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THE COINS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 Twelve Csesars 
 
 B.C. 48 to A. D. 96. 
 
 - X • ^ 
 
 
 KNISHT fc LEONARD, PRINTERS, CHICAGO. 
 
£>3 
 
 < 
 
 
 Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924029792458 
 
THE TWELVE OAESAES 
 
 (JULIUS TO DOMITIAN) 
 
 ILLUSTRATED BY READINGS OF TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN OF THEIR 
 
 COINS AND MEDALS. 
 
 BY ROBERT MORRIS, LL.D., 
 
 Secretary to the American Association op Numismatists; Correspondinq Member of The American Numismatic and Archaeo- 
 logical Society, New York; The Boston Numismatic Society, Boston, Mass.; The New London Historical 
 Society, New London, Conn., etc., and Editor of "The Numismatic Pilot." 
 
 'Eizidsi^arl \ioi dr/vapcov. 
 
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 jfe" 
 
 A series of a ruler's coins is his life digested into annals.— Addison. Ancient coins provide its the means to promote the advancement 
 of art among ourselves.— Winslow Lewis. The study of Scripture, as of all ancient annals, is promoted by cotemporary coins. They 
 breathe new life through the sacred pages.- -Morris. Every fragment of history, every consonance and similarity of names, acquires new 
 meaning under the searching light of coins.— The study of ancient coins, as compared with that of statues, columns and pyramids, is the 
 use of the microscope in place of the telescope.— Coins are the most enduring, the most vocal monuments of antiquity.— Molt. I prize numis- 
 matics both for the knowledge, and the grand recollections it involves, as well as the pure pleasure it inspires. In this occupation I forget 
 the annoyances of human intercourse, the meanness, envy and calumny of rivals. Absorbed in such researches I pass my life in tranquillity, 
 far from the tempests of the world and the insatiable ambition of men who esteem themselves great. — Chevalier Riccio. 
 
 LA GRANGE, KENTUCKY: 
 PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR. 
 
 1877. 
 
■ — '. 
 
 
 -, ., _. 
 
 /^CORNEL 
 
 UNIVERS1 
 \LiBRAR\ 
 
 TV 
 
 
 M 3 Tf 
 
 
 COPTKIGHT, 1877, 
 
 By ROBERT MORRIS, LL.D. 
 
 *>T-> 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 This first attempt to introduce the science of an- 
 cient Numismatics into American study is respectfully 
 commended to all who prize the accuracy of history, 
 and would encourage home enterprise in a new and 
 expensive effort. It consists in supplying sets, — one 
 each,— of the original coins of The Twelve Caesars, 
 (Julius to Domitian, b.c. 48 to a.d. 96,) with scientific 
 "readings" of them, and of the accurate engravings 
 of 217 more. Thus the privilege may be enjoyed here, 
 as it is by students abroad, of looking face to face 
 upon those who have long occupied niches in the tem- 
 ple of History; of reading, in type and legend, the 
 religious aspirations of remote ages; of handling Ro- 
 man monuments that were old when civilization in 
 other lands was new; and finally, of making good 
 advances in the science of Numismatics itself. To be 
 able to read these coins under sure instruction, so 
 that each letter and character yields its meaning, as 
 it did to Greek and Roman eyes eighteen centuries 
 since, is an advance in Numismatic study worthy the 
 beginning of a new century in American annals. 
 
 The manner in which every coin, and each of the 
 217 engraved coins, is "read," in the following pages, 
 leaves but little call for an introduction. The Obverses 
 and Reverses supplement each other in making clear 
 the historical meaning of the monuments, and so, "show- 
 ing forth a knowledge which touches as well upon the 
 small as the great estates of men." Let it be borne 
 in mind that historical Numismatics does not subsist 
 merely in explaining the coins; that is the less intel- 
 lectual business of the coin-dealer. But to make the 
 monument give tongue, — to render it vocal, so to 
 speak, in enriching history with those precious details 
 that constitute its light and warmth, — this is the work 
 of the true Numismatist, and herein lies the secret of 
 the enthusiasm germane to the vocation. 
 
 It is here that American teachers— those who at 
 much expense and trouble have provided themselves 
 with genuine coins, — have halted and lost sight of 
 the real aim of Numismatics. To describe the coin is 
 
 but little more than the office of the money-changer. 
 A correct set of labels, and care in replacing the bits 
 of money in their proper nooks, and the work of such 
 a teacher is done. With him, ancient coins are but 
 curiosities, his cabinet but a museum of rarities. 
 
 Modern Numismatics, it may be observed, differs toto 
 coslo from ancient; the latter alone, in any elevated 
 sense of the term, is historical. An American or English 
 coin, for instance, has nothing upon it to suggest the 
 year in which it was struck, save the figures express- 
 ing the date; if they are abraded the date is lost. 
 Nor is it of the least importance whether lost or found, 
 because it has no connection with any event that oc- 
 curred the year of its coinage. To look for national 
 history in the issues of our mint, we must inspect 
 Medals instead of coins. Coins now-a-days, in ever} r 
 country, are but coins, bits of metal stamped by the 
 sovereign power for purposes of traffic. But these 
 coins, of which sets of twelve each are now offered to 
 American readers of history, were not only representa- 
 tives of value, mediums of traffic, and marked as such 
 by the fingers of the millions whom, so many centu- 
 ries since, they faithfully served, but they correspond 
 with the modern idea of Medals, inasmuch as each one 
 is a leaflet of history, one moiety being upon the 
 Obverse, the other upon the Reverse of the monu- 
 ment. Vero dulce atqtte jucundum, hastens one of 
 the oldest college presidents in our country to say, 
 " has been his study of these twelve coins and these 217 
 engraved representatives of as many more by the light 
 of the exact and laborious readings, furnished in this 
 monograph." 
 
 " If we cast an eye over the whole circle of the 
 productions of human genius, perhaps we shall per- 
 ceive none of such grand importance and utility to 
 mankind as history. Most of the other efforts of the 
 mind only interest individuals as such; but history, 
 when executed with philosophic candor and propriety, 
 concerns and instructs whole empires, indeed the whole 
 universe. By it, statesmen and states are taught, from 
 the example of former and other nations, and that of 
 their own in preceding times, to propagate measures 
 that contribute to the general welfare, and to guard 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 against evils which are often unforeseen, and in con- 
 sequence not warded off, only because they are not 
 known to have existed in ancient periods, nor the 
 methods investigated which then prevented or miti- 
 gated them. But the very basis of history is truth; 
 without which the causes of human action, nay the 
 actions themselves, are disguised, and the instructions, 
 arising from the narration, totally lost, or converted 
 into an empty chimsera. Now the sole evidence we 
 can have of the veracity of a historian consists in such 
 collateral documents as are palpable to all, and can 
 admit of no falsification. Such, in modern times, are 
 public memoirs, instructions to embassadors, letters of 
 state, and the like vouchers, which every person allows 
 to be irrefragable." 
 
 To these we may add, in the highest and noblest 
 sense, historical coins. 
 
 The art of reading Greek and Roman coins is a rare 
 gift among American teachers. The quaint forms and 
 crowded state of the letters, the excessive abbreviations 
 of words necessary to compress so much matter within 
 the limit, and the absence of punctuation-points, have 
 rendered these monuments sealed pages to the most. 
 In choosing 217 engraved models' for the make-up of 
 this work, therefore, we have rather sought variety 
 of type than elegance of workmanship. This will be 
 apparent in inspecting, upon page 32, the coin-cuts 
 of Nero. Nothing would be easier than to select from 
 his numismata in the three metals, elegant specimens 
 of numismatic art. But they would fail to afford suf- 
 
 ficient variety necessary to due advance in coin-read- 
 ing. As it is, we are borne out in our opinion by 
 all who have gone over these pages, that a careful 
 comparison of our twelve coins and the 217 engrav- 
 ings, together with the letter-press, will go so far to 
 make one expert in the art of reading Greek and 
 Roman coins, that future progress will be compara- 
 tively swift and easy. 
 
 Loth to lay down the pen, we add, and the reader 
 will pardon us for repeating it, — that one of the 
 greatest pleasures derived from the handling of ancient 
 coins, is that they bring us en face with historical per- 
 sons. They present themselves to us as entire mon- 
 uments. With an original coin in legible condition, 
 the argument is complete. Statues, columns, pyramids, 
 suffer from the ravages of barbarian force and the 
 inimical touch of time. Paintings are too ephemeral 
 for mention in this connection. But the 7netal, the 
 dense heavy bronze particularly, which was the peo- 
 ple's money, most abundant, most vocal with types, is 
 "faithful to its trust"; and the courtly poet at Rome, 
 fondly contemplating the immortality of his genius, 
 could promise himself nothing better than that his 
 verses should be more enduring than the bronze coins 
 lying before him that spoke the glory of Caesar and 
 the beneficence of Augustus. 
 
I N DE X. 
 
 It is impracticable to make a thorough index to a work embodying so many details as this, nor will it be looked for. 
 The following will be found sufficiently minute for easy, practical reference. 
 
 AE.— Abbreviation of Aes, bronze. 
 
 Aeneas escaping i'rom Troy.— Augustus, 17. 
 
 Aes.— Brass, bronze,' copper. 
 
 Altars.— Caesar, 13; Augustus, 2, 3, 10, 19; Caligula, 23; Otbo, 6; Vitel- 
 lius. 9, 13; Titus, 27; Domitian, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. 
 
 Apex.— Head-covering of the priests. See Pontifical Apparatus. 
 
 Apollo, God of Music, etc. See Deities. 
 
 AR.— Abbreviation of Argentum, silver. 
 
 Arch of Titus.— Caligula, 24; Triumphal Arch — Galba, 2. 
 
