Go to Index, Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VII, Part VIII, Part IX, Part X, Part XI, Roman Coins: Empire, Greek Coins, Coins from the Hunterian Museum
coin
denominations showing relative sizes and names of coins;
smaller version
This shows the coinage as reformed by Augustus c. 23 BCE (1 gold aureus=25
silver denarii; 1 denarius=4 bronze sestertii; 1 sestertius=2 brass dupondii; 1 dupondius=2 copper asses; 1 as=2 bronze semisses; 1 semis=2 copper
quadrantes);
aureus, denarius, and sestertius of Vitellius, 69 CE;
dupondius, as, semis, and quadrans of Nero, 54-68 CE
London, British
Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
diagram explaining common
Roman coins, with relative size and denominations modern
Ribchester,
Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 1986
denarius depicting Juno Moneta, issued by moneyer T. Carisius, c. 46 BCE
larger version.
In 390 BCE, the sacred geese of Juno warned (monere) the Romans about an impending
attack by Gauls, hence her temple on the Capitoline was dedicated to Juno
Moneta. The mint for making coins was adjacent to this temple and the goddess
thus became associated with money.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001; 2006.
Keywords: coin; coinmaking
reverse of
above denarius, issued by moneyer T. Carisius, c. 46 BCE
larger version.
Reverse depicts coinmaking tools; anvil die with punch die above, tongs and hammer on
sides, surrounded by laurel wreath.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001; 2006.
Keywords: coin; coinmaking
denarius of Augustus, c. 13 BCE
The reverse depict Marcus Agrippa, son-in-law and premier general of Augustus; the inscription names Agrippa and the moneyer, C. Sulpicius Platorinus.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, succession
denarius with head of
Marcus Agrippa, issued by Augustus c. 13 BCE
London, British Museum.
Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin
denarius of Mark
Antony; mint of Rome, c. 44 BCE
Antony is shown with religious symbols
and veiled head to indicate mourning for the assassinated Julius
Caesar.
Boston, Museum of Fine Arts. Credits: Barbara McManus,
2002
Keywords: coin
denarius with head of Mark Antony, c. 44-42 BCE
Antony is shown with a beard, indicating mourning for the assassinated Julius Caesar.
Chicago, Art Institute. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2003
denarius of Mark Antony;
larger version; c. 41 BCE
The
inscription identifies Antony as triumvir.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001, 2006
Keywords: coin, triumvirate
aureus obverse: bust of winged Victory, minted at Rome, c. 41 BCE
This coin was issued by the moneyer C. Numonius Vaala; the likeness on the coin is similar to portraits of Fulvia, wife of Antony, in the guise of Victory that appeared on coins from Eumachia, a Phrygian city of which Fulvia was patron.
Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (National Museums). Credits: Barbara McManus, 2003
Keywords: coin, women, Nike
photo of coin
(cistophorus) of Antony, 39 BCE, Ephesus
Commemorates the
marriage of Antony and Octavia in 40; reverse depicts Antony as Dionysus,
obverse (shown here) shows the bust of Octavia surrounded by Dionysiac symbols,
including the woven basket called the cista mystica.
London, British
Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, triumvirate
cistophorus of Mark Antony, 39 BCE, Ephesus
Reverse: bust of Octavia on top of cista mystica, flanked by snakes.
The legend reads IIIVIR R(ei) P(ublicae) C(onstituendae), indicating that Antony was a
member of the Second Triumvirate.
Chicago, Art Institute. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2003
Keywords: coin; Octavian
silver drachm of Mark Antony, minted at Antioch, 40-31 BCE
The portrait shows a youthful Antony with an abundance of curly hair.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2006
denarius of
Mark Antony, 31 BCE, depicting legionary eagle between two standards
other side of coin,
depicting a warship
struck shortly before his defeat at the battle of
Actium, coin was issued to pay the 12th legion;
London, British Museum.
Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: army; military; legion; ship;
galley
aureus of Mark
Antony, with legionary eagle between 2 standards; inscription reads
COHORTIVM PRAETORIARVM
denarius with 3
standards; inscription reads CHORTIS SPECVLATORVM;
denarius with eagle
and 2 standards; inscription reads LEG. XVIII LYBICAE
These coins were
all issued to pay his legions in the war with Octavian.
London, British
Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: army; military; legion
aureus of Mark
Antony,
larger version; c. 36-35 BCE
Obverse: portrait of Antony; the
inscription reads "M(arcus) ANTONIVS IMP(erator) IIIVIR R(ei) P(ublicae) C(onstituendae).
Reverse: portrait of Octavia,
his wife and sister of Octavian (note her characteristic nodus hairstyle).
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin; history
aureus of Mark
Antony with portrait of Octavia, uncertain mint, 38 BCE
This detailed portrait indicates Octavia's severe nodus and bun hairstyle.
New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2007.
Keywords: coin; history
denarius of Antony, 34 BCE, Alexandria
One side depicts the head of Antony with the inscription ANTONI ARMENIA DEVICTA, with an Armenian tiara behind him. The other shows the diademed
head of Cleopatra with a ship's
prow in front; the inscription reads CLEOPATRAE REGINAE REGVM FILIORVM REGVM (for Cleopatra,
queen of kings and of the sons of kings"). Scholars dispute which of these sides is the
obverse of the coin.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara F. McManus, 2005
denarius with head of Cleopatra; 34 BCE, Alexandria
This is another version of the same coin as above.
