AE Sestertius of Nero
money; coins (money)
Nero is one of the twelve Caesars that ruled Rome. The obverse of the coin is his image and the reverse has the god he linked with himself, Virtus. Virtus is synonymous with valor and bravery. This was supposed to link his image with those two virtues but the sins of his life are what he is remembered for. He is remembered for trying to eradicate Christianity and its followers.
Nero
Sear 1966, RIC 1-296
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
65 CE
BS
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Alloy (metal) 3.6 cm
Latin
Physical Object
2012.02.196
Roman Empire
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