Denarius (Coin) Depicting the Goddess Roma
110-109 BCE
Medium
Silver
Dimensions
Diam.: 1.8 cm (3/4 in.)
Classification
coin
Department
Arts of Greece, Rome, and Byzantium
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
141595
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
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.
Art Historical Context
Step into the bustling world of the late Roman Republic with this silver denarius, around 110-109 BCE. Measuring just 1.8 cm in diameter, this tiny treasure from the Art Institute of Chicago Arts of Greece, Rome and Byzantium collection features the goddess Roma on one side—Rome's fierce personification, often shown helmeted and armored, symbolizing the city's unyielding power and prowess. The reverse likely bears standard Republican motifs like Victory or deities, underscoring Rome's expanding empire during a time of social unrest and consular elections. As a denarius, this coin was the backbone of Roman commerce and propaganda, worth about a day's wages for a laborer. Struck using precisely engraved dies hammered onto blank silver flans, it showcases the era's advanced numismatic artistry: sharp, high-relief portraits that allowed mass production while conveying imperial might. These coins circulated across the Mediterranean, from legionary camps to distant provinces, embedding Roma's image in everyday life. This artifact isn't just currency—it's a snapshot of Rome's confident identity on the cusp of civil strife, reminding us how ancient rulers wielded art to inspire loyalty and awe. A perfect emblem of how even pocket change shaped history!
About the Artist
Ancient Roman
The artists attributed to "Ancient Roman" in museum collections represent the anonymous craftsmen who produced the vast output of sculpture, frescoes, mosaics, and reliefs defining Roman visual culture from the Republic (c. 509–27 BCE) to the late Empire (c. 395 CE). Individual identities remain elusive, as Roman makers were typically viewed as skilled tradesmen—often enslaved Greeks or provincial...