Eclipses on Ancient Roman Coins

This website reports a number of ancient coins that may depict eclipses.

 

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I'm hoping for some clear skies tomorrow, I'm in the 97+% coverage zone. Forecast: Partly cloudy. Stupid clouds.

 

Well now, THAT site is cool. Thanks.

 

Hmm. I wanted to read some of that site's pages but what's up with this crazy design? That permanent banner at the bottom (a religious proclamation) doesn't go away and it takes up more than a third of the viewing space. Scrolling through the site is like trying to watch a movie by peeking between window blinds.

Or... like watching an eclipse through a pinhole viewer?

 

The experience of an eclipse is the eerie light that come with the event. You'll see the actual eclipse better on TV. It is a lot like a pro sports event where being there is fun but you can see the game better if you look at the big screen.

 

True if it is cloudy or if you are not in a area of totality, like chrsmat71. (There is a great difference between what you'll see during 97% coverage and total coverage--consider driving to where it is 100% if possible.) But if you're in an area where the eclipse is total (lucky!) and the Sun is not obscured by clouds, you should absolutely be outside. And you SHOULD look at the Sun during totality. Contrary to popular belief, it is completely safe to look at the Sun during a total eclipse without eye protection. Just be sure to look away as soon as you see the Sun start to reappear, creating what is called the "diamond ring" effect.

 

This made me want to see it in person. A very compelling talk.



I will be in only 86% coverage in my area. A lot of folks not located in the narrow swath of totality will be disappointed I think.

Luckily in 7 years time I will be in the direct path of the next total solar eclipse in the United States. Very strange that 2 total solar eclipses in the US are timed relatively so close together.

 

I was kinda excited that another dimension of a coin I recently captured was pointed out in this article:

"The above coins of Vindex and Galba displays the wreath on the reverse with what has been described as a jewel at its apex. As I have described in previous posts this is likely a star or a solar eclipse. The end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty was a new beginning in Roman politics. Rome was founded during a solar eclipse and this symbolism is not lost with new emperors ascending to the throne."
http://www.romaneclipse.com/single-post/2017/03/26/Roman-Civil-War-The-Solar-Eclipse-of-67-AD

My Eclipse Coin...

RI Civil War Revolt of Vindex CE 68-69 AR Denarius ROMA RESTITVTA - IVPITER LIBERATOR Jupiter seated r Tbolt Scepter 17mm 3.02g RIC I 62 RSC 374-RARE

 

This is perhaps the most appropriate coin I have for today.


Titus Caesar
AR Denarius, 3.35g
Rome Mint, 77-78 AD
RIC V950 (R), BMC V226, RSC 68
Obv: T CAESAR IMP VESPASIANVS; Head of Titus, laureate, bearded, r.
Rev: COS VI; Prow r.; above eight pointed star
Ex Harry N. Sneh Collection.

The reverse shows a star, which of course is a sun very, very far away.

 

I drove eight hours yesterday to be within the path of maximal totality. Here's to hoping I come back with corneas intact!

 

Hoping your corneas will be fine and you have a clear day to see it well.

 

Just snapped this from Idaho!

 

I'm ready with my hasty pinhole viewer (don't laugh, it works ). Now if those clouds would clear up...

 

It was a little cloudy in St. George, UT.

 

Hope the weather cleared up for the rest of you guys on the east coast.

 

Well, in my area in Florida we only got 75%. I took this at the 50% of total coverage mark by putting my sunglasses over my selfie camera on my cell phone. LOL. It ain't no expert shot, but it worked...somewhat.

 

Hi David, as you know I have one of those too. Of course it is not as nice as yours but I still love it.

 

The Titus Caesar version of the type is so rare that one in almost any condition is acceptable. Yours is better than acceptable!

 

I CAN'T SEE!!!

I looked up for 20 minutes and then it got super dark. Now I am using a cane. Is the sun coming back out again?

 

I just used my smartphone to snap these rather than bring a proper camera as I wanted to enjoy it. An absolutely surreal experience: