Download Roman Coins – Mass Media for Image Cultivation

 Roman Coins – Mass Media for Image Cultivation Unlike modern coins, Roman money was characterized by an enormous diversity of coin images. This
reflected not so much the desire for change, however, but rather an often very purposeful policy of
concrete self-interests.
At the time of the Roman Republic, coins were issued on behalf of the senate by a committee of
moneyers. These men decided independently what motifs their coins were to bear, and, from the late
2nd century BC, used this liberty often for family propaganda. Later, during the time of the Firs and
second triumvirate (60 to 32 BC), coins were issued by several powerful Romans or their adherents.
These pieces were not republican any more, but imperatorial, and used mainly for the representation of
political dispositions and ambitions. In imperial times finally (from 27 BC), the rulers of Rome were in
charge of the issuance of money. Naturally, they used the large Roman coins for the artful conversion of
political propaganda and self-manifestation as well.
1 von 20 www.sunflower.ch Roman Republic, L. Caecilius Metellus Diadematur (or Delmaticus), Denarius, 128 BC Denomination: Mint Authority: Mint: Year of Issue: Weight (g): Diameter (mm): Material: Owner: Denarius Moneyer Lucius Caecilius Metellus Diadematus (?) Rome -­‐128 3.94 18.0 Silver Sunflower Foundation This denarius bears on the obverse a traditional motif, the head of Roma, the goddess and
personification of Rome, wearing a winged attic helmet; behind her is the mark XVI for the value of 16
asses.
The reverse depicts a goddess driving a biga, a two-horse racing chariot. The driver is holding a scepter
and a branch. Underneath the horses is the mint control mark in the form of an elephant's head. The
elephant refers to Lucius Caecilius Metellus Diadematus as moneyer of this coin. During the First Punic
War (264-241 BC), one of his ancestors had achieved a victory over the Carthaginians; on that occasion,
the war elephants of the Carthaginians had been captured and displayed in the ancestor's triumph in
Rome.
2 von 20 www.sunflower.ch Roman Republic, C. Fonteius, Denarius, 114 or 113 BC Denarius Moneyer C. Fonteius Rome -­‐114 4.01 23.0 Silver Sunflower Foundation Denomination: Mint Authority: Mint: Year of Issue: Weight (g): Diameter (mm): Material: Owner: The Gens Fonteii originated from Tusculum in Latium, a region of Italy. Tusculum was an important
centre of the cult of the Dioscuri, the divine twins Castor and Pollux. After the defeat of the Tarquinians
at Lake Regillus around 496 (where, as legend had it, the twins plaid a decisive part in the victory of the
Romans), Tusculum became an alley of Rome. Around 380 BC, Tusculum received Roman citizenship.
Coins from moneyers of the Gens Fonteii often featured the heads (although sometimes only the caps)
of the Dioscuri. On this coin, the heads of the two brothers are represented as a single Janiform head.
Gaius Fonteius, the man responsible for this issue, held the office of a moneyer in the years 114 and 113
BC. His name appears in abbreviated form as C. FONT on the reverse, beneath a galley with a captain
and rowers at their oars.
3 von 20 www.sunflower.ch Roman Republic, L. Pomponius Molo, Denarius, c. 97 BC Denomination: Mint Authority: Mint: Year of Issue: Weight (g): Diameter (mm): Material: Owner: Denarius Moneyer L. Pomponius Molo Rome -­‐97 3.95 19.0 Silver Sunflower Foundation This denarius was minted by Lucius Pomponius Molo. The obverse shows the head of the Greek god
Apollo with the inscription L. POMPON. MOLO, an abbreviation of the moneyer's name. The reverse
depicts Numa Pompilius, the semi-legendary second king of Rome (c. 715-672 BC), who was believed
to have instituted the Roman religious system. He is standing before a lighted altar, about to sacrifice a
goat led by a youth.
