Just as Athena was the Greek goddess of Wisdom, Minerva was her Roman counterpart. The latter was also the goddess of Arts, Sciences and Handcrafts. The following bronze Antoninianus was struck in Antioch under Claudius II but it had no mint mark.The reverse has goddess Minerva holding a spear with her right hand. RIC V-1 , 225. Please post your Minerva coins, if you like..
More Sept. Sev. from Emesa.... The first with a reverse akin to the Domitian denarius above Septimius Severus denarius Obv:– IMP CAE L SEP SE - V PERT AVG COS I, Laureate head right Rev:– MINER VICT, Minerva standing left, holding spear in right hand, left hand on hip Minted in Emesa, A.D. 194 References:– RIC Page 139 (-) (this reverse depiction of Minerva is not listed for Emesa) 1.96g, 18.91mm, 180o How often do we see Minerva seated on denarii? Usually this reverse type would be given across to Roma but the legend here indicates Minerva Septimius Severus denarius Obv:– IMP CAE L SEP SEV PERT AVG II CO, laureate head right Rev:– MINER VICT, Minerva seated left, holding victory in right hand, spear in left, shield beneath Minted in Emesa. A.D. 194 Reference:– BMCRE -. RIC -. RSC -. 3.35g, 18.91mm, 0o
That is a fact. The main difference I see is Roma sits on a cuirass and edge view shield while your Minerva turns the shield to face the viewer. However, the portrait style I see on Minerva suggests it was made considerably earlier than the Roma. Agree? It seems odd that there are so many different Minerva poses for Septimius/Emesa and all of them are rare. Two more (one is like one of yours but not the same die).
I have a Minerva from the Republic: Roman Republic AE Litra Anonymous 269-268 BCE 17mm, 5.18g Neapolis Mint Obv: Helmeted Head of Minerva r., Star behind, RO [MANO] Rev: Bridled Horse Head l, ROMANO Crawford 17/1g; Sear 593; BMCRR Romano-Campanian 14
They do put Roma on a shield too. Septimius Severus denarius Obv:– IMP CAE L SEP - SEV PERT AVG, Laureate head right Rev:– ROMAE AE-TERNAE, Roma seated left on shield, holding Victory in right hand, spear in left. Minted in Alexandria. A.D. 194 Reference:– RIC IV 350G; BMCRE 323; RSC 615
On both Alexandria and Emesa coins with the facing shield there is something squared between the feet and the shield. Alexandria has fringe at the bottom on both of our examples making me think it could be a cuirass partly covered by the dress but that is nowhere near a well thought theory and more a stab in the dark.
Interesting posts everyone!! Once again, i am surprised at my lack of a 'Minerva' reverse on any of my coins or even of an obverse bust...
My favorite Minerva, from the early days of the Roman Republic. Ca. 225-217 BC. Rome, Anonymous Æ aes grave triens 75.96 gm - 43mm - 12h Obv: Helmeted head of Minerva left; •••• (denominations mark) below; all on a raised disk Rev: Prow of galley right; •••• (denomination mark) below; all on a raised disk. Reference: ICC 78, Crawford 35/3a, Syd 74
C. Vibius Varus, 42 BC, Crawford 494/38. Usually, the problems on the reverse (centering; flatness on Hercules' chest; weak strike on club) would "kill" this coin as a candidate for my collection, but rules are made to be broken and the Minerva obverse is really quite wonderful:
I break the 'rules' all the time for something appealing or unusual about an obverse or reverse and your coin would always be the 'exception' to the rules for me...What a stunning portrait !!!
Yes, nice! I assume that bulbous helmet backs up the chest area (12H axis?) and explains the chest flatness. If the centering had been a bit different, you could have lost Hercules' head but have good facial details as it is.
LOL Since I retired and have become 'officially' old, people seem to think I'm a bit eccentric but usually refrain from calling me crazy.....and I'm not even wealthy
I know little about coins, but came across this one in rehabbing an old home (~1750) on the coast in New England. Any ideas about its origin would be appreciated!