AR Denarius of P. Satrionus
money; coins (money)
The obverse side shows Juno Sospita. She is the daughter of Saturn and is one of the first three original Gods of Rome. The reverse side shows a she-wolf from the famous tale of Romulus and Remus and an eagle. Trojan exiles noticed a fire in the forest while building the city of Rome. There was a she-wolf laying a stick on a fire and an eagle fanning the flames making the flames get bigger. The temple of Vesta from Ancient Rome always had a fire burning. People believe that the eagle and the she-wolf kept the flame going.
P. Satrionus
RRC 472, Syd 964, Sear 323, Craw 472/1
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
45 BCE
JB
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Silver (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2012.02.098
Roman Republic
AR Denarius of P. Satrionus
money; coins (money)
The obverse side shows Mars, the god of war. He is usually depicted with some sort of war-related item. On this coin, he is wearing a helmet. On the reverse side, there is a she-wolf with the letters Roma over it. The she-wolf is a popular symbol of Rome today because of the tale of Romulus and Remus. Together, they refer to the origin story of Rome and its military might or success.
P. Satrionus
Syd 781, Craw 388/1A
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
77 BCE
JB, SH
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Silver (1.8 cm)
Latin
Physical object
2012.02.068
Roman Empire
Roman Republic L. Valerius Flaccus
money; coins (money)
The obverse side of the coin pictures the winged bust of Victory, possibly chosen in hopes for success in the Jugurthine War. The reverse pictures Mars, the god of war, holding a spear and a trophy next to grain. Also on the reverse is an apex, which is the headwear that Roman priests (Flamen) would wear. The minter, L. Valerius Flaccus, was also the Flamen Martialis, which meant that he was one of the three highest priests of the official state cult of Mars. Altogether, the portrayal of both Victory and Mars on a coin shows praise and prayer to the gods for their continued support against their enemies.
L. Valerius Flaccus
Sydenham 565; Crawford306/1
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, Fall 2020)
108 BCE
FMR, SH
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Silver
Latin
Physical Object
2012.02.028
Roman Republic
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