 Arms, Armor.— Spears — Caesar, 15; Augustus, 5, 22; Tiberius, 5, B, 7, 12; 
 Caligula, 16; Nero, 5, 12, 14; Galba, 1. 5, 9, 13; Otbo, 4; Vitellius, 1, 8, 
 12, 17; Titus, 1, 2, 3, 7, 16, 17, 22; Domitian, 1. Helmets — Augustus, 
 4; Nero, 1, 14; Galba, 1,9; Vitellius, 5, 8, 17; Vespasian, 2. Shields — 
 Caesar, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19; Tiberius, 3, 4; Nero, 7, 8, 15; Galba, 1, 5, 9; 
 Vitellius, 3, 6, 7, 8, 16, 17; Vespasian, 2, 11, 12; Titus, 4, 5, 26; Domitian, 
 3, 9, 17. Bows — Claudius, 24; Galba, 13; Titus, 12. Swords— Caesar, 
 8. Corselets — Galba, 9. 
 
 Ass Heads.— Caesar, 18, 19; Domitian, 9. 
 
 AV. — Abbreviation of Avrum, gold. 
 
 Augtjsta. — Same as Empress; sometimes the mother or other relative 
 of the Emperor is called Augusta. 
 
 Augustus.— Nearly equivalent to Emperor. 
 
 Aureus. — Standard gold coin of Home. 
 
 Balances.— Money-scales. Augustus, 18; Vitellius, 12. 
 
 Banners, Flags, Ensigns, etc. — See Standards. 
 
 Basket.— Vitellius, 11. 
 
 Baton.— Caesar, 9; Augustus, 4; Nero, 6. 
 
 Beasts and Reptiles. — Crocodiles — Caesar, 3. Lions — Caesar, 8; Ves- 
 pasian, 9. Bvlls — Nero, 20. Stags— Caesar, 2, 8; Claudius, 24. Oxen 
 drawing plow — Caesar. 4; Augustus, 13; Caligula, 5. Elephants (pro- 
 boscis) — Claudiu8,18; Titus, 8. Wolves — Augustus, 9; (with boy), Au- 
 gustas, 14. Serpents — Caesar, 7; Augustus, 16; Caligula, 14; Vitellius, 
 11 ; Vespasian, 18. Bams' (horns) — Nero, 19 ; Hippopotami — Claudius, 
 11. Horses —Vespasian, 18 (see, also, Chariots). Turtles — Galba, 10, 
 11,12. Dog— Domitian, 4. 
 
 Bigae.— See Chariots. 
 
 Billon.— Compound of cheap metals with silver. 
 
 Birds.— Eagle— Augustus, 22; Tiberius, 1, 8; Claudius, 19; Vespasian, 5, 
 17; Domitian, 10. Harpies — Titus, 19. Doves — Titus, 7. 
 
 Branches.— See Trees. 
 
 Bull.— See Beasts. 
 
 Cadtjcaeus.— Emblem of Mercury, Prosperity, Worship, etc. Augustus 
 12; Titus, 11. 
 
 Camps, Military.— Tiberius, 11; Otho, 10, 11. 
 
 Canopus.- -Egyptian god. See Deities. 
 
 Captives. — Caesar, 18; Galba, 2; Vespasian, 1, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15; Titus, 1, 
 26; Domitian, 17. 
 
 Cavalry.— Augustus, 5; Tiberius, 12; Caligula, 6; Nero, 5; Galba, 2; Otho, 
 4; Vespasian, 8; Titus, 2. 
 
 Ceres or Demeter.— Goddess of tbe fields and harvest. See Deities. 
 
 Chairs, Thrones.— Caesar, 7; Tiberius, 5, 6, 7; Caligula, 18; Claudius, 2; 
 Nero, 2, 18; Vitellius, 1, 9, 10, 11; Vespasian, 6; Titus, 3, 16, 18; Domi- 
 tian, 1, 18. 
 
 Chariots.— Bigae, two-horse — Caesar, 16; Otho, 12. Quadrigae, four- 
 horse— Tiberius, 18; Otho, 12; Vespasian, 16; Titus, 23; Domitian, 13. 
 
 Chronology.— Pew references upon Roman coins are found to a.u.c. 
 {Anno Urbe Condita), none to a.d. {Anno Domini). The dates upon Ro- 
 man imperials are ascertained by the TRP, or COS, or IMP, or by the 
 types found on the reverse of the coin. In reading a Greek imperial 
 many are dated from the beginning of the emperor's reign. 
 Cippus.— A short column. Augustus, 22; Caligula, 8. • ',"'■' 
 
 Cithara.— See Musical Instruments. 
 Club.— Augustus, 16; Titus, 22; Domitian, 15. . . V 
 Colonial Coins.— Struck in Colonial mints by authority of the Roman 
 
 government. 
 Columns (Rostrated).— Otho, 8. 
 Comitia.— Polls for popular voting. Caesar, 11. 
 
 Cornucopiae (plural Cornva-copiae).— Horn of Plenty; horn of the goat 
 Amalthea, placed among the stars as the image of fertility and abun- 
 dance. Sometimes written Cornu-Amaltheae. Single Horn. — Caesar, 4; 
 Augustus, 18; Caligula, 9; Claudius, 2; Nero, 2, 12, 18; VitelliuB, 10; 
 Titus, 18. Double Horn — Caesar, 5, 6; Claudius, 17. 
 
 Crocodileb.— Emblem of Egypt. See Beasts. 
 
 Crowns. — Turreted — Augustus. 18; Caligula, 16; Titus, 15. Laureaied — 
 Caesar, 1, 4, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16; Augustus, 22; Tiberius, 5, ,8, 10, 10, 21; 
 Caligula, 1, 2, 11, 12, 17, 17; Claudius, 1, 3, 4, 12, 22; Nero, 1, 2. 5, 16, 21; 
 Galba, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9; Otho, 3,5; Vitellius, 1, 2, 3; Vespasian, 1, 2. 3, 
 9, 10, 14, 16, 17; Titus, 1, 2, 3, 13, 24; Domitian, 1, 2, 15, 17, 18. Radiated 
 — Caligula, 13; Nero, 10; Galba, 13; TituB, 7. Vallaris — Caligula, 31; 
 Mural — Caligula, 27. Ovalis — Caligula. 28. Obsidional— Caligula, 19. 
 Civic — Caligula, 20. Triumphal — Caligula, 29. Naval — Caligula, 30. 
 
 Daric— A Persian coin. Galba, 13. 
 
 Dates or Coins.— See Chronology. 
 
 Deities.— Venus —Caesar, 5, 7, 9, 10, 14, 18, 19. Neptune — Augustus, 11; 
 Claudius, 9. Pallas-Minerva — Caligula, 16. Vesta — Tiberius, 6, 7; 
 Titus, 6. Apollo— Tiberius, 8; Caligula, 10. Mars — Vitellius, 5. Her- 
 cules — Augustus, 16; Titus, 22; Domitian, 15. Canopus — Otho, 5. 
 Diana — Caesar, 2; Claudius, 24; Titus, 12; Domitian, 16. Jupiter — 
 Nero, 19; Vitellius, 1; Domitian, 1. River and M arine Gods — Claudius, 
 2; Nero, 11. Ceres — Claudius, 2; Nero, 2; VitelliuB, 10; Titus, 17. 
 Tritons — Claudius, 9; Domitian, 14. 
 
 Denarius. — Standard silver coin of Rome. 
 
 Diadem.— See Crowns. 
 
 Diana. — Goddess of the woods. See Deities. 
 
 Dolphin. — See Fishes. 
 
 Duum-vir.— See Mint Master. 
 
 Eagle. — See Birds and Standards. 
 
 Elephant.— Coin-type of Africa. See Beasts. 
 
 Exergue. — The small blank space at the bottom of the reverses of coins. 
 
 Fascis.— Emblem before Roman magistrate. Caligula, 26. 
 
 Felix. — Translated fortunate, happy, successful; also fruitful. 
 
 Field. — The whole surface of a coin, on either side. 
 
 Fishes. — Dolphins. Augustus, 11 ; Claudius, 2. 
 
 Flute.— See Musical Instruments. 
 
 Fulmina.— See Thunderbolts. 
 
 Gallies.— Tiberius, 15; Claudius, 2; Nero, 9; Vitellius, 16. 
 
 Genius.— The tutelar deity allowed to every being at his birth; cities 
 and provinces also had tutelars called geniuses. 
 
 Gloee.— Emblem of universal dominion. Caesar, 15; Augustus, 8, 21 ; Clau- 
 dius, 3. 
 
 Gloriola.— A small winged image; type of Roman victories, usually held 
 in the hand of a person. Caesar, 14, 15; Augustus, 22; Vitellius, 5; 
 Titus, 16; Domitian, 1. Also styled Victoriola 
 
 Goal. — Boundary post in race-course. Titus, 14. 
 
 Gradient. — Stepping in a stately manner. 
 
 Greek Imperials. — Coins struck under the Emperors, having Greek in- 
 scriptions. 
 
 Hands, Joined.— Coin-type of Concord —Augustus, 2; Claudius, 20; 
 Vitellius, 4. 
 
 Harp.— See Musical Instruments. 
 
 Harpies.— See Deities. 
 
 Hasta Pura. — See Arms. The term implies a headless spear. 
 
 Head-Dresses op Females.— Caesar, 5, 7, 9, 10, 18. 19; Augustus, 22, 23, 
 24; Tiberius, 9, 16, 21; Caligula, 3; Claudius, 15, 18, 21, 24; Nero. 6, 10. 
 21, 22, 23; Galba, 4, 8; Otho, 9; Vespasian, 18; Titus, 8, 20, 27; Domi- 
 tian, 15, 16. 
 
 Helm.— See Rudder. The emblem usually accompanies fortune. 
 
 Helmets. — See Arms. 
 
 Hercules.— Deity of Sinew ana Bodily Strength. Many of his twelve 
 
 labors form coin-types. See Deities. 
 Hippopotamus.— See Beasts. 
 Horses.— See Beasts. 
 
 Inscription.— The epigraph on the obverse of a coin. 
 Iulus.— See Aeneas. 
 
6 
 
 INDEX, 
 
 Janus.— See Temples. The last time his was officially opened was a.d. 
 