Munich, Münzsammlung. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: Antony
drawing of silver
tetradrachm of Antony with heads of Antony and Cleopatra; 36-34 BCE
Credits: J.C. Stobart, The Grandeur that Was Rome (2nd ed.), plate 22
facing p. 142, 1920
Keywords: Cleopatra; Antony; history
silver tetradrachm of Augustus, 24-20 BCE
Inscription reads IMP[erator] CAESAR
Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology. Credits: Barbara McManus,
2004
Keywords: coin, Octavian, principate
aureus of Augustus,
depicted in youthful form with no inscription
British Museum. Credits:
Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: emperor, principate, coin
aureus of
Augustus, 28 BCE, probably minted in Asia Minor
larger version. Inscription
reads LEGES ET IURA P.R. RESTITUIT (“he restored the laws and rights of the Roman
people,” Res Gestae 34); Augustus is shown seated on the curule chair
(sella curulis) that marked high office.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2006
Keywords: emperor, principate, coin
denarius of Augustus; minted in Spain, 19-18 BCE
Depicts the Temple of Jupiter Tonans erected by Augustus on the Capitoline.
Munich, Münzsammlung. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, principate; religion; Zeus, thunderer
denarius of Augustus depicting the clipeus virtutis (shield of valor)
See Res Gestae 34, "In the senate house was placed the golden shield, which
the Senate and Roman People gave to me for my valor, my clemency, my justice,
and my piety."
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, principate
denarius of Augustus; minted in Spain, 19-18 BCE
Shows a winged victory holding the clipeus virtutis and a laurel wreath
in front of a column.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, principate
aureus of Augustus; minted in Spain, 19-18 BCE
Shows a winged victory holding the clipeus virtutis.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, principate
denarius of
Augustus depicting the clipeus virtutis (shield of valor)
See
Res Gestae 34, "In the senate house was placed the golden shield, which
the Senate and Roman People gave to me for my valor, my clemency, my justice,
and my piety."
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, principate
aureus of
Augustus depicting the corona civica (civic crown) with the
inscription "for saving the citizens"
See Res Gestae 34, "I was
called Augustus by decree of the Senate; the doorposts of my house were
decorated with laurel; over my door was fixed a civic wreath."
London,
British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin,
principate
denarius of Augustus; mint of Spain, 19-18 BCE
Obverse depicts the oak leaf crown (corona civica, shown with the ribbons that would lie
on the neck pointing upward) awarded to Augustus "for saving the citizens" (OB CIVIS SERVATOS).
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, principate
sestertus of Augustus; after 27 BCE
Obverse depicts the oak leaf crown (corona civica with the legend OB CIVIS SERVATOS.
Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (National Museums). Credits: Barbara McManus, 2004
Keywords: coin, principate
aureus of Augustus
with inscription "Son of the Divine [Julius]";
photo of the obverse of this
coin shows the door Augustus' house between laurel trees, with the civic
wreath above.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, principate
aureus of Augustus;
larger version
The inscription is CAESAR AVGVSTVS between two laurel trees.
Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (National Museums). Credits: Barbara McManus, 2004
Keywords: coin, principate
denarius of Augustus; mint of Spain, 19-18 BCE
Depicts the two laurel trees that flanked the door of Augustus' house on the Palatine.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, principate
aureus of Augustus;
larger version
15 BCE from mint of Lyons. Tiberius and Drusus hand Augustus
symbols of victory (laurel branches) after successful Alpine campaign of 16/15
BCE; toga-clad Augustus sits on sella curulis. The legend is IMP[erator] X. Compare the strictly Roman symbolism here with the Olympian symbolism of the "Sword of Tiberius"
(see Index VI)
London, British Museum; Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (National Museums). Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001, 2004.
Keywords: imperial politics, imperial symbolism, coin
denarius of Augustus; 15 BCE from mint of Lyons
On the reverse Tiberius and Drusus hand Augustus symbols of victory (laurel branches) after successful Alpine campaign of 16/15 BCE; toga-clad Augustus sits on the sella curulis.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005.
Keywords: imperial politics, imperial symbolism, coin
denarius
of Augustus, end first century BCE
depicts Apollo with lyre as victor
at the naval battle of Actium.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara
McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, emperor
denarius of Augustus, end first century BCE
Obverse, head of Augustus with the legend AVGVSTVS DIVI F[ilius].
Reverse, Apollo with lyre as victor at the naval battle of Actium.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, emperor
denarius
issued by moneyer C. Antistius Vetus, 16 BCE
The coin depicts Apollo citharoede stading before an altar, wearing flowing garments and holding a lyre in one hand and a libation bowl in the other. He stands on a platform ornamented with ship's beaks (rostra).
The legends refers to the victory at Actium (ACTIO APOLLINI).
