Denarius Depicting the Goddess Roma
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
136 BCE
This object is an ancient Roman silver denarius struck in Rome, Italy, dated to 136 BCE. The coin has a circular form with a diameter measuring approximately 1.8 cm (3/4 in.). It was produced using striking techniques typical of Roman coinage from this period.
The obverse features the profile head of the goddess Roma, the divine personification of the city of Rome, accompanied by the inscription "TRIO". On the reverse, the coin depicts figures on horseback alongside the inscription "CN LVCR ROMA". The surface displays the metallic tone and raised relief typical of struck silver currency.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Ancient Rome began producing its first coinage in the late 4th century BC. Early Roman coinage typically presented profile heads of gods and goddesses on the obverse, while the reverse featured animals, natural resources, symbols, and references to historical events. Introduced in 211 BC, the denarius served as Rome's principal silver coin for five hundred years, with the profile of the goddess Roma being the most common motif on silver denarii during the second and first centuries BC.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Dimensions
- Diam.: 1.8 cm (3/4 in.)
Technical characteristics
- Inscriptions
- Obverse: TRIO Reverse: CN LVCR ROMA
- Maker recorded
- Roman; minted in Rome
- Place recorded
- Italy
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Art Institute of Chicago collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Denarius (Coin) Depicting the Goddess Roma
- Museum object number
- 1923.1256
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.