 242, under Gordian Pius. 
 Jugated.— Two or more heads joined. Caesar, 2. 
 Jupiter.— Supreme deity of pagan world; known as Jupiter Amnion, 
 
 Capitoline, Victor, etc. etc. See Deities. 
 Labyrinth.— Augustus, 12. 
 
 Laurel.— Branches — Tiberius, 8. For laurel-wreaths see Wreaths. 
 Legend.— The epigraph upon the reverse of a coin. 
 Lions. — See Beasts. 
 Lituus.— Curved staff by which the Augur divided the starry sphere. See 
 
 Pontifical Apparatus. 
 Lotus.— Coin-emblem of Egypt, Mauritania and Sicily. Galba, 4, 8; Otho, 
 
 5; Titus, 20; Domitiau, 14. 
 Lyre.— See Musical Instruments. 
 Maniple.— See Standards. 
 Masks.— Comic — Nero, 2; Domitian, 17. 
 Medallions. — Numismata of large size, not for currency. 
 Medusa's Head on Minerva's Shield.— Caligula, 16. 
 Minerva.— See Pallas. 
 Mint-Masters.— Moneyers, Duum-viri. 
 Modius.— A form of grain measure, frequent on Egyptian coins. Nero, 2; 
 
 Titus, 21, 22. 
 Money-Scales— See Balances. 
 Moon.— Augustus, 23; Claudius, 24; Nero, 6. 
 Mountains.— Otho, 1. 
 Musical Instruments.— Harp — Tiberius, 8; Caligula, 10; Nero, 13, 17; 
 
 Domitian, 4, 5, 6, 7. Flute (double)— Domitian, 4, 0, 7, 8. Trumpet — 
 
 Vespasian, 16. 
 Neptune.— God of the marine world. See Deities. 
 Obverse.— The front or principal side of the coin. 
 Olive.— See Trees. 
 
 Owl.— Coin-type of Athens, etc. See Birds. 
 Oxen drawing plow.— Type of colony-coins. See Beasts. 
 Oak. — See Trees. 
 Palladium.— Augustus, 17. 
 
 Pallas.— Minerva, Goddess of War. See Deities. 
 Paludamentum.— A general's cloak. 
 Parazonium.— See Baton. 
 Palm.— See Trees. 
 Patera.— Sacred dish or platter need for making libations in sacrifices; a 
 
 broad, shallow bowl. See Pontifical Apparatus. 
 Patinated. — The rust-color give to bronze coins by age. 
 Pegasus— Coin-type of Corinth, etc.; Winged Horse. Caesar, 7, 8; Ca- 
 ligula, 15; Nero, 7. 
 Pius.— Translated dutifully-affectionate, or simply dutiful. 
 Platform.— Claudius, 8; Nero, 1; Galba, 1; Veepisian, 2; Domitian, 11. 
 Plow drawn by Oxen.— Caesar, 4; Augustus, 13; Caligula, 5; Domitian, 12. 
 Pontifex Maximus.— Written on coins PM, the High Priesthood held by 
 
 the emperors. 
 Pontifical Apparatus. — Lituus — Caesar, 3, 12, 13, 15. Simpuhim — 
 
 Caesar, 15, 17; Tiberius, 19. Patera — Tiberius, 6, 7; Nero, 13; Vitel- 
 
 lius, 9; Titus, 18. Vase — Caesar, 10; Nero, 14. Sece^pita — Caligula, 
 
 21, 25, 32. Apex — Caesar, 12. Vtils — Caesar, 14, 17; Augustus, 2; 
 
 Tiberius, 6, 7. 
 Poppy-heads.— Coin-type of Plenty. Claudius, 24. 
 Potin.— A compound of copper and zinc found in coins. 
 Pots. — Nero, 11. 
 
 Prows op Galleys.— Augustus, 11; Titus, 25. 
 Quadrigae. — See Chariots. 
 Rams.— See Beasts. 
 Reptiles. — See Beasts. 
 Reeds.— See Trees. 
 
 Reverse. — The rear or inferior side of the coin. 
 
 Roman Imperials. — 
 
 Rostra. — BeakB of galleys. Otho, 8; Domitian, 3. 
 
 Rudder of Ship.— See, also, Galley. Augustus, 21; Caligula, 1, 8. 
 
 S.C. or Ex. S.C.— Senatus Consulto. " By Decree of the Senate." Under 
 
 the imperial rule it is rarely found on coins of gold or silver. 
 Scales. — Money-scales. See Balances. 
 Scepter. — Scipio, Parazonium. See Baton. 
 Scipio. — See Baton. 
 
 Secespita. — Knife for cutting victim. See Pontifical Apparatus. 
 Sepulcher. — Otho, 7. 
 
 Serpent. — Emblem of Aesculapius, Health. See Reptiles. 
 Shields.— See Arms. 
 Ships. — See Galley. 
 Signet-ring.— Caligula, 20, 33, 34. 
 Simpulum.— The sacred ladle used in sacrifices for pouring out wine. See 
 
 Pontifical Apparatus. 
 Spears. — See Arms. 
 Stags.— Type of Diana. See Beasts. 
 
 Standards.— Eagle of the Legion— Tiberius, 18; Caligula, 2; Claudius, 5, 6; 
 Nero, 1; Galba, 1; Domitian, 10. Maniples, or Company Banners — 
 Augustus, 8; Caligula, 2; Claudius, 6; Nero, 1; Galba, 1; Vespasian, 2; 
 Domitian, 10. Vexillum of Cavalry and Galleys — Augustus, 4, 10; Ti- 
 berius, 15; Nero, 9; Galba, 1; Domitian, 9. 
 Stars.— Caesar, 13, 14; Tiberius, 21. 
 Suggestum,— See Platform. 
 Sun. — Nero, 6. 
 
 Temples.— Of Venus — Caesar, 13; Vespasian, 4. Of Jupiter — Augustus, 
 6, Vitellius, 1. Of Concord — Tiberius, 1 . Of Janus — Nero, 3, 4. Of 
 I 3 ! evidence— Vitellius, 13. 
 Thrones.— See Chairs. 
 
 Thunderbolts.— Coin-type of Jupiter. Augustus, 20; Claudius, 19; Do- 
 mitian, 10. 
 Torches.— Coin-type of Ceres. Claudius, 2; Nero, 2; Vitellius, 10, 11. 
 Trees, Plants, Branches.— Palm — Claudius, 10; Vitellius, 3; Vespasian, 
 1, 3, 11, 12, 13, 15; Titus, 1,4, 9, 10, 26. Olive — Tiberius, 5, 8; Nero, 18; 
 Titus, 3. Reeds — Nero, 11. 
 Trident. — Augustus, 11; Claudius, 9; Titus, 7. 
 Tripod. — See Altars. 
 Trophies.— Objects raised on battle-fields as tokens of victory. Caesar, 
 
 17, 18, 19; Vitellius, 7; Vespasian, 14; Titus, 5; Domitian, 17. 
 Turtles.— See Reptiles. 
 Urn.— See Vase. 
 
 Vase.— Vessel for containing the sacred liquid of the sacrifices. See Pon- 
 tifical Apparatus. Nero, 11; Vespasian, 9. 
 Veil.— See Pontifical Apparatus. 
 Venus.— Goddess of the tender passions. See Deities. 
 Vessel. — See Galley. 
 
 Vesta, Ops, Cybele.— The Goddess Terra. See Deities. 
 Vexillum.— See Standards. 
 
 Victimarius.— The sacred butcher. See Pontifical Apparatus. 
 Victories.— Winged figures. Augustus, 3, 8; Claudius, 3, 10; Nero, 16, 
 
 17; Otho, 2; Vitellius, 3. 6, 7; Titus, 4, 9, 10, 25. 
 Wand.— Caesar, 7, 11, 14; Augustus, 16; Nero, 2. 
 Whbat-Heads.— Coin-type of fertility. Claudius, 14, 23, 24; Vitellius, 
 
 10; Titus, 17. 
 Wolves.— See Beasts. 
 
 Wreaths.— Coin-type of Roman honor. Oak Leaves (the Civic wreath) 
 —Augustus, 7; Caligula, 17; Claudius, 1, 12; Galba, 3. Laurel (the 
 Glory wreath) — Caesar, 17; Augustus. 3, 8; Tiberius, 1; Titus, 9, 10, 25. 
 Olive (the Peace wreath) —Augustus, 1 ; Caligula, 9; Otho, 3; Vespasian, 
 5; Titus, 6. 
 
GLOSSARY OF NUMISMATIC TERMS: 
 
 Comprising Expressions most frequently used in Descriptions of Coins. 
 
 Acerka.— A sacrificial instrument; a little coffer of incense. 
 
 Adspebsorium. — A sacrificial instrument; a vessel for holy water, with 
 which the priest sprinkled the assistants. 
 
 Apex.— A cap with strings, and terminating with a tuft; badge of the 
 pontificate. 
 
 Apis.— Appears as a bull with a flower of the celtis, or lotus, of botanists, 
 between his horns. 
 
 Astabte.— A Sidonian goddess; appears on a globe supported by a char- 
 iot of two wheels, and drawn by two horses. 
 
 Bronze — First, Second, Third.— Ancient copper or bronze coins are di- 
 vided, for convenience, into three classes, viz. : First, Second and Third 
 Bronzes. A "First Bronze" (the sestertius) is about the size of an 
 English penny, and weighs from 478 to 383 grains., (This class ceases 
 with Gallienus, a.d. 260.) A "Second Bronze" (the dupondius) is 
 about half the size of the " First," and weighs 208 grains. A " Third 
 Bronze" (the reduced as) is from the size of the American dime to a 
 size one half larger. (See Size.) Pure copper was not used by the an- 
 cients so much as Bronze, or copper mixed with zinc. This made a 
 hard and durable metal, sufficiently hard, indeed, that working tools 
 (chisels, saws, axes, etc.) and weapons of war were forged from it. 
 Many references to this are found in the Iliad. 
 
