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
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 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