Sesterius of Hadrian
money, coins (money)
The coin’s obverse portrays a profile of Roman Emperor Hadrian (76-138 CE) wearing a laurel crown, signifying his victories. The coin features a small crack alongside Hadrian’s neck, indicating its extensive use. The coin’s reverse depicts a seated figure of Victory. Although their gender and identity is ambiguous due to the coin’s worn facade, their helmet and shield leaning against their chair signifies their military status, and personifies Hadrian's military victories.
Emperor of Rome
Sear 3622
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
119 CE
JS, VR
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Brass (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2012.02.212
Roman Empire
Maurice Tiberius
money; coins (money)
On the obverse side, it shows Emperor Maurice Tiberius. He was the emperer of the Byzantine Empire from 582-602. On the reverse side, there is an angel holding a cross, both of which represent Christianity. Under emperor Maurice Tiberius's rule, the empire's Eastern border vastly expanded and his rule lead to Romans no longer having to pay Persians thousands of pounds of gold annually for peace.
Maurice Tiberius, Emperor of Constantinople
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
582-602 CE
JR, SH
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Gold
Physical Object
2019.04.015
Byzantine Empire
AR Denarius of L. Plautius Plancus
money; coins (money)
The obverse side features the face of Medusa, considered an image of power and protection because she could turn enemies to stone. The reverse features the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, leading the four horses of the sun while holding a palm branch. This relates to Caesar’s victory against Pompey, like the sun rising on a new day.
L. Plautius Plancus
Syd 959, Sear 315
ARTH 250 (Professor V. Rousseau, Fall 2019)
48-47 BCE
SH
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Silver (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2012.02.092
Roman Republic
AR Denarius of A. Manlius Q.F. Sorgianus
money; Coins (money)
The obverse side of the coin features either an abstract personification of Rome itself or a reference to Minerva the Roman goddess of wisdom, medicine, commerce, the fine arts, and later, war. The reverse side features a rare frontal view of either Sol Invictus or Jupiter wearing a crown and standing in attendance with their chariot drawn by four horses abreast. Both the obverse and reverse sides of the coin work together to prove Rome's military might on horseback which is supported by the gods.
A. Manlius Q.F. Sorgianus
Craw 309/1, Syd 543
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
108 BCE
Tatum Whiteford
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
silver (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2019.02.033
Rome, Roman Republic
AR Denarius of Mn. Fonteius of Narbonese Gaul
money; Coins (money)
On the obverse side, it shows heads of Dioscuri, the twin brothers Castor and, the demi-god, Pollux. In Greek Mythology, Zeus was the father of Pollux, making Pollux a demi-god, and Tyndareus, the King of Sparta, was the father of Castor making him mortal. On the reverse side. It shows a galley (a smaller row boat) with oars. This coin in particular is a Roman galley coin and they were used as propaganda for the Roman Republic to inform citizens of their rulers' travels.
Mn. Fonteius of Narbonese Gaul
Syd 566a, Craw 307/1a
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
108-107 BCE
JR
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Silver (metal)
Latrin
Physical object
2012.02.031
Roman Republic
AE Sestertius of Claudius
money; coins (money)
Claudius is one of the twelve Caesars that ruled over Rome. The obverse of the coin is his image and the reverse has the god he linked with himself, Constantia. Constantia is synonymous with courage and perseverance. Thus, for as long as the coins are around his likeness will be linked with Constantia thus linked with courage and perseverance.
Clauduis
SEAR 1853
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019
41 CE
BS
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Alloy (metal) 3.5 cm
Latin
Physical Object
2012.02.193
Roman Empire
Solidus of Constans II
money, coins (money)
A bust of emperor Constans II is on the obverse. He was born Heraclius Constantinus Augustus. Constans was a nickname that eventually became standard in text. He is holding a globus cruciger or a cross. On the reverse side, the cross on the steps represents the great cross that emperor Theodosius II erected in Golgotha, which is the crucifixion site. The cross may symbolize the devotion to christianity the Romans or specifically Constans felt.
Constans II, Emperor of Constantinople
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
641-668 CE
NF
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Gold (metal)
Greek
Physical Object
2019.04.012
Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire
AR Stater of Issus
money; Coins (money)
On the obverse of the coin, the god Apollo stands facing to the left, leaning against a laurel tree with a libation bowl held in his hand. On the coin’s reverse side, the demigod Herakles stands facing the right while holding a lion skin, a club, and a bow. The imagery of the Greek gods is an example of the high level of Greek influence in the area.
Issus, Cilicia
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
400-370 BCE
MM
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Silver (metal)
Physical object
2019.04.006
Achaemenid Empire, Greek, Persian, Issus, Cilicia
AE Denarius of L. Roscius Fabatus
money; Coins (money)
The obverse shows Juno wearing a goatskin cloak. Juno Sospita was the goddess of fertility, who protected women and accompanied them through life. The reverse portrays a virgin, who at the annual festival of Juno Sospita had to feed the snake living in the temple. If the girl was chaste, she left the cave; if not, the serpent killed her. The serpent is a symbol of the health and safety which worshippers owe to Juno.
L. Roscius Fabatus
Syd 915, Craw 412/1
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
64 BCE
HK, SH
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Silver (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2012.02.083
Roman Republic
AR Denarius of Mn. Aquillius
money; Coins (money)
On the obverse side, it shows a figure wearing a helment and the word "VIRTVS" spelled out to the right of the figure. On the reverse side, it shows a warrior holding shield in their left hand and raising up fallen figure with right hand. The Roman Republic was going through the Third Servile War from 73-71 BC, warriors on coin shows strength and represents the war.
Mn. Aquillius
Syd 798, Craw 401/1
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
71 BCE
JR
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Silver (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2012.02.075
Roman Republic