By Roman belief, Numa improved the Roman calendar by dividing the year into twelve instead of ten
months as hitherto. He also established the constitution of the priests, called Pontifices, and founded
numerous temples and cults. In later Roma tradition, Numa was deemed as wise legislator and ideal
king, and celebrated for his natural wisdom and piety.
Our moneyer's dynasty was the Pomponia family who claimed descent from Pompo, one of the sons of
Numa Pompilius.
4 von 20 www.sunflower.ch Roman Republic, C. Mamilius Limetanus, Denarius Serratus, 82 BC Denarius Serratus Moneyer C. Mamilius Limetanus Rome -­‐82 3.87 20.0 Silver Sunflower Foundation Denomination: Mint Authority: Mint: Year of Issue: Weight (g): Diameter (mm): Material: Owner: The obverse of this denarius serratus depicts the bust of Mercury, the god of travel, trade and
commerce, with a winged cap and a caduceus, a herald's staff. The reverse shows the hero Ulysses,
holding his staff and greeting the dog Argus. The inscription C. MAMIL LIMETAN refers to the
moneyer.
The design alludes to the moneyer's family claim to be descended from Mamilia, the daughter of
Telegonus, who was the son of Ulysses and Circe. According to Greek mythology, Argos was
Odysseus' faithful dog; he waited for his master's return to Ithaca for over twenty years and was the only
one to recognize Odysseus and to greet him when he finally arrived.
5 von 20 www.sunflower.ch Roman Republic, L. Cornelius Sulla and L. Manlius Torquatus, Denarius, 82 BC Denomination: Mint Authority: Mint: Year of Issue: Weight (g): Diameter (mm): Material: Owner: Denarius Imperator L. Cornelius Sulla and Proquaestor L. Manlius Torquatus Undefined (Traveling Military Mint) -­‐82 3.82 19.0 Silver Sunflower Foundation In 82 BC, the conservative general and politician Lucius Cornelius Sulla seized power in Rome and had
himself appointed dictator by the senate. This silver denarius was struck by Sulla as Imperator (82-79
BC) and Lucius Manlius Torquatus as Proquaestor in the very year of the accession to power.
The design on the obverse of the denarius deliberately harks back to that of early Republican coins.
With this Sulla wanted to show that he did not intend to overthrow the Republic and to establish a
permanent dictatorship. It portrays Roma, the goddess and personification of Rome. The reverse depicts
Sulla as Triumphator – as victorious general in a quadriga (a vehicle drawn by four horses), entering the
city of Rome in a procession. A flying Victory is approaching, ready to crown him. Below is the
inscription L. SVLLA. IM for Lucius Sulla, Imperator.
6 von 20 www.sunflower.ch Roman Republic, Denarius, 56 BC Denomination: Mint Authority: Mint: Year of Issue: Weight (g): Diameter (mm): Material: Owner: ---
Denarius Moneyer Faustus Cornelius Sulla Rome -­‐56 4.22 19.0 Silver Sunflower Foundation 7 von 20 www.sunflower.ch Roman Republic, Marcus Junius Brutus, Denarius, 54 BC Denarius Moneyer M. Junius Brutus Rome -­‐54 3.73 21.0 Silver Sunflower Foundation Denomination: Mint Authority: Mint: Year of Issue: Weight (g): Diameter (mm): Material: Owner: It is unusual for a coin of the Roman Republic to depict two heads – and none of them belongs to a
deity. The gent on the obverse is Lucius Junius Brutus, an ancestor of the moneyer of this denarius, who
had allegedly been the first consul of the Roman Republic in 509 BC. The reverse illustrates Gaius
Servilius Ahala; he was famous for having killed Spurius Maelius, a plotter aiming for tyranny in 439
BC, and thus having saved the republic. The authenticity of both men may be doubted.
Lucius Junius Brutus and Gaius Servilius Ahala were known to every Roman for their fight against
autarchy and for their rescue of the republic. Like this our moneyer showed his republican attitude. The
image was connected to rumors according to which Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus had the ambition to
become dictator of Rome.