 Caduceus. A white wand or rod, generally having wings; symbol of 
 peace and concord. 
 
 (Xesar. Originally denoted only the adopted son of Julius Cajsar; after- 
 ward the Emperors named their successors Cmsars; and, from the 
 time of Nero, the Emperors themselves often bore that title, as a dis- 
 tinguishing mark of succession to the imperial purple. 
 
 Carpentum. The divine chariot which carried the image of a deity in 
 sacred processions; a badge of consecration of an Empress. 
 
 Cloaked. Wearing the paludamentum, or General's military cloak. It 
 was of a scarlet color. 
 
 Coin. From Lat. cuneus, wedge. A piece of metal on which certain char- 
 acters are stamped, making it legally current as money. The first coins 
 were struck about B.C. 850. Herodotus tells us that the Lydians first 
 coined gold. 
 
 Consecration Coins. These are coins struck in honor of a person after 
 death; a sort of medallic grave-stone. They form a numerous class in 
 the Roman series, a large proportion of the Emperors, etc., being thus 
 honored. 
 
 Deities.— Those most frequently found on coins are as follows, viz. : JEs- 
 culapius, known by his bushy beard and his leaning on a club with a 
 serpent twined around it. Apollo, known by the harp, the laurel- 
 branch, the tripod, and sometimes by the bow and arrows; in the char- 
 acter of the Sun (in which he generally appears on Roman coins) his 
 head is surrounded with rays. Diana, known by the crescent, bow and 
 arrows and by her hounds; the Ephesian Diana, common on Greek 
 imperial coins, appears with a number of mammae. Hercules, known 
 by the club, the lion's skin and sinewy strength; sometimes a cup is 
 added to imply that wine inspires courage; also the poplar-tree, sym- 
 bolic of vigor. Juno, known by the peacock. Jupiter, known by his 
 eagle and thunderbolt; Jupiter Ammon is distinguished by the ram's 
 horn twisting around his ear, a symbol of power and strength. Mars, 
 known by his armor and sometimes by a trophy on his shoulders. 
 Mercury, known by the caduceus and the purse which he holds in his 
 hand; he wears a small cap on his head and wings behind his ears and 
 at his feet. Minerva, known by her being in armor, holding a spear in 
 her right hand and a shield, with Medusa's head, in her left; an owl 
 commonly stands beside her. Neptune, known by the trident or the 
 dolphin; sometimes drawn by sea-horses. Venus, known by the apple 
 which she holds in her hand — the prize of beauty; sometimes by her 
 total want of dress. 
 Denarius. This word, rendered in the Scriptures "penny," was the 
 name given to the principal Roman silver coin from its being at first 
 equivalent to ten asses, but on the reduction of the weight of the as it 
 was made equal to sixteen asses, and though the soldier nominally re- 
 ceived a denarius per diem, he was only paid ten asses. 
 Diadem. The diadem or vitta was a ribbon worn arotfhd the head, and 
 tied in a floating knot behind, anciently the simple but superlative 
 badge of a king. In the family of Constantino it is ornamented on 
 either edge with a row of pearls. 
 
 Dioscuri; or Sons of Jupiter. A name given to the hero twins Castor 
 and Pollux. Was one of the earliest and most favorite types of the 
 Roman coinage. The birth of the twins in an egg is the reason of rep- 
 resenting them in the peculiar cap which they always wear, evidently 
 the half of an egg-shell. They are nearly always represented with two 
 stars over their heads (according to the fable, they were transformed 
 into stars, in which character they occupy a place among the Signs of 
 the Zodiac*. Occasionally their heads only are represented, as two 
 profiles joined at the back, with a star over each. 
 Eagle. Very frequent on the coins of Alexander the Great and the Ptole- 
 mies; commonly seen on the reverse together with Jupiter. 
 Incused. The original mode of coining money was by striking a piece of 
 metal into a mould or die, by means of a wedge or punch, until the 
 piece of metal was sufficiently driven into the mould to receive a per- 
 fect impression. The money thus produced had, of course, one perfect 
 side — that driven into the die — the other being marked with the deep, 
 and, at first, irregular indent of the punch. This process was gradually 
 improved by making the punch more regular in form, the mode of 
 doing which varied In different places. When the designs on the punch 
 were in relief, they were formed in concave, or incused, on the coin. 
 The punch was made in this form with the intention, no doubt, of 
 increasing the power of that instrument to drive the piece of metal 
 about to be coined well into the mould. In common parlance we say 
 a coin is " struck " (incused) when formed in the mint. Formerly all 
 money was incused by hammers and weights as jewelers now-a-days 
 make metallic ornaments and medals; but in the modern mints, money 
 is pressed by machinery. 
 Laubeated. Wearing a laurel crown. 
 
 Milling. Ancient money was not milled, as this requires machinery not 
 known to the ancients. The edges of old coins are always irregular, 
 often cracked aud rude. 
 Mint. From Lat. moneta, the mint, coined money, from Moneta, a sur- 
 name of Juno, in whose temple at Rome money was coined. 
 Mint-Marks. Every Roman Mint (and they were numerous) impressed a 
 mint-mark peculiar to itself upon each coin struck. The quantity of 
 bronze money of the Roman Empire, that is continually coming to 
 light, is amazing. This money is rarely counterfeited, for it is too 
 plenty and cheap to pay the forger, and the collector may feel a con- 
 fidence in the genuineness of this which he cannot feel in gold and 
 silver coin. To account for this abundance, we need only consider four 
 points : 1. A large number of Mints were worked for a thousand years, 
 striking this cheap " money of the people," the Mint at Rome alone 
 employing over 1,000 workmen, besides slaves. 2. Whenever the 
 Roman authorities took possession of a new country, they deposited 
 large quantities of the cheap coinage in the earth, thus establishing 
 "squatter sovereignty" at the butts and bounds of the territory; it 
 was also a Roman custom to bury money with their dead. 3. For want 
 of banks, the earth was made the treasury of the people, as even now 
 it is in the Turkish Empire. Robbers concealed their spoil in the earth, 
 A Roman legion, going into battle, usually deposited the money of the 
 soldiers in the earth. 4. Immense quantities of cheap money are lost 
 in daily use, and so return to the earth from whence they came. It is 
 safe to estimate that the number of coins lying under ground in the 
 extended territory of old Rome counts by millions of millions. With 
 it are found much gold and silver. 
 Moneyer. A mint-master, or Triumvir Monetalis. The office of mint- 
 master was held by three individuals at one time; hence the title of 
 Triumvir Monetalis. It is a singular fact that after the reign of Augus- 
 tus all mention on coins of the name and title of the masters of the 
 mint entirely disappears, although the office of IIIVIR MONETALIS 
 was still continued. 
 Numismatics. The science of coins. The term " coin-study " has been 
 
 recommended as a better expression. 
 Palm-Tree. A frequent coin-emblem, symbolic of Phoenicia and Syria, 
 
 where that tree flourished. The palm-branch is symbolic of victory. 
 Paludamentum. The military cloak of the Roman General was called 
 paludamehtum. The Roman Emperors, or Generals (for they were all 
 military commanders), are very frequently seen on their coins, wearing 
 this cloak. 
 Paludated. Wearing the Paludamentum. 
 
8 
 
 GLOSSARY OF NUMISMATIC TERMS. 
 
 Patinated.— Acoin inpatinated when colored by age; this patina is often 
 extremely rich in color according to the constituent parts of the metal. 
 Don't try to clean a bronze coin. Get off the rust sufficiently to enable 
 you to read it, both obverse and reverse, but no more. Gentle friction, 
 assisted by mild soapsuds, will remove all the rust from bronze coins 
 that need be removed. The rust itself is part of its history; it is as 
 the wrinkles and gray hair of the aged; when thoroughly patinated it 
 is most beautiful. A coin that has been dipped in acid partakes of the 
 " cheap and nasty." Gold alone refuses rust, coins of gold being found 
 generally in the same state of brightness as when they left the hammer. 
 
 PEAcock.— The bird of Juno, the queen of heaven. One of the badges of 
 consecration of an Empress. 
 
 Secespita.— An instrument of sacrifice; an oblong hatchet or large knife 
 for killing the victim. 
 
 Sisteum.— An emblem of Egypt; it being an instrument like an elongated 
 horseshoe, made of brass, fixed on a handle, with loose bars across 
 from side to side, which made a jingling noise when it was shaken, 
 and some specimens seem to be made with the horseshoe-like part hol- 
 low to increase the sound. It was carried by the priests of Isis, and 
 UBed by them in their religious ceremonies. 
 
 Size.— The size of coins is given in sixteenths of an inch, the "American 
 Standard." 
 
 Types or Divinity.— These are the Radiated Crown; an Eagle grasping 
 either the Lightning or the Globe; Temples, Altars and Sacrifices; the 
 open Car drawn by Elephants; the attribute of DIVVS, whether with 
 or without the Radiated Crown; and Stars. These Types of Divinity, 
 found upon coins, are all enumerated by the poet Lucan: 
 
 "Bella pares superis facient civilia D1VOS: 
 FVLMINIBVS maneis RADIIS que ornabit et ASTRIS, 
 Inque Deitm TEMPLIS jurabit Roma per umbras." 
 
 " Ev'n Gods of men these civil wars shall make 
 Equal lo thoee above, with Lightnings deck, 
 With Radiant Crowns and Stabs, the dead; and Rome 
 Shall in their Temples swear in times to come." 
 
 Victoriola. — A small image personifying victory; usually holding a 
 
 wreath or branch. 
 Victory. — A life-6ize female figure; the personification of victory. 
 Weight.— The weight of coins is given in grains (Troy weight), 24 to the 
 
 pennyweight. All money is estimated by this standard. 
 
 AUTHORITIES IN NUMISMATIC SCIENCE. 
 
 The authorities in Numismatic Science are so numerous as to embarrass the writer in forming a popular catalogue. The fol- 
 lowing titles are taken from Dr. Morris' library at La Grange, Kentucky, U. S. A., in which the great works of Cohen and Eckhel 
 have not yet found the places reserved for them. The numbers in parentheses are those used by Dr. Morris. 
 