Munich, Münzsammlung. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, emperor
denarius of Augustus, mint of Rome, 19 BCE
The obverse contains a portrait of Augustus. The
reverse depicts Tarpeia holding up
her hands in fright, covered in shields up to her waist. The inscription commemorates the
moneyer P. Petronius Turpilianus, triumvir of the Augustan mint, whose family claimed descent
from the Sabines.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, emperor
aureus of Augustus, 19-18 BCE
Shows proposed Temple of Mars Ultor on the Capitoline, with the standards recovered from the
Parthians displayed there. This round temple (tholos) may never have been built, since
the standards were eventually displayed in the much grander Temple of Mars Ultor dedicated in 2
BCE as part of the Forum of Augustus.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, city of Rome
aureus of Augustus, 19-18 BCE
Shows the proposed round Temple of Mars Ultor on the Capitoline, with the triumphal chariot
voted for Augustus in gratitude for the recovery of the Roman standards from the Parthians.
Inside the chariot is the legionary eagle and a laurel branch.
Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (National Museums). Credits: Barbara McManus, 2004
Keywords: coin, city of Rome
coin (cistophorus) of Augustus, 19-18 BCE
Shows the proposed Temple of Mars Ultor on the Capitoline with military standard.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, city of Rome
denarius of Augustus; minted in Spain, 19-18 BCE
Obverse: head of Augustus;
Reverse: proposed Temple of Mars Ultor on the Capitoline with military standard inside.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, city of Rome
denarius of Augustus; minted in Spain, 19-18 BCE
Reverse shows proposed Temple of Mars Ultor on the Capitoline with chariot, legionary eagle, and laurel branch inside.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, city of Rome
denarius of Augustus; minted in Spain, 19-18 BCE
Reverse shows proposed Temple of Mars Ultor on the Capitoline with statue of Mars holding legionary eagle and standard.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, city of Rome
denarius of Augustus; minted in Spain, 19-18 BCE
Reverse shows statue of Mars holding legionary eagle and standard. Legend reads SIGNIS RECEPTIS, "for the standards recovered [from the Parthians]."
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
aureus of Augustus; minted in Spain, 17-16 BCE
Reverse shows statue of Mars military flag (vexillum) and a Greek dagger (parazonium).
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, city of Rome
silver coin of Augustus; 19-18 BCE, minted in Asia Minor at Pergamum
The reverse of this cistophorus shows a triumphal arch inscribed IM IX TR POT V and topped by a quadriga; inside the arch is another inscription S P R SIGNIS RECEPTIS, referring to the standards recovered by the Parthians. Eagle standards are depicted on either side of the arch.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: Augustus; history; coin
aureus of Augustus; 18-16 BCE
Obverse: head of Augustus;
legend reads SPQR IMP CAESARI AUG COS XI TR POT VI ("the Senate and Roman People to Imperator
Caesar Augustus Consul for the 11th time, tribunician power for the 6th time").
Reverse: triumphal arch with 3 portals.
On top Augustus drives a quadriga flanked by Parthians holding up recovered
standards (see detail);
legend reads CIVIB ET SIGN MILIT A PART RECVPER ("for the citizens and military
standards recovered from the Parthians").
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: Augustus; history; coin
denarius of
Augustus, dating from about 2 BCE, mounted in a gold pendant;
coin
shows Augustus wearing laurel wreath and emphasizes his status as son of the
deified Julius Caesar
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus,
2001.
denarius of
Augustus, crudely mounted in a gold pendant;
coin shows a star and the
crescent moon
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001.
aureus of
Augustus, c. 8 BCE
depicting the emperor seated on a curule chair on a
dais receiving a symbolic child from a citizen
Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
(National Museums). Credits: Barbara McManus, 2007
Keywords: coin,
children
denarius of Augustus, mint of Rome, 13 BCE
The obverse contains a portrait of Augustus. The
reverse depicts Julia, Augustus'
daughter, as the goddess Diana, as indicated by the quiver on her shoulder. In her hair she
wears a diadem topped with a jewel. The inscription refers to the moneyer: C MARIUS
TRO[mentina tribu].
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, succession
denarius of Augustus, mint of Rome, 13 BCE
The obverse contains a portrait of Augustus. The
reverse depicts Julia, Augustus'
daughter, flanked by her sons Gaius and Lucius, who had been adopted by Augustus. The laurel
wreath over Julia's head signifies her special role in the dynastic succession. The
inscription refers to the moneyer: C MARIUS TRO[mentina tribu].
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, children
denarius of
Augustus, 13 BCE
depicting his daughter Julia flanked by her two sons
Gaius and Lucius; there is a laurel wreath directly above Julia's
head.
Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (National Museums). Credits:
Barbara McManus, 2003
Keywords: coin, succession, children
aureus of Augustus, mint of Lyons, 8 BCE
The obverse depicts Gaius Caesar on horseback with a legionary eagle and two military standards behind him. The coin commemorates Augustus' introduction of his 12-year-old adopted son to the army in Gaul. Gaius still wears a bulla, which flies out from his neck and is emphasized on the coin by its exaggerated size.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, succession, children
denarius of Augustus, mint of Lyons, 2 BCE - 4 CE
The obverse depicts Gaius and Lucius Caesar, grandsons adopted by Augustus, wearing togas and
holding shields and spears, with religious symbols in the background. The inscription
identifies them as consuls designate and "leaders of youth" (principes iuventutis).