8 von 20 www.sunflower.ch Roman Republic, Imperatorial Issue, Gaius Julius Caesar (*100, † 44 BC), Denarius, 49-­‐48 BC Denomination: Mint Authority: Mint: Year of Issue: Weight (g): Diameter (mm): Material: Owner: Denarius Imperator C. Julius Caesar Undefined (Traveling Military Mint) -­‐49 3.9 19.0 Silver Sunflower Foundation In January of 49 BC, Gaius Julius Caesar and his legions crossed the River Rubicon. This was equal to a
declaration of war against Rome, because only three days earlier, the Senate had ordered Caesar to
dissolve his army and not to set foot on the Italian Peninsula. Over the following four years, Caesar
waged a remorseless civil war against his main enemy Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus. He quickly
conquered Rome, and then followed Pompey to Spain, where he defeated his enemy's legions.
On this coins Caesar always emphasized the imperium, the highest military power. The obverse of this
denarius shows an elephant (Caesar and his legions) trampling down a dragon (the enemy). On the
reverse we see priestly symbols. They pointed out that Caesar held the office of Pontifex maximus, the
highest Roman priest, and as such had the attention of the gods. Depicted are a dipper (a simpuvium),
an aspergillum, a sacrificial axe (securis), and a priestly cap (apex).
9 von 20 www.sunflower.ch Roman Republic, L. Hostilius Saserna, Denarius, 48 BC Denarius Moneyer L. Hostilius Saserna Rome -­‐48 4.13 19.0 Silver Sunflower Foundation Denomination: Mint Authority: Mint: Year of Issue: Weight (g): Diameter (mm): Material: Owner: The conquest of Gaul was a milestone in the career of Gaius Julius Caesar. It granted him the backing of
the army, prestige in front of the people and, above all, huge amounts of valuable booty like gold,
slaves, and livestock. All this could easily be transformed into chinking coins so convenient for bribery,
and thus for Caesar's future.
This denarius broadly announces Caesar's triumph over the Gauls. The obverse shows the disheveled
head of a Gallic warrior with a Celtic shield behind him. The reverse depicts a biga driven by a
charioteer and bearing a warrior holding a shield and hurling a spear.
10 von 20 www.sunflower.ch Roman Republic, M. Lollius Palicanus, Denarius, 45 BC Denarius Moneyer M. Lollius Palicanus Rome -­‐45 3.74 19.0 Silver Sunflower Foundation Denomination: Mint Authority: Mint: Year of Issue: Weight (g): Diameter (mm): Material: Owner: This denarius, minted in 45 BC by the moneyer Marcus Lollius Palicanus, is an example on how
propaganda for a person long deceased and propaganda for a person still alive could be brought in line
on coins of the Roman Republic.
On the one hand, the depiction of Libertas on the obverse, and the rostrum on the reverse, commemorate
the father of our moneyer, who as a tribune of the people in 71 BC opposed the constriction of plebeian
tribunes enforced at that time. On the other hand, our denarius celebrates the most powerful Roman of
45 BC, Gaius Julius Caesar. In March that year, Caesar had ended the Roman Civil War with a victory
near Munda in southern Spain, and like this had brought "freedom" back to Rome. After this victory,
Caesar was able to return home and govern as dictator. Hence the Battle of Munda eventually led to the
end of the Roman Republic.
11 von 20 www.sunflower.ch Roman Republic, Imperatorial Issue, Sextus Pompeius, Denarius, 42-­‐40 BC Denarius Imperator Sextus Pompeius Undefined in Sicily -­‐42 3.78 18.0 Silver Sunflower Foundation Denomination: Mint Authority: Mint: Year of Issue: Weight (g): Diameter (mm): Material: Owner: This denarius was issued between 42 and 40 BC by Sextus Pompeius. The obverse depicts Sextus'
father Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus with a pitcher and a staff. These two items were symbols of the
Roman Augurs, a position that Pompey the Great had held.
