AR Denarius of Quintus Fufius Calenus
money; coins (money)
The obverse of this coin depicts the laureate bust of the Roman god Honos (left), and the helmeted bust of the goddess Virtus (right). These two deities were commonly portrayed together in Roman culture, as Honos personifies honor while Virtus personifies the Roman virtue of virtus – or masculine strength and military power. On the reverse are the female deities Roma (left), and Italia (right) – personifying Rome and Italy, respectively. Roma holds a spear to symbolize strength, while Italia holds a cornucopia to symbolize abundance and well-being.
Quintus Fufius Calenus
Syd 797, Craw 403/1
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
70 BCE
CH
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Silver (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2012.02.076
Roman Republic
AR Denarius of Marcus Aurelius
money; coins (money)
Emperor, stoic philosopher, and author of The Meditations, Marcus Aurelius was the last of Rome's Five Good Emperors. “You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” His teachings, such as this, outlined his belief as to how a virtuous Roman ought to live. On the back of the coin, we find the God Honos of honor and military justice holding an olive branch (symbolizing peace) and a cornucopia (symbolizing abundance and prosperity). These symbols, which showcase Aurelus’s philosophy and values, appear throughout history and even on our contemporary dime.
Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of Rome
RIC 3-429(n)
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, Fall 2021)
145 CE
JB
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Silver (metal)
Latin
Physical object
2012.02.216
Roman Empire