AE Quadrans
money; coins (money)
Unlike typical Roman coins which feature gods, goddess, or emperors, this AE Quadrans features a right hand and on the reverse side barley leaves. Although the symbolism of the hand is unknown, the barley leaves represent flourishing agriculture; perhaps the hand could also be related to labor. Compared to other coins, the AE Quadrans is considerably larger, thicker, darker and heavier. On both sides of the coin, three dots, known as “denominational marks” or “pellets,” indicate the coin’s worth. Similar to the quarter, this coin is worth one fourth of an “as” which is comparable to a dollar.
Roman Republic
Syd. 11; Craw. 14/4
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau Fall 2021)
280 BCE
VGW
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Bronze (metal)
Latin
physical object
2012.02.124
Roman Republic
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
AR Denarius of C. Memmius
money; coins (money)
Pictured on the obverse side is Quirinus, the deified Romulus, founder of Rome and is the God of thunder. On the back is Ceres, who is the Goddess of agriculture and of motherly relationships. The word Cerealia is written under her image, which is a seven day festival in ancient Rome to honor Ceres. There is an agricultural tool that she is shown holding. It is believed to represent her love for agriculture. Together, these images symbolize the founding and bounty of Rome
C. Memmius
Syd 1014
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019
56 BCE
DC, SH
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Silver (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2019.04.004
Roman Republic
AR Denarius of L. Lucretius Trio
money; coins (money)
The obverse side of this coin depicts the sun god Sol with rays emerging from their head. The reverse side shows a crescent moon surrounded by seven stars. The sight of seven stars was important to ancient people because it marked Spring planting or Autumn harvest season which symbolizes the importance of a bountiful harvest and the role of the gods in Roman life.
L. Lucretius Trio
Craw 390/1
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
76 BCE
MM
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Silver (metal), 1.8 cm
Latin
Physical Object
2012.02.070
Roman Empire