Minerva

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by 7Calbrey, Apr 16, 2016.

  1. 7Calbrey

    7Calbrey Well-Known Member

    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.. Claud O.jpg ClaudMin R.jpg
     
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  3. chrsmat71

    chrsmat71 I LIKE TURTLES!

    cool coin 7C!

    here's a domitian/minerva combo.

    [​IMG]
     
    gogili1977, Limes, Curtisimo and 12 others like this.
  4. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

    I have too many Septimius Severus denarii.

    4 from Emesa
    rs0805bb3223.jpg rs2170bb1736.jpg rs2180bb2347.jpg rs2190bb0841.jpg

    Rome
    rs4260bb0231.jpg

    Alexandria
    rs0500bb2002.jpg
     
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  5. green18

    green18 Unknown member Sweet on Commemorative Coins Supporter

    Pan-Pac fifty cent piece. No photo as I'm otherwise indisposed at the moment......too much bourbon.
     
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  6. ro1974

    ro1974 Well-Known Member

    [​IMG]
    Great coins all, Minerva sestertius Domitian
     
  7. maridvnvm

    maridvnvm Well-Known Member

    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

    [​IMG]

    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

    [​IMG]
     
  8. stevex6

    stevex6 Random Mayhem

    green-dude => is this what you're thinkin' about?

    upload_2016-4-17_6-0-44.jpeg
     
  9. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

    rs2390bb2078.jpg
    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). rs1360bb1700.jpg rs2200bb0730.jpg
     
  10. Alegandron

    Alegandron "ΤΩΙ ΚΡΑΤΙΣΤΩΙ..." ΜΕΓΑΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ, June 323 BCE

    I have a Minerva from the Republic:

    upload_2016-4-17_8-40-33.png
    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
     
    Last edited: Apr 17, 2016
  11. maridvnvm

    maridvnvm Well-Known Member

    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

    [​IMG]
     
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  12. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

    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.
    rs0525bb2607.jpg
     
  13. Mikey Zee

    Mikey Zee Delenda Est Carthago

    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...
     
  14. ancientcoinguru

    ancientcoinguru Well-Known Member

    My favorite Minerva, from the early days of the Roman Republic.
    Aes Grave Triens obv.jpg Aes Grave Triens rx.jpg
    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
     
  15. Volodya

    Volodya Junior Member

    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:

    Phil (146).JPG
     
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  16. Mikey Zee

    Mikey Zee Delenda Est Carthago

    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 !!!
     
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  17. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

    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.
     
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  18. Volodya

    Volodya Junior Member

    You're presumably not a notorious crazy person like I am though!
     
  19. Mikey Zee

    Mikey Zee Delenda Est Carthago

    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:D
     
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  20. Yeates

    Yeates New Member

    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!
     
  21. Yeates

    Yeates New Member

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