 Selectiora Numismata, in aere maximi moduli e Musio Illustrissimi D. D. 
 Francisci de Camps, etc. etc., per D. Vaillant. Parisiis, 1695; square, 
 pp. 144. (No. 140.) 
 The Loin Collector's Manual, or Guide to the Numismatic Student in 
 the formation of a Cabinet of Coins, etc. H. Noel Humphreys. Lon- 
 don, 1853; 2 vols. 12mo, pp. xxiv, 352, 726, with plates inserted. (Nos. 
 161-2.) 
 
 Recueil de Medailles de Rois, etc. Anonymous. Paris, 1772; 4to. (No. 
 254.) 
 
 History of Jewish Coinage, and of Money in the Old and New Testament. 
 Frederick W. Madden. London, 1864; large 4to, pp. xi, xii, 350. (No. 
 255.) 
 
 Voyage de Dalmatie de Greece et du Levant. George Wheeler. 2 vols. A 
 la Haye, 1723. (These volumes are enriched by coin cuts.) 16mo, pp. 
 xii, 332, 358. (Nos. 420-1.) 
 
 Numismata Imperatorum Romanorum Praestantiora, a Julio Caesare ad 
 Tyrannos usque. Per John Vaillant. Rome, 1743. Vol. II of Gold 
 and Silver Coins. Square, pp. 452. Vol. Ill completes the appendix 
 of gold and silver coins from Cornelia Supera to Constan tine the Great; 
 also, a series of coins maximi modula, from Julius Caesar to John Pal- 
 aeolagus. (Nos. 422-3.) 
 
 A Numismatic Manual, or Guide to the Study of Greek, Roman and Eng- 
 lish Coins. John Y. Ackerman. London, 1832; 16mo, pp. xii, 182. 
 (No. 424.) 
 
 Essay on Medals. (Anonymous.) London, 1784; 12mo, pp. xxv, 324. (No. 
 425.) 
 
 Lexicon Zfniversae Rei Numariae Veterum et Prcecipue Graecorum et Ro- 
 manorum, etc. Jo. Christopher Raschc. It is impossible to overrate 
 the value of this stupendous work. 13 vols. 8vo. Leipsic, 1785. (Nos. 
 1-13.) 
 
 An Essay on, the Roman Denarius and English Silver Penny, etc. etc. Wil- 
 liam Till. London, 1838; 16mo, pp. 226. (No. 14.) 
 
 De V Organization Militaire de I' Empire Romain el des Medailles Legionaires. 
 M. J. Roman. 8vo, pp. 63. Paris, 1867. (No. 15.) 
 
 Description Genirale des Monnaies Byzantines, etc., from Arcadius to Ma- 
 homet II. 2 vols. 8vo, pp. 325 and 377, with numerous illustrations. J. 
 Sabatier. Paris, 1862. (Nos. 16-17.) 
 
 Ezechielis Spanheimii Dissertatkm.es de Praestantia et usu Numismatum 
 Antiguorum. 2 vols. pp. 916, with large Indices, etc. Amsterdam, 
 1671. (Nos. 22, 23.) 
 
 Production de V Or de V Argent et du Cuivre chez les Anciens, et Hotels Mone- 
 
 taires. 8vo, pp. 177. J. and L. Sabatier. St. Petersburg, 1850 (No. 29.) 
 De Nummo Argenteo Benedicti III, Pont. Max. Dissertatio, etc. 4to, pp. 
 
 178. Joseph Garampius, Rome, 1749. (No. 31.) 
 Etude Historique sur les Monnaies f rappees par Us Grands Maitres de VOr- 
 
 dre de Saint Jean de Jerusalem. 8vo, pp. 65, with six plates. M . Lan- 
 
 gier. Marseilles, 1868. (No. 32.) 
 A Numismatic Dictionary, etc. Peter Whelan. 24mo, pp. 27. London. 
 
 (No. 33.) 
 Le Antiche Iscrizioni di Palermo, etc. (Italian.) 4to, pp. 460. One page 
 
 coins, with many single coin cuts. Palermo, 1762. (No. 608.) 
 Jacobi Philippi d' Orville, Sicula, etc. etc. Folio, pp. 676. This immense 
 
 work has 20 plates of coins, besides numerous single coin cuts, etc. 
 
 Amsterdam, 1764. (No. 609.) 
 Numismata. A Discourse of Medals, Ancient and Modern, etc. J. Evelyn. 
 
 4to, pp. 342, and index. London, 1697. (No. 37.) 
 A Dinah of Bedr, Son of Husnawiyeh. (No. 38.) 
 Early Dirhemof the Ommeyade Dynasty. (No. 39.) 
 Glass as a Material for Standard Coin Weights. (No. 40.) 
 A Dinah of Salih Ebn Mir das of Aleppo. (No. 41.) 
 Notes on some of the Dynasty of the Khalifahs of Bani- Umeya. No. 42.) 
 Notice on tlie Dinars of the Abisside Dynasty. (No. 43.) 
 Familiae Romanae in antiquis numismatibus, ab Urbe Condita ad Tempora 
 
 Divi Augusti, etc. etc Carolus Patin. Parisiensis, 1673; folio, pp. 
 
 38, 430. (No. 287.) 
 Imperatorum Romanorum, Numismata ex aere mediae et minimae formae, 
 
 descripta et enarrata per Carolum Patinum. Amsterdam, 1696; folio, 
 
 pp. xxii, 434. (No. 288.) 
 Records of Roman History, from Cnaeus Pompeius to Tiberius Constanti- 
 
 nus, as exhibited on the Roman Coins collected by Francis Hobler. 
 
 Westminster, 1860; 2 vols. 4to, pp. xi, 398 to 862. (No. 289-90.) 
 Numismatic Atlas of Ancient History. B. R. Green. London, 1829. 
 
 (No. 58.) 
 Selecta Numismata Antiqua. Peter Seguin. Paris, 1684. Square, p. 329. 
 
 (No. 62.) 
 Familiae Romanae. Fulvius Ursinus. Rome, 1577; folio, p. 272. (No. 63.) 
 Iconographie, etc. Sabatier. St. Petersburgh, 1847; folio. A work of 
 
 enormous magnitude and great practical value. (No. 64.) 
 Medallic History of Imperial Rome. William Cooke. London, 1781; 2 vols. 
 
 (Nos. 73, 74.) 
 
with the volume .inump:iiiviiis; the coins. 
 
 Descriptive Leaflet No.161 
 
 A Coin oi A.ao <-T.ik(Lajj.i..LImLduLi.JAi:iifA^..Jk'.uj 
 
 Registered by the American Association of Numismatists. 
 
 I. Name and address of owner. II. Diameter, by the American scale of sixteenths of an inch. III. Weight, in 
 Troy grains. IV. Material and present condition. V. Description of the obverse. VI. Description of the reverse. 
 VII. Contents of the Field. VIII. Contents of the Exergue. IX. Miscellaneous remarks. 
 
 I.. II. .../& III.....*?. .....; 
 
 IV.„„/^i;rf...^j;{y/if_^ , .t J ^.V>/vaM^.llj l ..../;f//^.£ea(jKi(j& - 
 
 V. OBVERSE. Face to the ^/./...Xaf/.i^cs..//^^ - - 
 
 1 nscription — Literally. „JM±'...^JUm-.C-J&AR.„A±:i±..JE„MAJ$;...XJLJ~-J?-It. 
 
 Resolved.. .YM/mt/j2^A/.'/.'<^..Cr£i;/7r...;l//^ 
 
 /:/jJJia:..oj^/.kt...(.xwMO:.iu 
 
 VI. REVERSE..... J.... /;^>v^rc..!^..-.LYfA^ ^Ae..JioMjLSu.Jia..xig.kt.A<aid..sL.Kitui!ii. 
 
 Legend — Literally. Zlfa:n:..i?...!i('---f<fU!£ud.< 
 
 Resolved. 
 
 Translated. 
 
 VII. THE FIELD. .>V...C.....to:..&0.t«te.!.X 
 
 VIII. THE EXERGUE. £/«//r, _ 
 
 IX. MISCELLANEOUS REMARKS. 
 
 l Ik victories in Belgium iiJ!d__Arme?ii<r ± _iu_/ignor_^ 
 
 eiirhtv-four vcurs. 
 
-S'SV^tS-t, 
 
 JULIUS CAESAR 
 
 [Of the twelve Caesars who exercised imperial authority at Rome — 
 from B.C. 47 to a.d. 96 — Caius Julius Caesar, b.c. 47-44, was the first. 
 The eleven who succeeded him under this title, were Augustus, b.c. 31- ! 
 a.d. 14; Tiberius, 14-37; Caligula, 37-41; Claudius, 41-54; Nero, 54-68; | 
 Galba, 68-69; Otho, 69; Vitellius, 69; Vespasian, 69-79; Titus, 79-81, 
 and Domitian, 81-96.] 
 
 Caius Julius Caesar, the first of this name, and ruler with imperial 
 power from b.c. 47 to 44, was born at Rome on the 12th July. B.c. 100; a. 
 t. c. 654. The ruling Consuls were C. Marius and L. Valerius Flaccus. 
 The "Social War" between Sylla and Marius, then brewing, broke out 
 nine years later. The father of our subject had the same name as his own; 
 he had enjoyed the dignity of praetor, but died when his namesake was 
 16 years of age. Nineteen years later Julius, being then curule aedile, 
 exhibited games in honor of his father. His mother, Aurelia, died a.d. 
 54, while her son was in Gaul. She had two daughters. Aurelia gave much 
 attention to the education and interests of Julius, and appears to have 
 lived in his house until her death. 
 