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, succession, children
aureus of
Augustus;
larger version, 2 BCE;
These coins depict his adopted sons (actually
grandsons) Gaius and Lucius Caesar. They are shown with with honorific
shields and spears. The inscription identifies them as "sons of Augustus,
consuls designate, and leaders of youth (principes iuventutis)."
Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (National Museums). Credits: Barbara McManus, 2003, 2007
Keywords: coin, Augustan succession, children
aureus of
Augustus; larger
version; dating from 1 BCE;
coin shows Augustus wearing laurel wreath
and emphasizes his status as son of the deified Julius Caesar
London,
British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 1999, 2001.
denarius of
Augustus, depicting a viaduct topped by a triumphal arch;
emphasizes
Augustus' building program in Rome.
London, British Museum. Credits:
Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, city of Rome
aureus of
Augustus, depicting Victory driving a chariot pulled by 2 elephants on a
triumphal arch atop a viaduct
This coin was issued to commemorate Augustus'
work on roads; inscription reads QVOD VIAE MVN(itae) SVNT ("because roads have
been built").
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: city of Rome
aureus of
Augustus, depicting a herald for the Secular Games, celebrated by Augustus
in 17 BCE;
herald holds the cadeuceus, traditional herald's
staff.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords:
coin, festival, religion, Horace, Carmen Saeculare
denarius of
Augustus, depicting a Gaul kneeling in submission and holding out a Roman
standard
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin
denarius of
Augustus, depicting a German kneeling in submission and holding out a
military trophy
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin
denarius of
Augustus, depicting the emperor in his priestly role as augur;
he
carries the lituus, the crooked staff that was the symbol this
priesthood
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, religion
bronze coin of the
deified Augustus, issued after his death in 14 CE
shown wearing the
radiate crown of the sun-god, which indicated divinity
London, British
Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001.
denarius of Octavian,
43 BCE, stressing his adoption by Caesar
London, British Museum. Credits:
Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, Augustus
denarius of Octavian,
38 BCE, stressing his adoption by Caesar
London, British Museum. Credits:
Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, Augustus
aureus of Octavian,
36 BCE, stressing his adoption by Caesar
London, British Museum. Credits:
Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, Augustus
aureus of Octavian,
33 BCE, with no inscription, modeled upon coin portraits of Hellenistic
rulers
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords:
coin, Augustus
aureus of Octavian,
27 BCE, with "Actium type" of portrait
London, British Museum. Credits:
Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, Augustus
aureus of Octavian, 29-27 BCE
Depicts Victoria standing on a globe, holding a wreath in her right hand and a vexillum
on her shoulder, probably a reference to the statue crowning the pediment of the new Curia Julia.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, Augustus
denarius of Octavian, 29-27 BCE
Depicts a building thought to be the Curia Julia, dedicated by Octavian in 29 BCE. Victoria,
standing on a globe and holding a wreath in her right hand crowns the pediment. The lgend reads IMP(erator) CAESAR.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, Augustus, city of Rome, Senate House
denarius of Octavian, 29-27 BCE
Same issue as previous coin, but different die.
Munich, Münzsammlung. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, Augustus, city of Rome, Senate House
denarius of
Octavian; before 31 BCE
smaller version
The head of Venus appears on the obverse, and the reverse depicts
Octavian as a military commander.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: Augustus; history
denarius of Octavian; 31-27 BCE
Reverse depicts a triumphal arch topped with a quadriga and the legend IMP(erator) CAESAR.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: Augustus; history; coin
aureus of
Octavian,
larger version; minted in Gaul, late 43 BCE
The obverse depicts a youthful Octavian, with the inscription C(aius) CAESAR CO(n)S(ul) PONT(ifex) AVG(ur). The reverse is clearly intended to emphasis the young, untried man's adoption by the assassinated Julius Caesar, who is shown wearing a laurel wreath, with the inscription C(aius) CAESAR DICT(tator) PERP(etuus) PONT(ifex) MAX(imus).
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: Augustus; coin
denarius of
Octavian;
larger version; 28 BCE
Octavian is depicted on the obverse with an augur's staff (lituus). On the reverse is a crocodile with the words AEGVPTO CAPTA, commemorating his victory over Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: Augustus; Egypt; coin
aureus of Octavian; 31-27 BCE
Obverse: head of Octavian;
larger version
Reverse: triumphal chariot (legend reads CAESAR DIVI F(ilius).
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: Augustus; history; coin; triumph
denarius of Octavian; 29 BCE
The reverse depicts Victory standing on a ship's prow holding a branch and a wreath, probably alluding to the victory at Actium. The obverse of the coin shows Octavian in a triumphal chariot, probably alluding to the triple triumph he celebrated in August 29 BCE.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2006
Keywords: Augustus; history; coin
denarius of Octavian; before 31 BCE
Octavian is shown nude in the guise of Neptune, holding a lance in his left hand and a trophy
(a ship's stern) in his right, both symbolizing his naval victory over Sextus Pompey in 36 BCE;
one foot rests on a globe, symbolizing power over land and sea.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: Augustus; history; coin
denarius of Octavian;
larger version; 29-27 BCE
Octavian is depicted on the obverse, while the reverse shows a
military trophy
atop a ship's prow, clearly referring to the naval victory at Actium. The inscription reads
IMP(erator) CAESAR.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: Augustus; history
denarius of Octavian; 42 BCE
Obverse: head of Octavian;
Reverse: Caesar's official seat
(sella curulis) with his golden wreath and the words "CAESAR DIC[tator] PER[petuus]."