The reverse shows Neptune, the god of the sea, placing his foot on a prow. On either side are the
Katanean brothers, one bearing his father on his shoulders. Neptune alluded to the fact that the Senate
had made Sextus Pompey "Praefetus classis et orae maritimae," a "commander of the fleet and the sea
coast." In this function he was to secure the shipping of grain to Rome, since he held power over the sea
routes to Italy from his position in Sicily. The image of the Katanean brothers stood for Sextus' father,
or rather for his son's fidelity towards him. It was a well-known legend in ancient Rome that the two
brothers Amphinomos and Anapias had saved their parents lives during an outbreak of Mount Aetna.
With this heroic deed, they became a symbol for the Roman virtue of pietas, of duty towards parents,
particularly to the father.
12 von 20 www.sunflower.ch Roman Republic, Imperatorial Issue, Octavianus and Marcus Antonius, Quinarius, 40 BC Denomination: Mint Authority: Mint: Year of Issue: Weight (g): Diameter (mm): Material: Owner: Quinarius Imperators Octavianus and Marcus Antonius Undefined in Gaul (Traveling Military Mint) -­‐39 1.7 15.0 Silver Sunflower Foundation In the year 40 BC, Octavian (the later Emperor Augustus) and Mark Antony contracted a formal
alliance in which they reassured each other of their mutual friendship and assistance. This pact is the
topic on our quinarius. The obverse depicts Concordia, the goddess of harmony, while the reverse
shows two hands in a handshake. The inscription makes it clear whose hands they are: M. ANTON and
C. CAESAR it says. Above the hands is a caduceus, a so-called wand of Hermes; among other things, it
symbolized the fusion of conflicting forces in ancient times.
13 von 20 www.sunflower.ch Roman Empire, Tiberius (14-­‐37 AD) for Livia Drusilla (58 BC-­‐
29 AD), Dupondius, 22-­‐23 AD Dupondius Emperor Tiberius Rome 22 14.76 30.0 Bronze Sunflower Foundation Denomination: Mint Authority: Mint: Year of Issue: Weight (g): Diameter (mm): Material: Owner: Livia Drusilla, the wife of Emperor Augustus, was Rome's first empress. From a former marriage she
had a son, Tiberius, whom Augustus adopted. When Tiberius became emperor, he had three bronze
coins issued in honor of his then 80-year-old mother.
The coins depicted a youthful Livia with an idealized Greek profile in the guise of the goddess Justitia.
This representation – the personification of a goddess by a woman's portrait – was to have a strong
future influence indeed. The design inspired the coinage of modern France as well as of that of the US,
and the representation of Helvetia on the Swiss coins also shows a striking resemblance with Livia
Drusilla's portrait.
We know from Livia that she, quite flirtatiously, changed her hairstyle several times and also liked to
wear wigs made of the much-sought after hair of blond Germanic female slaves. From now on the
fashion in Rome was: women style their hair like the empress.
14 von 20 www.sunflower.ch Roman Empire, Nero (54-­‐68), As, 64 AD Denomination: Mint Authority: Mint: Year of Issue: Weight (g): Diameter (mm): Material: Owner: As (Oriachulum) Emperor Nero Rome 64 9.62 27.0 Bronze Sunflower Foundation The Roman Emperor Nero was more interested in art than in politics. This preference is clearly
expressed on his coins. On the one hand, they are surprising for the variegated and high artistic quality
of their motifs. On the other hand, the emperor liked to be depicted as Apollo – as can be seen on this
as. Nero went through a lot of time and effort to learn to play the lyre which he is playing on the reverse
of this coin.
As much artistic attention was paid to Nero's small change as the more valuable money. Some of the
small coins also indicate their value. The digit I on the reverse of this coin distinguishes it as an as.