 To compress even a succinct sketch of a life so celebrated within a 
 single page, is a task of no ordinary difficulty. Clarum et duraluram cum 
 aeternitate mundi nomen is the expression of the old historian, " a bright 
 name and one that will endure with the eternity of the world! " 
 
 Through his relationship to Marius, husband of his aunt Julia, Julius 
 was m&deflamen dialis at 13 years of age. Sulla, the rival of Marius. formed 
 designs upon Caesar's life, and only spared him at the intercession of the 
 Vestal Virgins, predicting, however, " that the boy would some day prove 
 the ruin of those who opposed him." He served his first campaigns, B.C. 
 81, at Mytilene, Asia, and received the civic crown. Upon receiving 
 news of Sulla's death he returned to Rome. He studied oratory at 
 Rhodes, B.C. 76, under Appoilonius Molo, former teacher of Cicero. He 
 was elected Pontiff B.C. 74. In 73, the year of Julia's death, he was made 
 quaestor, which was the first step to military promotion, and went to 
 Spain in that capacity. Returning to Rome b.c. 67, he joined the party of 
 Pompey. In the Catilinian Conspiracy of 66 he temporized, and histori- 
 ans do not agree as to the part he took. He entered upon the office of 
 curule aedile b.c. 65. Two years later he was elected pontifex maximus 
 and praetor. In the Catilinian trials of that year he opposed the execu- 
 tion of the miscreant and advocated life-long imprisonment. 
 
 In the year 61 he obtained the province of Further Spain, and though 
 for the first time at the head of the army, at once displayed that genius for 
 war which has placed him among the greatest captains of history. Upon 
 his first victory the troops saluted him Imperator and the Senate de- 
 creed him a public thanksgiving. Returning to Rome the next year, he 
 was elected Consul for the first time, and entered upon it b.c. 59. Then 
 he formed, with Pompey and M. Crassus, the first triumvirate, which, 
 though but a private agreement for personal benefits, became a model 
 for future and most dangerous combinations under the name. He set 
 out upon his Gallic campaigns bo. 58, and for nine years was almost in- 
 cessantly employed in march, fortification or battle. His genius triumphed 
 over every obstacle. More than a million of the Gauls and Germans per- 
 ished in the strife, and as many more were made prisoners. 
 
 War was declared between Pompey and Caesar early b.c. 49. when 
 Caesar crossed the Rubicon and advanced upon Rome. Pompey fled to 
 Greece. In April Caesar began a campaign in Spain, where Pompey had 
 6even legions, gained every battle and in forty days returned to Rome, 
 having in his absence been appointed Dictator. This supreme office, bow- 
 ever, he voluntarily laid down after the brief term of eleven days. 
 
 In January 48 he crossed with his army into Greece and upon the plains 
 of Pharsalia, on the 9th August, gave Pompey a total defeat. He fled to 
 Egypt, pursued by Caesar, but was murdered before his enemy arrived. 
 This battle decided the fate of Rome. The conquering general was made 
 Dictator the second time and Consul for the term of five years. 
 
 Before returning, Caesar operated against his opponents for more than 
 twelve months, in Egypt and Pontus. He then set out to carry the war 
 into Africa, against Scipio and Cato, who had large forces there. The 
 battle of Thapsus, April 6, B.C. 46, was another Pharsalia, and Caesar was 
 now undisputed master of the Roman world. Returning to Rome, the 
 Senate decreed a public thanksgiving of forty days, appointed him Dic- 
 tator for ten years, and Censor, under the title of praefectus morum, for 
 three years. He enjoyed four magnificent triumphs, in which the games 
 of the circus and amphitheater were celebrated with unparalleled 
 
 splendor. Behind his conquering chariot the boy Augustus, afterward 
 Emperor, was permitted to ride. 
 
 Caesar now began those acts which so distinguish him as a civil ruler. 
 In his character of pontifex maximus he reformed the calendar, being per- 
 sonally familiar with astronomy as then understood. This he did by add- 
 ing 90 days to the year and so adapting the civic to the solar calendar. 
 
 The Roman Senate from this period crouched at Caesar's feet. They 
 authorized him to wear upon all occasions a triumphal robe; gave him the 
 title of Pater Patriae, or as some read it, Parens Patriae, " father of the 
 country; " placed his statues in all the temples; named the mouth Quintilis 
 'July " in his honor, and apotheosized or raised him while yet living to 
 the rank of the god. He was made Consul for ten years; his person was 
 declared sacrvsancti (sacred, inviolable); a guard of senators and knights 
 was appointed to protect his person, and the whole Senate took an oath 
 '■ to watch over his safety." He was made dictator and praefectus morum 
 for life; finally his portrait was ordered to be placed upon the national 
 coinage, the first time such an honor was accorded to any one. 
 
 All had now been yielded to this successful soldier and statesman save 
 the right to nominate his successor. He had used his power mainly for the 
 good of his country. His mercy was equal to his justice. He began to 
 frame digests of the laws, to drain marshes, enlarge harbors, establish 
 public libraries, excavate canals. But he felt that this strong fabric of 
 government would fall to pieces at his death and chaos come again. On 
 the 15th February, B.C. 44, therefore, a proposal was made to the people by 
 Mark Antony to offer him the diadem, that so the succession might be se- 
 cured. Seeing that it was not popular, Caesar declined it for the time, 
 intending, doubtless, to have it renewed on a fitting season. 
 
 But the life of this great scholar, orator, statesman, soldier, was draw- 
 ing to a close. A conspiracy, comprising more than sixty prominent per- 
 sons, had been formed, and on the 15th March, b.c 44, Caesar was assas- 
 sinated in the Senate-house. 
 
 Caesar was four limes married, viz : First, to Cossutia, whom he di- 
 vorced b.c. 83. Second, to Cornelia, daughter of L. Cinna, who died b.c. 
 68. Third, to Pompeia, in 67. This lady proving unfaithful, he divorced 
 her b.c. 60. Fourth, to Calpurnia, about b.c. 59, who survived him. But 
 from none of them had he any children. 
 
 The name and apparatus of Augur occur frequently in Caesar's 
 coins, more sparsely in those of his successors. Any soothsayer or 
 diviner was styled an Augur, as Apollo, for instance, the god of soothsay- 
 ing. But the numismatic use of the term is limited to the chief of the Au- 
 gural College, a body of priests supported by the public (Augures publici). 
 These were of the greatest authority in the Roman State, because nothing 
 of importance was done, respecting the public, either at home or abroad, 
 in peace or at war, without consulting them. They professed to foretell 
 future events chiefly from the flight, chirping or feeding of birds, and 
 from the appearances of the heavens. In the time of Sulla (about b.c. 80) 
 their number was fifteen. Their chief was termed Magister Collegii, or 
 Augur Maximus. 
 
 Being intrusted with the secrets of the Empire, they could not be 
 removed from office, whatever crime they committed. They were first 
 formed into a college by Numa, about b.c. 700. 
 
 The badges of the Augurs, as we see them upon the coins, were as fol- 
 lows: 1. The trabea, a sort of robe, striped with purple. 2. A cap of a 
 conical shape, like that worn by the priests (pontiflces). 3. The lituus, or 
 crooked staff. This waB carried in the right hand to mark out the quarters 
 of the heavens. This object appears oftenest upon coins. This class of 
 Augurs continued in existence even down to the time of Theodosius the 
 Great, a.d. 379. 
 
 When an Augur was about to make observations he selected the dark- 
 est hour of night (" a little before day ") and chose an elevated place (called 
 arax vel templum) where the view was open on all sides. Then, offering 
 sacrifices and uttering a solemn prayer, he sat down with his face to the 
 east, and veiled his head. In the coins of Caesar, as of future Emperor6, 
 this veil is seen. Then with his lituus, he drew an imaginary line divid- 
 ing the heavens from east to west and selected a spot in the celestial con- 
 cave, to which his observations were limited. This portion he divided 
 into four part6. Next he turned to the south and crossed the heavens with 
 the lituus, and, all this being accomplished, drew his conclusions from the 
 appearance above him. Imagine such a man as Caesar going through this 
 performance! 
 
10 
 
 COINS OF JULIUS CAESAR. 
 
 WHAT THE COINS TEACH CONCERNING JULIUS CAESAR. 
 
 READINGS 
 
 Of nineteen coins, gold, silver and bronze, of Julius Caesar, from the 
 illustrations on the fourth page. 
 
 [The student will observe in these Readings: First, that the size of a 
 Coin does not always agree with the size of the picture; Second, that each 
 Metal is distinguished by an abbreviation,— A V (aurum) standing for 
 gold; A R (argentttm) for silver; A E (aes) for copper, bronze or brass, 
 words indiscriminately used in Numismatics. Third, that there are few 
 punctuation points on Coins, though sometimes introduced by engravers 
 to facilitate Readings. Fourth, that we do not reproduce the old forms 
 of Greek letters here, but substitute modern type; and Fifth, that these 
 Readings are prepared as well for the use of Learners as Experts. 
 
 The varied and amazing incidents in the earlier life of Caesar— his re- 
 lationship to the great Commoner Marius; his far-famed campaigns in the 
 North; his advents, allocutions, victories and triumphs; also the brilliant ! 
 facts of his literary career— all which a century later would afford subjects I 
 for the grandest series of coins and medals, and, in the numismatic records | 
 of a Hadrian, materials for thousands of richest groupings on coin-dies, 
 — are wanting to the numismata of Julius Caesar. What is interesting in 
 his money is connected with the last two or three years of his life. Yet, 
 even with this drawback, his coins are rich in suggestive thought, and 
 embody important facts in his career. 
 
 No. 1. AE. A medallion, struck in the Central Mint, at Rome, 
 which occupied the temple of Juno Moneta and neighboring buildings. 
 This institution employed so many moneycrs and assistants that, two 
 centuries later, in the reign of Aurelian (a.d. 270-275), when the work- 
 men were suspected of extensive frauds, a formidable disturbance arose 
 among them, and, to escape punishment, they excited the multitude to 
 insurrection. Seven thousind soldiers and forty thousand employes of 
 the mint were slain in quelling this " hard-money riot." 
 