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, Augustus; history; Julius Caesar
denarius of Octavian; before 31 BCE
Obverse: head of a herm with the features of Octavian;
the thunderbolt associates the herm with Jupiter.
Reverse: togate Octavian sitting on the sella curulis;
the pose is reminiscent of Pheidias's cult statue of Zeus from Olympia, for he holds a winged
victory in his right hand.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, Augustus; history
aureus depicting clasped hands, mint of Rome, 42 BCE
This coin was issued by the moneyer C. Vibius Varus (spelled G. VEIBIUS VAARUS on coin); the clasped hands symbolize trustworthiness (fides) in an agreement or treaty.
Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (National Museums). Credits: Barbara McManus,
2003
Keywords: coin
denarius depicting Juno Sospita, mint of Rome, 80 BCE
The reverse of this coin, issued by the moneyer L. Procilius, shows the goddess holding a
shield with her left hand and hurling a spear with her right; a snake rears in front of her.
Juno Sospita ("Savior") was imported to Rome from Lanuvium; she is depicted wearing a
goatskin helmet with 2 horns and shoes with pointed toes.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, religion
denarius depicting Juno Sospita, mint of Rome, 79 BCE
The obverse of this coin, issued by the moneyer L. Papius, shows the head of the goddess
with her characteristic horned goatskin helmet. The plough behind her head is a control symbol; this moneyer used everyday objects as marks to distinguish each die.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, religion
denarius issued by Brutus, 60-59 BCE
depicting head of the goddess Liberty (inscription reads LIBERTAS). Issued under the name Q. Caepio Brutus, which Marcus Junius Brutus took when he was adopted by his uncle.
Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology. Credits: Barbara McManus,
2004
Keywords: coin
denarius issued by M.
Junius Brutus as moneyer, mint of Rome, 54 BCE
obverse depicts his
alleged ancestor Lucius Junius Brutus, consul 509 BCE, who helped to overthrow
the Tarquin kings and found the Roman Republic; inscription reads BRVTVS.
Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (National Museums). Credits: Barbara McManus,
2003
Keywords: coin
denarius issued by M.
Junius Brutus as moneyer, mint of Rome, 54 BCE
reverse depicts his
alleged ancestor L. Junius Brutus walking between two lictors carrying
fasces, preceded by an accensus; inscription reads BRVTVS.
Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (National Museums). Credits: Barbara McManus,
2003
Keywords: coin, lictor, magistrate
denarius of Brutus,
43/42 BCE
Obverse: head of Brutus, with an
inscription naming Brutus as Imperator plus the name of the moneyer, Lucius Plaetorius
Cestianus.
Reverse: the cap of liberty (pileus) between two daggers; inscription reads EID[VS] MAR[TIAE], "the Ides of March," referring of course to the assassination of Caesar.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, conspiracy, Julius Caesar
denarius of Brutus,
43/42 BCE
reverse depicts the cap of liberty and a pair of daggers;
inscription reads EID[VS] MAR[TIAE], "the Ides of March," referring of course
to the assassination of Caesar.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara
McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, conspiracy, Julius Caesar
aureus of Brutus,
43/42 BCE
depicts head of Brutus surrounded by laurel wreath; inscription
reads BRVTVS IMP[ERATOR], "Brutus, conquering commander."
London, British
Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, conspiracy, Julius
Caesar
denarius of Julius Caesar; military mint moving with Caesar, 48-47 BCE
Obverse: head of a goddess wearing an oak leaf wreath on obverse (Clementia? Pietas? Venus?);
Reverse: Gallic military trophy
holding an oval shield, Gallic trumpet (carnyx); there is an axe topped with an animal
head on the right.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin; trophy
denarius of Julius Caesar; Spanish mint, 46-45 BCE;
smaller version
Obverse: head of Venus wearing a diadem, with a tiny Cupid and an augur's staff (lituus) in front;
Reverse: Gallic military trophy with a captured Gaul on one side and a mourning female symbolizing Gallia, defeated, on the other.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin; trophy
denarius of Julius Caesar: 47-46 BCE
Aeneas leaves Troy carrying Anchises and Palladium.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 1999
Keywords: Vergil; Aeneid; mythology; Virgil
denarius of Julius Caesar: 47-46 BCE
Aeneas leaves Troy carrying Anchises and Palladium.
Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (National Museums). Credits: Barbara McManus, 2003
Keywords: Vergil; Aeneid; mythology; Virgil
denarius of Julius Caesar,: mint of Africa, 47-46 BCE
Obverse: head of Venus;
Reverse: Aeneas leaves Troy carrying Anchises and the Palladium.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin; Vergil; Aeneid; mythology; Virgil
denarius of Julius Caesar: 47-46 BCE
Aeneas leaves Troy carrying Anchises and Palladium.
