Description:
This silver denarius coin was minted in Rome by moneyer M. Lucilius Rufus in 101 BC. The obverse of this Roman Republic coin shows the head of Roma wearing a decorated winged helmet within a laural wreath. In traditional Roman religion, Roma was a female deity who personified the city of Rome and more broadly, the glory that was the Roman Republic. In the city of Rome itself, the Romans paid tribute to Roma at the Temple of Venus and Roma. This was the largest temple in the city, located near the Colosseum and dedicated to inaugurate the festival of Romaea in Roma's honor. The temple contained the seated, Hellenised image of Roma - the Palladium in her right hand symbolized Rome's eternity. Her image also appears on the base of the column of Antoninus Pius, which can still be seen today in Rome.
On the reverse side of this ancient coin, winged Victoria is depicted holding the reins and a whip, while driving a galloping two horse chariot known as a biga. Victoria, the personification of Victory, was adopted from the Greeks, as she was the Roman equivalent of the goddess Nike. Victory was a major part of Roman society and many temples were erected in her honor. She was a symbol of victory over death and determined who would be successful during war.
The Roman Republic introduced the denarius coin in 211 BC. It soon became the principal denomination in the Roman Republic monetary system and was the equivalent of around 2 days pay for a Roman Soldier.
