AR Denarius of Geta
money; coins(money)
This coin depicts the face of Roman emperor Geta on one side and Mars, the god of war, wielding a spear and trophy on the other. Minted in what is present day Syria, this artifact was likely designed to express past success in war. This emperor actually had a relatively unique reign, as he co-ruled with his brother, Caracalla, with whom he did have good relations. Because of their poor relationship, Caracalla assassinated Geta in 211, and as a result ordered most of Geta’s depictions eradicated. Thus, this coin is actually quite rare compared to other denarii.
Geta, Emperor of Rome
Sear 7179; RIC 103
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, Fall 2021)
200 CE
JM
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Silver (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2012.02.222
Roman Empire
AR Denarius of Mark Antony and Octavian
money; coins (money)
Mark Antony and Octavian, two powerful and influential men of Rome, jointly commissioned this coin during the Republican era. The athletic, idealized portraits of both men suggest power and strength, and their faces on the obverse and reverse of the coin reflect their alliance as Triumvirs. However, there is much more going on behind the scenes of this bronze object. Antony was an ally and second-in-command to Julius Caesar, and when Caesar fell in 44 BC, Antony was reluctant to pass the power to Octavian, Caesar’s nephew, and a rivalry quickly formed. Both established military leaders, their armies switched between clashing and alliance for years. Ultimately, it was Antony divorcing Octavian’s sister Octavia and returning to his lover Cleopatra that led to Octavian declaring war on the couple and eventually defeating Antony at the Battle of Actium, making Octavian the first Roman emperor (Augustus). The slim, youthful portrait of Octavian anticipates the youthful, idealized portraits of the emperor Octavian/Augustus.
Mark Antony, Octavian
Syd 1181, Craw
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, Fall 2019)
41 BCE
VR, C. Roehring, SH
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Bronze (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2012.02.112
Roman Republic
Solidus of Heraclius
money; coins (money)
The obverse has Heraclius depicted as bigger, crowned, and bearded due to his age and power. His son Heraclius Constantine is depicted smaller and beardless on the right. Christianity was the state religion and Heraclius recovered the True Cross from where Jesus' crucifixion which is why there’s a cross between the two emperors. On the reverse, there’s a cross potent set on top of three steps, showing the value of religion during Heraclius' reign.
Heraclius
Sear 738
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, Fall 2019)
610-641 CE
MR
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Gold (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2012.02.240
Byzantine Empire, Roman
AE Sestertius of Marcus Aurelius
money; coins (money)
Marcus Aurelius is depicted in cuirass on the obverse along with the inscription MANTONINVS AVGTRPXXIX. The reverse depicts Victoria reclining with spear in hand. She holds aloft a shield with the inscription VIC AVG. Across from her seat is a war trophy, made from the armor of a defeated foe.
Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of Rome
RIC 3-1140
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
175 CE
NG
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Brass (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2002.02.218
Roman Empire
Gold Tremissis (1.48g) of Tiberius II Constantine
money; coins (money)
The obverse side of the coin features Tiberius II Constantine himself, whose name asserts a connection to Constantine, one of the greatest and most well-liked Roman Emperors in history. The reverse side features a cross potent depiction which is commonly seen on coins from Byzantium. Both the obverse and reverse sides of the coin work together to reinforce Tiberius’ desire to be like Constantine and to prove his devotion to Christianity.
Tiberius II Constantine
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
578-582 CE
Tatum Whiteford
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
gold (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2019.04.013
Byzantine Empire, Eastern Roman Empire
AE Sestertius of Nero
money; coins (money)
On the obverse is the laureate head of Nero and on the reverse is Annona and Ceres. The obverse side reads IMP NERO CAESAR AVG PONT MAX TRP OTP P, which gives us the name of the ruler at the time. The reverse writing reads AVOVS VERES SC ANNONA. Annona was the Roman personification of their cereal grain supply. When placed with Ceres, the goddess of the harvest, it shows that they praised the Gods for help and luck in their everyday lives.
Nero, Emperor of Rome
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, Fall 2019)
54-68 CE
SH
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Bronze (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2019.04.001
Roman Empire