Although filling missing 'album holes' is not a high priority for me, I do tend to go after the more affordable examples I am lacking about 2 or 3 times a year. Recently I lost a higher grade example of this coin (less wear, sharper details but a bit more surface 'corrosion') and so I was a bit more 'stubborn' about winning this one. Filling a 'hole' and scoring an architectural reverse was more than I could resist Interestingly, there seems to be considerable debate regarding two aspects of this coin; specifically, the obverse legend and the representation of the Shrine or Temple on the reverse. At least one authority suggests the DIVO ROMVLO N V BIS CONS is an abbreviation of : DIVO ROMVLO NOSTRAE VR BIS CONSVL or 'Deified Romulus of most noble rank twice Consul' while others insist it is still a mystery. The second area of disagreement is whether the domed shrine (minus columns) is a depiction of the shrine/temple constructed along the Via Sacra (near the Forvm) or the mausoleum on the Via Appia. It seems the consensus is that the coin depicts the mausoleum at some point in its construction or renovation although a number of authorities suggest the temple is the best candidate. I have attached a few photos of each structure---the first two are of the Shrine/Temple and the last the Mausoleum. And for those who wonder just who this dude 'Romulus' was: Valerius Romulus or Marcus Aurelius Romulus, was the son of the Caesar (and later usurper) Maxentius and Valeria Maximilla, daughter of Emperor Galerius. He was consul with his father in 308 and 309 AD and since Maxentius was sole Consul in 310 this suggests Romulus died in 309. After death his status was raised to 'DIVVS' and his father dedicated the Temple of Divus Romulus along the Via Sacra near the Roman Forum, but he was apparently buried in a tomb/mausoleum along the Via Appia. Please share any coin of the type you may have......and any clarifications, comments or corrections would be greatly appreciated. AE Follis of Romulus; Ostia mint, Circa 309-312 AD 6.09 grams 25 mm; 2nd officina, Ist emission? Bare head right,DIVO ROMVLO NV BIS CONS Domed roofed Shrine, right door ajar, surmounted by eagle AETERNAE MEMORIAE MOSTS RIC 34
Really want him for my rare Roman rulers subset. Already jealous (in a friendly way) that Gil-galad has one but you as well now. Really cool pick up!
I have two coins one is probably the temple in the forum and the other not sure whether it is the temple or a mausoleum. Divus Maximianus 310 AD. RIC 26 5.59gm. Costantius 1 305-306 AD, RIC V1 Ticinum 96, 5.92 gm.
Thanks everyone!! Terrific posts @Ancient Aussie !! It would seem to me that the Domed Shrines with the eagle apotheosis all depict the Temple on the Via Sacra and I think my example certainly resembles it more than it does the Mausoleum on the Via Appia. Perhaps the 'authorities' are arguing about other variations specific to Maxentius himself earlier in his reign and prior to Romulus' death? I only have one coin of Maxentius depicting a temple, but it's a 'generic' depiction and apparently not meant to represent any specific building so it doesn't help clarify any of this LOL Any other thoughts???
Great coins. The Romulus is a tough one. I've been lucky to acquire a decent one almost 20 years ago SHRINE, Romulus, Posthumous follis Follis struck in Ostia, 1st officina DIVO ROMVLO N V BIS CONS, Bare head of Romulus right AETERNAE MEMORIAE, Temple with domed roof surmounted by eagle, M OST P at exergue 7.35 gr RC #3786 var, Cohen #4 The Temple of Divus Romulus is a circular building with a concave facade preceded by columns on the Via Sacra. It was probably a temple for Romulus, the son of emperor Maxentius, but it has also been identified as the Temple of Jupiter Stator and as the sanctuary of the penates publici. The building is located between the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina and the Basilica of Maxentius. When emperor Maxentius' son Romulus died in 307 CE, he was deified and hence a temple was built in his honour. Coins commemorating Romulus often depict a round building with a varying number columns in front. Some of them probably show the round mausoleum of Romulus on the Appian Way, others might portray the temple, which has led to the identification of the rotunda on the Via Sacra with the Temple of Divus Romulus. The location would be likely, given Maxentius' building activities nearby. Explanations are copied from : http://sights.seindal.dk/sight/176_Temple_of_Romulus.html Q
Wonderful write up and a GREAT coin @Mikey Zee ! I have a Romulus RI Romulus 310-311 CE AE25 Domed Shrine doors ajar with sm Eagl
