Ramus


Please add updates or make corrections to the NumisWiki text version as appropriate.
Ramus, a branch or more properly Ramusculus, a little branch, is seen in the hands of many different personifications, figured on Roman as well as Greek coins.  A branch either of laurel or of olive (for the ancients used both the one and the other in performing the lustrations) is an attribute or sign of Apollo Salutaris, as may be seen on a coin of Trebonianus.  It is also a symbol of Hilaritas and of Laetitia. - Hercules, Mars and Minerva, in their respective qualities of Pacifier, or Peace-bearing, are distinguished by a branch held in the right hand.  - The olive branch of Peace is held in the right hand of that goddess, on numerous coins of the Imperial series - PAX AVGVSTI. - The types of Concord, hope, Fortune, Providence, Piety, Rest (Quies), Security, Victory, and Valour (Virtus), likewise bear palm or other branches among their other attributes on Roman coins.  -On contorniate medals we see the Quadrigarii, or characters of the circus, holding palm branches.

View whole page from the |Dictionary Of Roman Coins|