, and has a number of different attributes. On this coin she holds out an olive branch downwards, but on other coins the object she holds can be a winged caduceus. She can be featured with a snake at her feet or a wheel, although the latter object is usually only associated with Eastern mint coins. However, one constant feature that identifies her as Nemesis on coins is that she is always holding out a fold of her dress.
Nemesis features only rarely on Roman coins, mostly during the 1st and 2nd Centuries. Coins of all metals depicting her are mostly found on those of Claudius, Vespasian and Hadrian.
nemesis
GG-JuDomnLuna52__8~0.jpg
Luna Lucifera160 viewsAR 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-AugMerc33__10~0.jpg
Mercury158 viewsOctavian, AR Denarius of Eastern Mint (?), B.C.32-31

Obv: Bare head of Octavian right
Rev: Naked Mercury seated on a rock, petasus hanging down his back, playing a lyre. CAESAR DIVI F

RIC.257 Sear RCV I 1550 RSC I 61 BMCRE.596 BMCRR East 236

In addition to Mercury's position as messenger of the gods and patron of merchants there was another belief about him that on occasion he was a cunning thief, and was thus the patron of thieves. One story relates how he stole some oxen from Apollo. Whilst in hiding he found a tortoise in a cave. From the shell and some strings drawn across it he invented the lyre. As he was playing it Apollo heard the sound and was so charmed by it that he allowed Mercury to keep the oxen, and the lyre was from then on was also associated with Apollo. However, with this coin here the petasus denotes that the lyre is being played by Mercury.
1 commentsnemesis
GG-GallnsLuna27__5~0.jpg
Luna Lucifera155 viewsBase 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
Elagabalus_Varbanov_I,_Marcianopolis_1457.jpg
Elagabalus, AE25, Hermes, Varbanov I 1457146 viewsElagabalus
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
Domitian.JPG
Minerva145 viewsMinerva - Romano/Etruscan goddess of wisdom

Domitian AR Denarius

Attribution: RIC II 764,
RSC 290
Date: AD 93-94
Obverse: IMP CAES DOMIT
AVG GERM PM TR P XIII,
laureate head r.
Reverse: IMP XXII COS XVI
CENS PPP, Minerva stg. l.
Size: 17.9 mm
Weight: 3.61 grams

Noah
herennia~1.jpg
PIETAS, Herennia140 viewsAR denarius. 108 BC. 3,87 grs. Diademed head of Pietas,with necklace,right. PIETAS ( AT in monogram) behind / Amphinomus carrying his father aloft right, who looks back. M. HERENNI behind. Control letter E before.
Herennia 1a. Cra 308/1b.

The reverse of this coin shows the iconography of the saga of the Catanean brothers in Sicily.
As Pausanias writes ( X.28.4.) " The ancients charished their parents highly as you can see in Katane by the so-called "pious", who when the fire from the Mt. Aitna was flowing onto Katane gold and silver regarded for nothing but escaped one carrying his mother, the other his father. Because they advanced only badly the fire reached them with its flames, and because even then they didn't set down their parents, the fire-stream is said to have split in two parts and the fire flowed around the youth and their parents without causing harm to them. Therefore they were worshipped until now by the Katanaians."
benito
AD240_AR-denarius_gordian-III_salus_rev_01~0.JPG
SALUS AUGUSTI - Emperor Gordian III - AD 240138 viewsGordian III AR Denarius. 240 AD.
obv: IMP GORDIANVS PIVS FEL AVG - laureate, draped & cuirassed bust right.
rev: SALVS AVGVSTI - Salus standing right, holding and feeding snake.

RIC 129a, RSC 325.

Comment: Last issue of the AR Denarius produced for mass circulation in the Roman Empire.
This was a special issue of six (RIC 115, 127, 129-131) struck marking the marriage of
Gordian III to Sabinia Tranquillina in the summer of 240.
rexesq
ANTOSEb5.jpg
Salus132 viewsOrichalcum sestertius (25,61g, 30mm, 12h). Rome mint. Struck AD 140-144.
ANTONINVS AVG PI[-]VS P P TR P COS III laureate head right
SALVS AVG / S C [in ex.] Salus seated left, holding a patera to feed a snake coiled around altar, and resting left elbow on chair
ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachf., Auction 401 (2010)
Salus Aug(usti) refers to the health of the emperor. Salus is the Roman goddess of health and a temple was dedicated to her in 302 BC.
Charles S
Caracalla-Denar-VENUSVICTRIX.jpg
VENUS VICTRIX124 viewsCARACALLA - Denar

A) ANTONINVS PIVS AVG GERM
Laureated head right

R) VENVS VICTRIX
Venus standing left, holding Victoriola (?) and sceptre , she is leaning on a shield, which is placed on a helmet

Weight:3,4g; Ø: 17mm; Reference: RIC IV/I/311b; ROME mint; struck: 213-217 A.D.
Commodus_Milne_2688.jpg
Selene, Commodus, Billon Tetradrachm, Milne 2688 124 viewsCommodus
Augustus, 180 - 192 A.D.

Coin: Billon Tetradrachm

Obverse: MA KOM ANTω - CЄB ЄVCЄB, laureate bust facing right.
Reverse: Bust of Selene, facing left, a Crescent before her, LΛ in the right field.

Weight: 10.76 g, Diameter: 24 x 22.3 x 3 mm, Die axis: 0°, Mint: Alexandria, Year: 30 (LΛ), struck between 189 - 190 A.D. References: Milne 2688, BMC 1404, Emmett 2558
Constantine IV
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The Olympians (not the modern athletes)93 viewsThese are the gods and goddesses found feasting in Mount Olympus. There were supposed to be Twelve of them (not counting Herakles). Guess who were late for dinner?

Present are (from left to right, top to bottom):

Apollo, Ares, Demeter
Athena, Zeus, Aphrodite (with Eros*)
Artemis, Herakles**, Dionysius

*Eros is obviously a gate-crasher!
**Herakles is not part of the 12 Olympians but invited at the banquet after his famous 12 Labors and by virtue that he is a son of Zeus

(Please click picture for better resolution)
1 commentsJason T
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Providentia, Marcus Aurelius Silver Denarius7 viewsMarcus Aurelius (7 Mar 161 - 17 Mar 180 CE), Silver Denarius, RIC III 170, RSC II 881, BMCRE IV 439, Hunter II 37, Cohen III 881, SRCV II -, EF, sharply struck, beautifully toned, radiating flow lines on the obverse, reverse slightly off-centre with some weakness in legends and scattered light porosity, closed flan crack, plain edge, weight 3.25g, composition Ag, diameter 19.0×18.0mm, thickness 3.13mm, die axis 180°, Rome mint, Dec 166 - Dec 167 CE; obverse M ANTONINVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX, laureate head right; reverse TR P [X]XI•IMP IIII COS [III], Providentia, draped, standing half-left, wand over globe in right hand, long sceptre vertical in left; from the Roger Belmar Collection; ex Sovereign Rarities (3 Dec 2022); ex Dipl.-Ing. Adrian Lang Collection, Part II, Leu Numismatik web auction 21 (19 Jul 2022), lot 4265; ex Peus 378 (28 Apr 2004), lot 658; £375.00.

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

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