DISCOVERART

Ancient Roman

Denarius (Coin) Depicting the Goddess Roma

189-180 BCE
Silver

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

The front (obverse) of this coin depicts the goddess Roma, facing right and wearing a winged helmet. On the back (reverse), the mythical twins Castor and Pollux, better known as the Dioscuri, are depicted on horseback galloping right. The denarius, introduced in 211 BCE, was the principal silver coin of Rome for five hundred years. The profile head of the goddess Roma—the personification of Rome—was the most popular image depicted on silver denarii in the second and first centuries BCE.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Ancient Roman

Intaglio Depicting a HorseIntaglio Depicting a HorseStatue of a Seated WomanStatue of a Seated WomanPair of EarringsPair of EarringsNecklaceNecklaceStatue of MeleagerStatue of MeleagerMosaic Floor Panel Depicting a Bound RoosterMosaic Floor Panel Depicting a Bound RoosterStatuette of VenusStatuette of VenusStatuary Group of Three Satyrs Fighting a SerpentStatuary Group of Three Satyrs Fighting a Serpent

More like this

Stater (Coin) Depicting the Goddess AthenaAncient Greek — Stater (Coin) Depicting the Goddess AthenaTetradrachm (Coin) Portraying King PtolemyAncient Greek — Tetradrachm (Coin) Portraying King PtolemyTetradrachm (Coin) Portraying Alexander the Great as HeraklesAncient Greek — Tetradrachm (Coin) Portraying Alexander the Tetradrachm (Coin) Portraying King Ptolemy IAncient Greek — Tetradrachm (Coin) Portraying King Ptolemy IShekel (Coin) Depicting the God MelkarthAncient Greek — Shekel (Coin) Depicting the God MelkarthStater (Coin) Depicting the Goddess AthenaAncient Greek — Stater (Coin) Depicting the Goddess Athena