 The medallion before us was not struck in the life-time of its subject. 
 His sudden " taking off " closed the great series of coins and medals in 
 course of preparation. It was issued by his adopted son and successor, 
 Augustus, as the portraits show. The reader will observe that to give 
 symmetry 10 the page of engravings, the two sides of the medallion are 
 separated. 
 
 Reverse. Head of Augustus Caesar to the right. Not laureated. 
 Beardless. In the style of an antique bust. Hair curly. Nose prominent. 
 Showing that a cabinet of ancient coins is a good source of classic models 
 for painter and sculptor. The reader will recall 6uch faces as this in hi6 
 own circle of acquaintance. 
 
 Legend (abbreviated): CAESAR DIVI F; (supplied) — Caesaris Divi 
 Filius; "the son of the deified Caesar." The Senate bestowed this title 
 "deified" upon Julius Caesar before his death; and as Augustus was 
 adopted by him in his will, he calls himself, " son of the deified Caesar! " 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Julius Caesar to the right. Features 
 wrinkled and careworn. Beardless (he never wore a beard). Inscription: 
 DIVOS IVLIVS— "The Deified Julius." This substitution of the letter 
 o for u (Divos for Dims) was not unusual with the Romans, although suf- 
 ficiently perplexing to the reader. 
 
 As Julius Caesar held the office of High Priest (Pontifex MaxUnus) and 
 Chief Augur of the nation, it was but an easy step to pronounce him a 
 god, and so give him a seat in the Pantheon while yet alive. 
 
 No. 2, AE. A Greek imperial. It more strictly belongs to the scries of 
 A ugustus, but is inserted here that we may present in one group the three 
 friends and successors of Julius Cae6ar. 
 
 Obverse. The jugated heads of the triumvirs,— Augustus, Mark 
 Antony and Lepidus,— to the right. No inscription. The portraits are 
 sharp cut as photographs, and undoubted likenesses. 
 
 This five years' triumvirate was effected in the autumn of B.C. 43, eight- 
 een months after the death of Julius Caesar. It was formed R. P. C. " for 
 constituting the Republic." Terminating December 31, b.c 33, it was 
 renewed for a second term of five years; but ere its close, an irreconcilable 
 quarrel between Augustus and Antony broke it up, and- a.d. 31 the Roman 
 world passed into the hands of Augustus. Lepidus lived in a retired situ- 
 ation, holding only the office of Pontifex Maximus until his death, B.C. 13. 
 
 Reverse. The image of Diana of Ephesus, full front. Legend 
 abraded, and not readable. The word APXIEP for APXIEPEOE is "of 
 the Chief Priest," (in the genitive case,) and the missing letters will 
 supply the name of this High Priest, and his locality, whenever a duplicate 
 of this rare and interesting coin shall be yielded up from the rich hoards 
 concealed by mother earth. 
 
 This form of Diana is peculiarly Ephesian, as the reader will perceive 
 by comparing it with other Dianas. . The temple of Diana at Rome 
 stood on the Aventine Hill, but the emblems of her worship were very 
 different from those of this many-breasted creature, hung round with 
 the heads of beasts, that signalized the great temple of Diana at Ephesus. 
 
 We recall from Acts xix the remarks of the town clerk concerning this: 
 " What man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians 
 is a worshiper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell 
 down from Jupiter?" This coin probably acknowledges some costly gift 
 or valued political favor granted by the Triumvirate to the far-famed city 
 and temple of Diana. 
 
 No. 3, AR. Obverse. Bald head of Caesar to the right. Not laureate. 
 Behind the neck the lituus. Inscription (supplied): Caesar, Consul 4; 
 "Caesar 4th time Consul." These consulate data afford unquestioned 
 points all through our coin series that give the exact, year in which the 
 monument was coined. Caesar was made consul for the first time B.C. 60, 
 and the fourth time, b.c 45, beginning with New Tear's day. He was 
 enjoying his fifth term when he was assassinated. 
 
 Reverse. A crocodile to the right, the characteristic emblem of Egypt, 
 and the river, of which, according to Herodotus, "Egypt is the gift." 
 Legend: Aegupto Capta —" Egypt subdued." Other "Conquest Coins" 
 will be seen iu our series. The subjugation of Egypt by Caesar was ef- 
 fected following the battle of Pharsalia, August 9, B.C. 48. 
 
 No. 4, AE. Struck at Berytus in Syria. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Caesar to the right. Features, etc., as in 
 preceding. Behind the neck is a counter-mark, with C. C. for Cains 
 Caesar, and an overflowing cornucopiae, the emblem of agricultural 
 abundance. 
 
 Reverse. A plowman urging a yoke of cattle to the right. This is the 
 common emblem of the establishment of a Roman colony. Legend 
 (abbreviated): COL IVL BER; (supplied) — Colonia Julia Berytus, "The 
 Julian Colony or Berytus." In the exergue the letters ex s. c. are for Ex 
 Senatus Consulto, " by decree of the Senate," denoting that this coin was 
 struck by special edict of that body to commemorate the planting of the 
 colony named. It is usually written S. C. 
 
 Berytus, now Beyrout. and the seat of one of the most interesting mis- 
 sionary stations of the present day, was an ancient town of Phoenicia, 
 famous in the sixth century for its law college, and renowned as the 
 locality of the fable of St. George and the Dragon, now stamped on some 
 of the coinage of Great Britain. 
 
 No. 5, AE. Obverse. The head of the goddess Venus to the right. 
 Hair in curls, with long ringlets down the neck. No inscription. Letter 
 S behind the neck, also in the Reverse, we cannot explain, although it is 
 found in coins of other cities. 
 
 Reverse. Two cornucopiae fastened at the stems, and overflowing 
 with fruits and foliage. Inscription: VALENTIA. Valentia was a city 
 in Spain, near Saguntum, originally founded by Junius Brutus. It was 
 destroyed by Pompey, and styled by Pliny, long* afterward a colony. The 
 symbol of the single or double cornucopiae always represents a country 
 abounding in the fruits of the earth. 
 
 No. 6, AE. A Greek Imperial. This is the Reverse face of No. 9. Its 
 place in a historical series is with Mark Antony. 
 
 Reverse. Double cornucopiae overflowing with fruits and foliage. 
 Inscription: KAEOITATPA5 BA2IAI22H2 — "Of Queen Cleopatra." 
 
 Here is a genuine portrait of one of the most famous (and infamous) 
 women named in history. The reader will refer to his Classical Diction- 
 ary to see how it is connected by turns with Julius Caesar, Mark Antony 
 and Augustus. That Cleopatra was a woman of attractive features is evi- 
 dent from all the portraits upon coins and busts. 
 
 No. 7, AE. A colony-coin of Corinth. 
 
 Obverse. Head of Venus to the right. No inscription. 
 
 Reverse. Figure of a man seated, to the right. In his right hand a 
 wand raised. His left extended as if speaking. Behind him the wings of 
 Pegasus. Beneath a serpent in coils, to the right. All these objects were 
 sacred to Minerva. The emblem of Corinth was Pegasus, the steed with 
 which Minerva endowed Bellerophon, he having first bridled him. Where- 
 fore he erected a temple at Corinth to that goddess. Inscription (sup- 
 plied): " The Julian Colony at Corinth." 
 
 No. 8, AE. A colony-coin of Corinth. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Caesar to the right. Inscription (sup- 
 plied): " Praise to Julius, by the Corinthians." 
 
 Reverse. Bellerophon mounted upon Pegasus attacking a lion. In 
 the background a stag. Legend (abbreviated): L ATO IVLIO nVIR 
 (supplied): " By L. Ato Julius the duum-vir." 
 
 The duumvir was the officer in charge of the mint. In accordance with 
 the custom of this and the next reign, these moneyers occupied the 
 reverses of coins, with their names and titles. 
 
 No. 9, AE. 
 
 Obverse. Face of Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, to the right, in the 
 habitude of Diana. In the words of Patin, "You see a face destined to 
 inflame emperors and to confuse human affairs. Yet it was not so much 
 her beauty, in which we may not compare her with others; but she con- 
 ducted herself so that scarcely any one escaped her snares. Even Caesar, 
 of all men born of women, was so captured that, Ptolemy being killed, he 
 divided the kingdom between Cleopatra and her brother." Her appear- 
 
COINS OF JULIUS CAESAR 
 
 11 
 
 ance in the habitude of Diana refers to Isis, goddess of Egypt, another 
 form of Diana. 
 
 No. 10, AV. 
 
 Obverse. The image and insignia of Victory. Head to the right, 
 wings affixed to the neck. Inscription (abbreviated): C CAESAR DIC 
 TER; (supplied) Caius Caesar Dictator Tertinra. "The third time Dic- 
 tator." 
 
 Reverse. The pontifical vase. Name of L. Munatius Plancus, the 
 Praefeclus XJrbis. This coin was struck by order of Plancus, to com- 
 memorate the victory over Juba king of Africa, for which Caesar was 
 made Dictator for the third time, B.C. 47. 
 
 No. 11, AR. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Caesar to the right, with inscription (sup- 
 plied) Caesar Imperator, '■ Caesar the Emperor." 
 
 Reverse. The Cancelli Comltioram, or latticed gallery in which the 
 popular assemblies were held at Rome. Two logated figures are seen 
 standing, casting votes into urns. The name of L. Mussidius Longus, the 
 quartum-vir, is given. Below, the word CLOACIN, for Cloacina, a term 
 applied to Venus to indicate her origin from the Sabines. Caesar claim- 
 ing descent from Venus, all allusions upon his coins to that goddess arc 
 complimentary to him. Aeneas, son of Venus and Anchises, is reported 
 as leading a colony to Italy and so founding the Roman empire. In Coin 
 No. 17, eeries of Augustus, is seen a representation of Aeneas bearing his 
 aged father Anchises from the ruins of Troy. 
 
 No. 12, AR. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate and veiled head of Caesar to the right, in the 
 pontifical habit, as denoting his office of Pontifex Maximus. Before him 
 is the liluus. Inscription: Caesar Parens Patriae, "the Father of the 
 Country." In succeeding reigns the term is usually given "Pater 
 Patriae." It is often translated " the Parent and the Prince." 
 