Amsterdam, Allard Pierson Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2003
Keywords: Vergil; Aeneid; mythology; Virgil
denarius
of Julius Caesar depicting a military trophy; 48-47 BCE
Rome, Palazzo
Massimo alle Terme (National Museums). Credits: Barbara McManus, 2003
Keywords: army, weapons
silver
denarius of Julius Caesar depicting 2 female captives beneath a military
trophy; 49-44 BCE
Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (National Museums).
Credits: Barbara McManus, 2003
Keywords: army, weapons
silver
denarius of Julius Caesar depicting an elephant stepping on a snake; 49-44
BCE
Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (National Museums). Credits: Barbara
McManus, 2003
denarius of
Julius Caesar;
larger version; 44
BCE
The inscription, CAESAR DICT. QUART. indicates that Caesar has been
dictator 4 times; Caesar was the first Roman to put his portrait on a coin
while he was still living.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara
McManus, 2001, 1999.
denarius of Julius Caesar; 44 BCE
The inscription, CAESAR DICT. QUART. indicates that Caesar has been dictator 4 times (NB: coin
has the same design as the previous coin but a different portrait).
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001.
denarius of
Julius Caesar, mint of Rome, 44 BCE
The inscription, CAESAR DICT.
QUART. indicates that Caesar has been dictator 4 times (NB: coin has the same
design as the two previous coins but a different portrait).
Boston, Museum
of Fine Arts. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2002.
denarius of Julius Caesar; 46-44 BCE
Caesar is shown wearing the laurel wreath; there is no legend.
Chciago, Art Institute. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2003
Keywords: coin
silver tetradrachm of
Cleopatra VII, minted at Ascalon, 50/49 BCE
The youthful Cleopatra is shown in the style of earlier Hellenistic queens, with a
band-style diadem; she wears the melon hairstyle. Ascalon may have minted this coin to
show its support for Cleopatra during her exile from Egypt while she struggled with
her younger brother for control of the throne of Egypt.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2006
Keywords: coin, Hellenistic queen
bronze coin of
Cleopatra VII, Egypt
shows youthful head of Cleopatra with melon
hairstyle and band-style diadem.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara
McManus, 2001
Keywords: Hellenistic queen
bronze coin of
Cleopatra VII, c. 35 BCE, Cyprus;
larger version.
Cleopatra is depicted with her infant Caesarion, claimed as the son of Julius Caesar.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001, 2006
Keywords: Hellenistic queen
silver tetradrachm of
Cleopatra VII
The queen is shown as a mature woman with her characteristic melon hairstyle and broad diadem.
Vienna, Kunsthistorisches Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2006
Keywords: coin, Hellenistic queen
tetradrachm of
Cleopatra VII, mint uncertain, 37-32 BCE
larger version.
The reverse of the coin, shown here, contains a portrait of Mark Antony.The Greek inscription
reads "Antony, Imperator for the third time and Triumvir."
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001; 2006
Keywords: Hellenistic queen
portrait of Cleopatra VII on denarius of Mark Antony, 32 BCE
It is now believed that this is the obverse of these coins, with Antony's portrait appearing on
the reverse. The queen wears a band-style diadem and a ship's prow appears in front of her,
referring to her Egyptian fleet.
Chciago, Art Institute. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2003
Keywords: Hellenistic queen; coin
portrait of Cleopatra
VII on denarius of Mark Antony, 32 BCE
It is now believed that this is
the obverse of these coins, with Antony's portrait appearing on the reverse.
The queen wears a band-style diadem and a ship's prow appears in front of her,
referring to her Egyptian fleet.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara
McManus, 2001
Keywords: Hellenistic queen; coin
denarius with
posthumous portrait of Pompey the Great, c. 44/43 BCE
head of Pompey is
surrounded with imagery of the sea—name of the god Neptune, dolphin,
trident.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, Pompeius Magnus
denarius with posthumous
portrait of Pompey the Great
struck in Cantana, Sicily, 42-38 BCE. The
head of Pompey is flanked by religious imagery#151;a ritual urn and the augur's
staff (lituus).
Boston, Museum of Fine Arts. Credits: Barbara
McManus, 2002
Keywords: coin, Pompeius Magnus
denarius of Sextus Pompeisu; Sicilian mint, 40 BCE
Depicts a posthumous portrait of Pompey the Great; he is flanked by religious symbols (a
lituus in front and a capis, sacrificial urn, behind). The legend reads MAG(nus) PIVS IMP(erator) ITER.
