From Wikipedia: "Gravitas was one of the ancient Roman virtues that denoted "seriousness". It is also translated variously as weight, dignity, and importance and connotes restraint and moral rigor. It also conveys a sense of responsibility and commitment to the task." The coins we collect reflect the people who produced them and the times they lived in, but what coins convey gravitas? Here, we move from the objective to the subjective, from the concrete to the ephemeral, from what is struck on the coin's obverse and reverse, to its essence. Here, we cross over to feelings and impressions. Of the Roman coins that I have, gravitas comes to mind with Marcus Aurelius, whose coinage marked the progression of his life, from young man, to emperor, to Stoic philosopher. Gravitas, that Roman virtue of dignity and moral rigor, is not a Roman monopoly. The coinage of other times often convey the same qualities, such as this coin from Lucania: What coins to you have that evince gravitas? Please post if you wish. Thank you
Thanks for the interesting post! My contribution is a Cistophorus of Domitian. On the reverse we see Augustus being crowned by Roma-the personification of Rome. I think Domitian's intent is fairly clear. He is linking his rule to that of Augustus. Augustus was a popular ruler for many years after his death. Domitian was basically saying that the good times were back. Does this coin have Gravitas? Yes I think it does. One could say that Domitian was hoping to transfer some of the Gravitas of Augustus to his own rule.
Yes, I agree. There is a definite parallel between the portrait of Domitian on your coin and the bust often used of Augustus. This is a very interesting coin then from both a political perspective as well as one of gravitas. There certainly seems to be an air of dignity about Domitian, which belies his harsh, authoritarian rule. Which raises a question: can a tyrant, at least with his coinage, have the Roman virtue of gravitas? I guess the answer can be found in the skill of the die engraver.
NON-Roman, Denarius, SOLEMN - GRAVITAS Oath Ceremony Social War, Marsic Confederation, Oath of the initial 8 Revolting Tribes Marsic Confederation / Italian Allies Social War 90-88 BCE AR Denarius 19x17.9mm, 3.7g Anonymous Issue, Corfinium Mint Obv: Italia head, l, ITALIA behind Rev: Oath-taking scene with eight warriors, four on each side, pointing their swords towards a sacrificial pig, which is held by an attendant kneeling at the foot of a standard. - Binding the Marsi, Picentines, Paeligni, Marrucini, Vestini, Frentani, Samnites, and Hirpini Tribes into the Marsic Confederation against Rome during the Social War Comment: The reverse is based on the gold Stater and Half-Stater from the Second Punic War, and the Ti Viturius denarius... Sear 227 SYD 621 SCARCE
Lysimachos. 305-281 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.2 gm, 1h, 30mm). Ainos mint. Struck circa 283/2 BC. Obv; Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with horn of Ammon. Rev: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΛΥΣΙΜΑΧΟΥ, Athena Nikephoros seated left on throne (monogram on throne), right arm holding Victory, which crowns the name of Lysimachos with a wreath, left arm resting on shield, upon which is a lion's head; transverse spear in background; to inner left, head of lion left above cult image on throne; Thompson 257; Müller 119. A remarkable, fierce portrait of Alexander.
" [...] Which raises a question: can a tyrant, at least with his coinage, have the Roman virtue of gravitas? I guess the answer can be found in the skill of the die engraver." @Orfew, good thing Domitian didn't have television. Like the notoriously popularly-elected Hitler administration was working on as feverishly as nuclear fission.
Actually...in 1932 Hitler won just over 37% of the vote. Here is an interesting take on that election. https://www.dw.com/en/fact-or-fiction-adolf-hitler-won-an-election-in-1932/a-18680673
Thanks for that, @Orfew, with the valued context of the parliamentary system during the Weimar Republic. ...Otherwise, the precedent of 37% of the popular vote might be only creepier.... Terrific link; bookmarked it.
Very nice coins! I do tend to gravitate toward coins portraying a ruler with Gravitas, although I couldn't put my finger on how to categorize it. Good stuff!
Thank you all for the really nice examples. It seems that Greek and Roman coins tend to have this quality, probably due to the artistry of the engravers at the heights of these civilizations. The Hellenistic influence certainly spread throughout the Mediterranean, permeating a wide swath of regions as far as Asia Minor, Bactria, Egypt, Sicily, and on to Rome itself. This influence, with its emphasis on realism and refinement, often with the quality of gravitas, lasted well into the second century AD. The "severe style" that followed, with emperor after emperor appearing with furrowed brows, stern eyes and often frowning expressions, was, I think, a clear break from the Hellenistic tradition, although one could argue that Caracalla's stern expression might have some degree of gravitas, although the weight of his portraits is clearly directed towards authority and a pugnacious demeanor. Here are three more examples for comparison: Thrace, Lysimachos, tetradrachm, 306-281 BC Antioch, tetradrachm, Caracalla, youthful portrait, circa 208-211 AD Emesa, Seleucis and Pieria, Caracalla, tetradrachm, 215-217 AD