15 von 20 www.sunflower.ch Roman Empire, Nero (54-­‐68 AD), Sesterce, c. 65 AD, Lugdunum Denomination: Mint Authority: Mint: Year of Issue: Weight (g): Diameter (mm): Material: Owner: Sesterce Emperor Nero Lugdunum (Lyon) 65 27.22 32.0 Bronze Sunflower Foundation The Roman emperors paid particular attention to the production of their sesterces. Thanks to their large
surface, these coins were ideal for political propaganda. On this piece, Nero demonstrated his successes
as pacifier of the Mediterranean.
The reverse depicts the temple of Janus with closed gates. For the Romans this was the sign of peace
throughout the empire. Janus was one of the oldest Roman deities, the god of new beginning and the
patron of city gates. His temple has not been preserved, yet the coins depict a shrine in the form of a
round archway with two gates facing each other on each side. These gates were open in wartime and
closed in times of peace – which was not often the case in Roman history, however.
16 von 20 www.sunflower.ch Roman Empire, Galba (68-­‐69 AD), Sesterce, 68-­‐69 AD Denomination: Mint Authority: Mint: Year of Issue: Weight (g): Diameter (mm): Material: Owner: Sesterce Emperor Galba Rome 68 26.83 36.0 Bronze Sunflower Foundation Galba was appointed to the throne of the Roman Empire in 68 AD. After 14 years under Nero's rule,
Rome was close to ruin and collapse. Now, Rome hoped that Galba would be able to reestablish
political and economic order.
On his march to Rome and in Rome itself, Galba had coins minted with his portrait to let people know
that he had been declared emperor and that he was willing to accept the appointment. However, he was
the first of four luckless emperors who ascended the throne in the so-called four-emperor year. Already
on January 15 of the year 69, a new emperor was proclaimed and Galba was publicly executed.
17 von 20 www.sunflower.ch Roman Empire, Hadrian (117-­‐138), Sesterce, c. 122, Rome Sesterce Emperor Hadrian Rome 122 27.8 35.0 Bronze Sunflower Foundation Denomination: Mint Authority: Mint: Year of Issue: Weight (g): Diameter (mm): Material: Owner: Hadrian was one of Rome's great emperors. He conducted important reform programs and personified
the ideal of the optimus princeps. This sesterce shows a very fine portrait of Hadrian.
Hadrian was the first emperor to be depicted with a full beard – and in doing so set a trend, that was
maintained until the time of the Severan dynasty (193-235). On his coins, he was depicted with a noble
profile, for which his fondness for everything Greek might have been decisive, for his portrait complied
with the idealized style of classical Greek art.
18 von 20 www.sunflower.ch Roman Empire, Marcus Aurelius (161-­‐180), As, 177 AD As Emperor Marcus Aurelius Rome 177 11.48 28.0 Bronze Sunflower Foundation Denomination: Mint Authority: Mint: Year of Issue: Weight (g): Diameter (mm): Material: Owner: In the fall of 176, Marcus Aurelius returned to Rome from an inspection journey through the east of the
empire. On the way he had a narrow escape in a shipwreck. After his arrival in Italy, he had a series of
bronze coins struck to pay tribute to the Roman "ars navalis," the art of shipbuilding and navigation. On
its stern stands the god of the sea, Neptun, holding a trident and a dolphin.
19 von 20 www.sunflower.ch Roman Empire, Diocletian (284-­‐305), Medallion Denomination: Mint Authority: Mint: Year of Issue: Weight (g): Diameter (mm): Material: Owner: Medallion Emperor Diocletian Rome 290 32.48 37.0 Billon Diocletian was one of the great soldier-emperors of Rome. He worked incessantly on reorganizing the
gigantic empire. That is why his term is described as "Rome's recovery."
Most important was Diocletian's coin reform: He raised the weight of the gold aureus, introduced a pure
silver coin, and created the copper coin follis for daily use on the market.
This monetary system is illustrated on the reverse of this medallion. The three women with their
different hairdoes symbolize each one of the three new coins, one made from gold, one from silver, and
one from copper.
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