Featured The “Roman” Caduceus challenge

..i've recently joined the club..

 

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I disagree with this etymology of κηρύκειον (kerykeion). It is a cognate of κῆρυξ (herald, public messenger, envoy, but may also mean auctioneer), built from the stem κήρυκ- (keryk-). The cognate verb is κηρύσσω (kerusso; to be a herald, to proclaim, to be an auctioneer). The etymology of is unknown, but has been taken to be akin to the Sanskrit kāru, meaning singer or poet. This is rejected by Beekes. See Wiktionary article.

I had to laugh, though, when I saw Liddell and Scott's definition II of κηρύκειον: tax on auction sales.



It's the buyer's fee we're always complaining about here at CT!!!

 

A couple of examples here from reign of Constantine I. Not sure there's much after this since most pagan deities (Concordia, Felicitas, etc) disappear during Constantine's time, although the Festival Of Isis "VOTA PVBLICA" coinage (with Anubis holding caduceus) continues on until end of 4thC.

Maximianus Temporvm Felicitas Lyons 307-308 AD (RIC 281)


Licinius II Concordia Avgg NN Aquileia 317 AD (RIC 12)

 

Julius Caesar , AR Denarius, 44-42 BC. Rome. Head facing right, caduceus in right field, laurel branch left field. Rev. Bull charging right. RSC 27.