Sesterius of Hadrian
money, coins (money)
The coin’s obverse portrays a profile of Roman Emperor Hadrian (76-138 CE) wearing a laurel crown, signifying his victories. The coin features a small crack alongside Hadrian’s neck, indicating its extensive use. The coin’s reverse depicts a seated figure of Victory. Although their gender and identity is ambiguous due to the coin’s worn facade, their helmet and shield leaning against their chair signifies their military status, and personifies Hadrian's military victories.
Emperor of Rome
Sear 3622
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
119 CE
JS, VR
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Brass (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2012.02.212
Roman Empire
AU Stater of Mithridates VI
money; coins (money)
Mithridates' royal propaganda expresses both his eastern and western ancestry and military victory. The obverse of this coin depicts Alexander the Great wearing the horn of Zeus Ammon. The reverse shows Athena seated with her elbow resting on a shield, holding the goddess Nike. Athena was the goddess of war and practical reason. She was considered urban, civilized, and guardian of the city. Nike was the goddess of victory and is often connected with Athena.
Mithridates
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, fall 2019)
120-63 BCE
MIA
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Gold (metal)
Physical Object
2019. 04.010
Pontic Kingdom, Greek, Hellenistic
Denarius of Roman Republic M. Furius L. F. Philus
Money; coins (money)
○ The obverse of the coin features the faces of Janus surrounded by a dotted border. The reverse of the coin features Roma holding a scepter and trophy, and she is surrounded by carnyx and shields. These images were possibly chosen to celebrate victory against the Gallic tribes of the Arverni and the Allobroges.
M. Furius L. F. Philus
Crawford 281/1 Sydenham 529
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau)
119 BCE
EM, SH
University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
Silver (metal)
Latin
Physical Object
2012.02.171
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
AR Denarius of Elagabalus
money; coin (money)
The obverse depicts Elagabalus, born Sextus Varius Avitus Bassius, a controversial and absent emperor. Elagabalus forced Rome to worship the Syrian sun deity, Elagabal, in place of Jupiter; arranged a marriage to a prominent enemy of Rome, Urania; and crossdressed to seduce men in Rome. Unsuited to rule the imperial throne, he was beheaded by the Praetorian Guard after a four year reign.
The reverse depicts Roma, goddess of Rome, holding Victory and a scepter, symbolizing civilization and all humanity’s advancements. Hidden within the simplicity of the traditional coin is the complex character of Elagabalus.
Elagabalus, Emperor of Rome
Sear 7540; RIC 4128
ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau Fall 2021)
219 CE
AV
University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
silver (metal)
Latin
physical object
2012.02.225
Roman Empire