Got this coin for a specific collection/reason although I am not very knowledgeable about Roman Republican coinage. Book or reading suggestions welcome. Roman Republic L. Caesius, 112-111 BC AR denarius 3.92 gm Obv: Bust of Vejovis (some references say Apollo?) from behind, head turned left, holding a thunderbolt, legend AP; dotted border. Rev: Lares praestites seated with heads left, dog between, bust of Vulcan above; legend LA-RE; dotted border. Ref: Crawford 298/1. Sydenham 564. RSC Caesia 1. Some questions... - Is the Vejovis or is this Apollo? My understanding is that Vejovis and Apollo are not the same deity. - What is the significance of the dog, and the dog's position between the two Lares? - Why is the head of Vulcan on this coin? - Can I post this as an L in the Alphabetical Coins of Rulers thread? (j/k)
And one more quote from on-line resource "Money Museum". Note here that the description of the obverse indicates Apollo vice Vejovis. I read something a while back that these two were interchangeable in Roman mythology. I'm not sure this is true or not.
Since Lares Praestites are protectors of city/state, and a dog is between them, do you think the dog represents Rome, the city or area home to the moneyer, or something like that? As for the head of Vulcan, I did read one little blurb about Vejovis which indicated that at some point in time by some folks, he was felt was a Volcanic God, responsible for earthquakes and marshlands. Maybe a tie-in to Vulcan? [edited-- I was typing this as you posted the last two items]
We need to remember that Roman religion was a great deal more complex than modern faiths (any group that has a special god to cover manure spreading qualifies as complex). Vejovis may have been paralleled with Apollo by some due to their appearances but people from regions that considered him a personal god would not agree. Lares could similarly remind you of Romulus and Remus or the Dioscuri but have secret meanings to those in the know. Dogs usually represent faithfulness or companionship but used with these twin guardians, I would take it as another line of defense. I'd probably read the whole coins as a statement that Vejovis and Vulcan are asked to be the personal and faithful guardians of the moneyer or his family.
I find this one of t he most fascinating things about the ancient coins. The thought of (somewhat) understanding the exact thought that the coin meant to convey at the time, is something special.
Man, you guys are way too deep => you gotta love the dog getting a good ol' scritching on his neck!! (that is what this coin is all about!!)
ooooooooooooohhh...that very nice. the obverse reminds me of the of the menader i indo-greek coins from about that same time...but he's usually throwing a spear and athena has the thunder bold on the reverse.
This guy, Chris just a tad earlier. I wonder who thought of it first? Bactria,Asia Indo-Greek Kingdom (Modern Pakistan) Menander I (165-130 BC) Pushkalavati mint, Chief workshop. AR Drachm 18 mm x 2.42 grams (Indian Standard Drachm) Obverse: Heroic Bust of Menander I of Bactria Greek script- BASILEWS SWTHPOS MENANDOY Reverse: Athena advancing right, thunderbolt in raised right hand, shield on left arm. Monogram in the left field. Kharoshti script-MAHARAJA SATRAP MENADRASA ref: Bopearachchi Serie 3D; SNG ANS 694ff. Note: Large flan, Exceptional.
Menander, known from the Buddhist text where he participated in a dialog with a sage., I don't remember that guys name.Needless to say he is a fascinating ruler and produced some "amped" coins.
