AR Denarius of Julius Caesar
money; coins (money)
Julius Caesar was a Roman dictator, politician and military general who instigated the rise of the Roman Empire. Julius Caesar was one of the first to put his own image on the coins though this coin is more traditional with an image of Venus, to whom Caesar traced his lineage, showing his divine ancestry. The imaging on these coins conveyed that Caesar had power. On the reverse is a trophy (captured armor) and fearful prisoners of war.
Julius Caesar
Craw 479/1
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
49-44 BCE
DC, VR, SH
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Silver (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2012.02.097
Roman Republic
AR Denarius of Lucilla
money; coins (money)
This silver coin features an image of Augusta Lucilla, daughter of former Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and granddaughter of Antoninus Pius, both among the "Five Good Emperors." Lucilla was a child bride to her father’s co-ruler, Lucius Verus, making her Empress at the age of eleven. Lucilla’s younger brother, Commodus, often behaved erratically, which concerned Lucilla when he served as emperor with their father - and Commodus had her killed over her concerns. The reverse side features Venus Victrix, holding a statue of Victory, while leaning against a shield. Venus Victrix was a powerful woman like Lucilla.
Lucilla, Empress of Rome
Sear 5492; RIC 3-786
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, Fall 2021)
168 CE
NG
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Silver (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2012.02.220
Roman Empire