Res Publica Coin Gallery

Roman Imperatorial period AR denarius(3.92g, 20mm), P. Clodius M.f. Turrinus, moneyer, 42 B.C., Rome mint. Laureate bust of Apollo right; lyre behind / Diana Lucifera standing facing with bow and quiver over shoulder, holding lighted torch in each hand; P•CLODIVS M•F• across fields. Crawford 494/23; Sydenham 1117; HCRI 184.

Along with his Triumvirate and Caesar issues, the moneyer P Clodius M.f. Turrinus minted this type with the obverse bust of Apollo and reverse featuring Diana Lucifera as well as a type with an obverse bust of Sol with a crescent and stars on the reverse. Apollo, like Sol, is associated with the Sun and light. Diana Lucifera is also associated with light, but as opposed to sunlight, Diana is more closely associated with the moon and the Moon goddess Luna. Taken together, these devices suggest that both types refer to the Sun and the Moon. The most common interpretation of this symbolism seems to be the idea of the coming of a new age under the deified Julius Caesar, a common theme of the early Imperatorial period, and considering the changes that had come and were coming to the Roman world, quite timely.

Replaced by this, July 2023

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Posted on

Wednesday 17 May 2017

Tags

apollo, denarius, diana, diana.lucifera, gens.claudia, imperatorial, lyre, silver, torch

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