Chciago, Art Institute. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2003
Keywords: Hellenistic queen; coin
silver coin of Piso
and Caepio—grain dole: AD FRU(mentum) EMV(ndum) EX S(enatus)
C(onsulto); 100 BCE
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus,
2001
Keywords: annona, Roman politics, food
bronze ticket for
collecting grain dole, from Italy
London, British Museum. Credits:
Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: annona, Roman politics, food
denarius of
magistrates Scaurus and Hypsaeus, 58 BCE
This coin depicts a 4-horse
chariot and commemorates the lavish circus games given by Scaurus in that
year
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords:
quadriga; ludi
early Roman silver coin in Greek style;, 3rd century BCE
Obverse depicts Romulus, Remus and Wolf.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: foundation of Rome; legend
Republican denarius depicting Romulus, Remus, wolf; 137 BCE
Issued by moneyer Sextus Pompeius; figure on the left is the shepherd Fastulus, who found the
boys being suckled by the wolf.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: foundation of Rome; legend
early Roman coin (didrachm) depicting Romulus, Remus, wolf; 269-266 BCE
Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (National Museums). Credits: Barbara McManus, 2004
Keywords: foundation of Rome; legend
photo of Republican coin
from war against Hannibal, c. 220 BCE
silver didrachm issued by mint of
Rome depicting goddess Roma in chariot with winged Victory as charioteer.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Roman coin (silver didrachm) depicting the god Janus; 225-212 BCE
Vienna, Kunsthistorisches Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2006
Keywords: mythology; two-faced god; legend
Republican coin from war
against Hannibal; larger
photo of this coin, c. 217 BCE
gold stater issued by mint of Rome
depicting Roman soldier with captives.
London, British Museum. Credits:
Barbara McManus, 2001
Republican denarius with voting scene, mint of Rome, 113-112 BCE
larger version
drawing of this coin,
which was issued by moneyer P. Licinius Nerva
This coin provides an excellent depiction of the voting process. Two voters are
casting their ballots in the Comitium; the voter at left receives a tablet from
smaller attendant below, while the voter at right, after crossing the pons
(bridge) places his tablet in a cista (voting urn).
Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (National Museums). Credits: Barbara McManus, 2004
Republican denarius with voting scene, mint of Rome, 63 BCE
Depicts a male citizen dropping a "Yes" voting tablet into the cista (voting urn); the V
stands for Vti rogas ("as you ask").
This coin was issued by the moneyer L. Cassius Longinus to commemorate an ancestor who passed
the Lex Cassia Tabellaria, a law which changed the voting method to secret balloting.
Munich, Münzsammlung. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Republican
denarius depicting Gaius Marius in triumphal chariot, c. 100 BCE
issued
by moneyer Fundanius.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus,
2001
Keywords: coin; triumph
denarius depicting veiled and diademed head of the goddess Concordia, 42 BCE
This coin was issued by the moneyer L. Mussidius Longus; a crescent appears beneath the chin of the goddess.
Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology. Credits: Barbara McManus,
2004
Republican denarius with head of Libertas; 55 BCE
This coin was issued by the moneyer by Q. Cassius Longinus.
The reverse depicts the curule chair
(sella curulis) in the round Temple of Vesta, flanked by a voting urn and the letters AC
(for the two possible votes, Absolvo or Condemno), referring to the judicial
authority conferred on his ancestor in 113 BCE in an investigation involving Vestal Virgins.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: religion
Republican denarius; 55 BCE
This coin was issued by the moneyer by Q. Cassius Longinus.
The reverse depicts the curule chair (sella curulis) in the round Temple of Vesta,
flanked by a voting urn and the letters AC (for the two possible votes, Absolvo or
Condemno), referring to the judicial authority conferred on his ancestor in 113 BCE in
an investigation involving Vestal Virgins.
Amsterdam, Allard Pierson Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2003
Keywords: religion
Republican denarius issued by Q. Pompeius Rufus; 55-54 BCE
This coin commemorates both the moneyer's grandfathers, who were consuls in the same year (88 BCE):
L. Cornelius Sulla Felix,
whose authority is symbolized by a curule chair flanked by a lituus and a wreath, and
Q. Pompeius Rufus,
whose curule chair is flanked by an arrow and a laurel branch.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: sella curulis
Republican denarius issued by moneyer Q. Pompeius Rufus; 55-54 BCE
Another coin commemorating both the moneyer's grandfathers, this time with portrait heads.
This head of L. Cornelius Sulla is thought to be the only authentic coin portrait of the famous dictator.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Republican denarius issued by P. Cornelius Lentulus Marcellinus; 50 BCE
This coin commemorates the moneyer's famous ancestor,
M. Claudius Marcellus, who served as consul 5 times in the late third century CE.
On the reverse, Marcellus is shown with
his toga pulled over his head, carrying the spoils (spolia opima) he won by killing an
enemy king during the conquest of Cisalpine Gaul in 222 BCE. The temple is presumably that of
Jupiter Feretrius on the Capitoline, where the spolia opima were deposited.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Republican denarius issued by L. Marcius Philippus; mint of Rome, 56 BCE
Obverse: Ancus Marcius, fourth king of Rome and ancestor of the family to which the moneyer belonged, the gens Marcia. The king is shown wearing a diadem, with an augur's staff (lituus) and his name behind.
Reverse: Equestrian statue atop an aqueduct, the Aqua Marcia, Rome's first aqueduct, attributed to King Ancus Marcius. The statue may refer to another ancestor of the moneyer, the praetor Q. Marcius Rex, who received a comission from the Senate in 144 BC to repair the old aqueducts. A plant is shown growing on the top of the aqueduct, whose five arches on the coin contain the inscription AQVA M[a]R[cia], while the name of the moneyer, PHILIPPVS, appears on the left.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Republican denarius issued by L. Pomponius Molo, c. 97 BCE
The obverse shows the head of Apollo wearing a laurel wreath with the name of the moneyer.
The reverse depicts the early Roman king
Numa Pompilius holding the augur's staff (lituus) and standing before an altar at which he is about to sacrifice a goat held by a youth. The Pomponian gens were supposedly descended from a son of Numa.
Berlin, Pergamon Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2005
Keywords: coin, religion, early history of Rome
Republican denarius issued by L. Pomponius Molo, c. 97 BCE
This is a different issue of the above coin depicting Numa Pompilius sacrificing.
Amsterdam, Allard Pierson Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2003
Keywords: coin, religion, early history of Rome
denarius of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, 49-48 BCE
Obverse depicts the head of the early Roman king Numa Pompilius with the word NVMA on his
diadem. This coin was struck by Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso, who served as proquaestor to the
Pompeian party in Spain during the war between Caesar and Pompey. The head of Numa
Pompilius records the claim of the gens Calpurnia to be descended from
Calpus, the son of Numa.
Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology. Credits: Barbara McManus,
2004
Keywords: coin, religion, early history of Rome, Pompey
Republican denarius
depicting Publius Cornelius Sulla, consul 88 BCE, c. 57 BCE
issued by
moneyer Q. Pompeius Rufus, Sulla's maternal grandson.
London, British
Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin
Republican denarius
depicting Publius Cornelius Sulla, consul 88 BCE, c. 54 BCE
issued by
moneyer Q. Pompeius Rufus, Sulla's maternal grandson.
Boston, Museum of
Fine Arts. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2002
Keywords: coin
Republican
denarius depicting Basilica Aemilia, 61 BCE
issued by moneyer M.
Lepidus celebrating the structure built by his ancestors in the Forum.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: city of
Rome; coin
Republican
denarius of three female archaic cult statues , 43 BCE
issued by
moneyer P. Accoleius Lariscolus referring to statues in his home town of
Aricia.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin; religion
Republican denarius
depicting head of captured Gaul, 48 BCE
issued by moneyer L. Hostilius
Saserna referring to Caesar's campaigns in Gaul.
London, British Museum.
Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: Julius Caesar; coin
Republican denarius
depicting male portrait, 47 BCE
issued by moneyer C. Antius Restio with
portrait of his father.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus,
2001
Keywords: coin
Republican denarius depicting winged Victory driving a chariot, minted at Rome, 89 BCE
This coin was issued by the moneyer L. Titurius Sabinus; L. TITURI appears beneath the horses' feet, and the goddess holds up a wreath.
Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (National Museums). Credits: Barbara McManus, 2004
Keywords: Nike, social war
Republican denarius depicting King Tatius, minted at Rome, 89 BCE
According to legend, Tatius was King of the Sabines when the Romans carried off the
Sabine women; in the subsequent war, Tatius captured the citadel of Rome through the
treachery of Tarpeia. This coin was issued by the moneyer L. Titurius Sabinus; SABIN
is inscribed on the coin.
Vienna, Kunsthistorisches Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2006
Keywords: legend, early history, Livy
Republican denarius depicting the
Rape of the Sabine Women, minted at Rome, 89 BCE
This coin was issued by the moneyer L. Titurius Sabinus; L. TITURI appears at the
bottom of the coin. Two Roman men carry off protesting Sabine maidens.
Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (National Museums). Credits: Barbara McManus, 2004
Keywords: legend, early history, Livy, social war
Republican denarius depicting Tarpeia crushed by the shields of the Sabines, minted at Rome, 89 BCE
This coin was issued by the moneyer L. Titurius Sabinus; L. TITURI appears at the
bottom of the coin. Tarpeia raises her arms in terror as two Sabine soldiers prepare
to crush her with their shields for her betrayal of Rome.
Rome, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (National Museums). Credits: Barbara McManus, 2004
Keywords: legend, early history, Livy, social war
denarius from
Social War, c. 90 BCE
depicts bull of Italy trampling wolf of Rome;
inscription is in Oscan.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus,
2001
Keywords: coin, allies
denarius from
Social War, c. 90 BCE
depicts former allies taking oath against Rome;
inscription is in Oscan.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus,
2001
Keywords: coin, allies
denarius from
Social War, c. 91-87 BCE
depicts personification of new state Italia as
goddess (Latin inscription).
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara
McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, allies
denarius from
Social War, c. 91-87 BCE
depicts oath scene of Italian
confederation.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, allies
denarius from
Social War, c. 91-87 BCE
depicts winged Victory crowning seated
Italia.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, allies
denarius from
Social War, c. 91-87 BCE
depicts winged Victory crowning helmeted head
of Italia.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, allies
denarius from
Social War, c. 91-87 BCE
depicts warrior with bull, symbol of
Italia.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus, 2001
Keywords: coin, allies
denarius from
Social War, c. 91-87 BCE
depicts warriors shaking hands with prow of
ship in background.
London, British Museum. Credits: Barbara McManus,
2001
Keywords: coin, allies
Go to Index, Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VII, Part VIII, Part IX, Part X, Part XI, Roman Coins: Empire, Greek Coins, Coins from the Hunterian Museum
revised June, 2008