 No. 13, AR. 
 
 Obverse. Not given here. Has the head of C. Julius Caesar, father of 
 our subject. 
 
 Reverse. A temple of Venus at Rome, in which Julius Caesar placed 
 the statue of his father. Julius is represented standing in the vestibule 
 of the temple in augural robes, with lituus in right hand. On the left is 
 the altar, before which the Roman people were accustomed for a long 
 time to sacrifice, to make vows, and to settle controversies. Above arc 
 the words Divo Julio, "to the deified Julius," and a star. The temple 
 has four columns. Legend (supplied): Consul Iterum, et Tertius Design 
 natns. " The second time Consul, and designated the third." 
 
 No. 14, AR. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate and veiled head of Caesar to the right. Inscrip- 
 tion: "To Caesar, Perpetual Dictator." 
 
 Reverse. A female to the left, holding a victoriola in right hand. 
 Left breast bare. The name of P. Servillius Macer is given as the moneyer 
 or duum-vir in charge of the mint. The goddess has, at the end of a long 
 wand, a star. 
 
 No. 15, AR. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Caesar to right. Inscription as in No. 
 11. Augural apparatus as in several preceding coins. 
 
 Reverse. Figure standing to left, with Victoriola in right hand. Spear 
 held transversely. Left elbow supported on shield which rests on 
 globe. The name of M. Mettius is given as chief of the mint that year. 
 In front of the figure an indistinct object. 
 
 No. 16, AR. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Caesar to right. Inscription: "Caesar 
 Dictator for the fourth time." 
 
 Reverse. A biga or two-horse chariot driven by charioteer with jave- 
 lin and shield. The name, M. Mettius, is seen in the exergue as the 
 moneyer of that year. 
 
 No. 17, AR. Struck to commemorate his victories over the Gauls, 
 Germans and other nationB in the campaigns described in his commen- 
 taries. The trophy seen in the reverse is the one erected after his victory 
 over Pharnaccs, concerning which Caesar rendered his celebrated report 
 Veni Vidi Vici. For in one day he came to the enemy — saw them — 
 subdued them! Virgil describes this trophy in his lines commencing. 
 "Ingentem quercum," etc. 
 
 Obverse. Veiled head of Venus to the right. Behind the head, an 
 object used by the Pontifex. The letters IIT signify secundum tropamm. 
 "the second trophy" of victory erected by Caesar against Mithridates. 
 
 Reverse. Roman trophy with the word "Caesar" below. A laurel 
 crown elegantly wrought on the left, the wreath of victory. 
 
 No. 18, AR. Struck in commemoration of the same victory over 
 Pharnaces. 
 
 Obverse. Head of Venus to right, with hair elaborately dressed, hav- 
 ing an elegant Cupid wrought into the necklace behind. No inscription. 
 The attire of the goddess is fieured here with exquisite art. 
 
 Reverse. A Roman trophy elaborately constructed. Two captives 
 beneath facing different ways. Word Caesar in exergue. The captives 
 
 are of each sex in attitudes of profoundost dejection. Asses' heads above 
 them, no uncommon emblem In the coins, four centuries later we see 
 this idea of captives more largely extended. 
 
 No. 19, AR. 
 
 Obverse. Head of Venus to the right, with hair prettily bound about 
 with ribbon. 
 
 Reverse. A Roman trophy. Legend ('supplied), Caesar Imperator, 
 " Caesar (proclaimed) Emperor." It was the cu torn of the Legions after 
 a victory, to proclaim their general " Imperator." The variety in the three 
 trophies given is striking. 
 
 Among the denarii of Julius Caesar we also find the following, viz. : 
 
 1. A radiated bust of the Sun, the likeness three quarters front, which 
 is uncommon, portraits upon early coins being usually in profile. 
 
 2. The full-length figure of Venus Nicephorus to the left, in a graceful, 
 bending attitude, her right hand supported by the usual staff. 
 
 3. Hercules holding the triquetra in his hand, his right foot resting on 
 the prow of a vessel. This triquetra (trinacria) is the emblem of Sicily, 
 where this coin was struck. 
 
 4. The image of Minerva marching superbly to the left, with helmet, 
 javelin, shield and trophy. A serpent moves with equal speed by her side. 
 (This is a bronze coin.) The majesty of this figure of " the maiden god- 
 d ss" is suggested, doubtless, by Homer. The accompanying serpent 
 denotes Felicity, Vigilance, Concord, Prudence, Health, Power and Vic- 
 tory, according to the relation it bears to the principal figure on the coin. 
 As ajcompanion of Minerva (Pallas) in coins of the Athenians, the serpent 
 implies Providential care {Procidentia). 
 
 5. A denarius, struck by the quartum-vir, or mint-master, has on the 
 obverse an excellent laureate bust of Caesar to the right; and on the re- 
 verse those symbols of their gods by which the Senate dedicated temples 
 in honor of Caesar. These were the caducaeus, cornucopia, globe, and 
 other objects, grouped in artistic manner. 
 
 6. A denarius struck by the Questor of the Casilian Colony, T. S. 
 Graccus, gives upon the obverse the laureate bust of Caesar, with S.C. for 
 Senatus Consulto.— "By Decree of the Senate,"— an expression rarely, if 
 ever, found upon any save bronze coins, after this period. Upon the reverse 
 are emblems of the establishment of a colony, viz., the Roman plow (type 
 of agriculture), the scepter (type of authority), the standard of the Cohort 
 and the eagle-standard of the Legion. In examining the numerous allu- 
 sions to military affairs upon coins, we note that a Roman soldier was 
 equally expert as a cavalry-soldier, an infantry-soldier, and a member of 
 the marines. He was trained to cultivate the ground, to throw up fortifi- 
 cations, construct bridges and build ships. He was practiced in running, 
 leaping, vaulting, wrestling and swimming, either armed or unarmed. He 
 was able to make long and rapid marches four miles to the hour, every sol- 
 dier carrying sixty pounds weight upon his back. He was expert in tools 
 for field-work. In camp he was coutinually employed, no intervals of 
 idleness, no time for dissipation, being allowed him. His home was the 
 camp; war was his business; military exercises, his amusement; success, 
 his glory. In our coin-sheet of Otho are two large cuts of special interest 
 in this connection. In the coin-sheet of Vitellius is a large bust of one of 
 the greatest masters of war Rome ever produced, Julius Caesar himself; 
 and below, on the same page, the arms, offensive and defensive, with 
 which the world was guided and governed. The clothing of the soldier 
 was the sogram (mantle, cloak) over which the sword was buckled. That 
 of the general, often seen in our coins, was called the pnludamentvm; it 
 was white, purple or scarlet. The common soldier wore under-garments 
 of cloth, sandals, and, later, caligae. 
 
 " If we examine the intellectual character of Julius Caesar we see that 
 he was gifted by nature with the most various talents, and was distin- 
 guished by the most extraordinary genius and attainments in the most 
 diversified pursuits. He was at one and the same time a general, a states- 
 man, a lawgiver, a jurist, an orator, a poet, an historian, a philologer, a 
 mathematician and an architect! He was equally fitted to excel in all. 
 and has given proofs that he would have surpassed almost all other men 
 in any subject to which he devoted the energies of bis extraordinary mind. 
 Julius Caesar was the greatest man of antiquity."— Smith's Diet, of Greek 
 and Rom. Hist., Myth, and Biog. 
 
 The ideal of Caesar, as formed in the mind of the third Napoleon, will 
 not be without interest in this connection. He says: "To establish a 
 durable order of things there wanted a man who, raising himself above 
 vulgar passions, should unite in himself the essential qualities and just 
 ideas of each of his predecessors, avoiding their faults as well as their 
 errors. To the greatness of soul, and love of the people of certain trib- 
 unes, it was needful to join the military genius of great generals and the 
 strong sentiments of the Dictator in favor of order and the hierarchy. 
 
 "The man capable of so lofty a mission already existed; but perhaps, 
 in spite of his name, he might have still remained long unknown if the 
 penetrating eye of Sylla had not discovered him in the midst of the 
 crowd, and, by persecution, pointed him out to public attention. That 
 man was Caesar."— Napoleon II, Life of Caesar. 
 
COINS OF JULIUS CAESAR. 
 
 17 
 
 18 
 
 19 
 
CQiU'Shsets, 
 
 American AssQeiaition q£ ^umismsntists. 
 
 AUGUSTUS. 
 
 [Of the twelve Caesars who exercised imperial authority at Rome from 
 B.C. 47 to a.d. 96 Auqustus was the second. The one who preceded him 
 was Julius Caesar, who ruled B.C. 47-44. The ten who succeeded him 
 under this title were Tiberius, a.d. 14-37; Caligula, 37-41; Claudius, 
 41-54; Nero, 54-68; Galba, 68-69; Otho, 69; Vitellius, 69; Vespasian, 
 69-79; Titus, 79-81, and Domitian, 81-96.] 
 
 Caius Octavius Julius Caesar Augustus, second of the Caesars, Em- 
 peror of Rome B.C. 31 to a.d. 14, was born at Velitrae, twenty miles cast 
 of Rome. September 23, B.C. 63. The rulers of the nation were SI Tullius 
 Cicero, the orator, and C. Antonius, Consuls. Wonderful signs, it was 
 asserted, preceded and followed his entrance into the world so long sub- 
 jected to his control. His father was Caius Octavius, who in his time 
 filled the offices of Military Tribune, Questor, Plebeian Aedilc, Judex 
 Questiomim and Praetor. lie died when Augustus was a child. The 
 mother was Atia, daughter of Julia, sister of Julius Caesar, who, upon 
 the death of her first husband, married M. Marcius Philippus, Consul, 
 B.C. 56. 
 
 This grand-nephew of Julius Caesar, the subject of our sketch, was 
 early thrust forward by doting friends upon the field of action. He was 
 sufficiently precocious that at the immature age of twelve he delivered the 
 funeral oration of his grandmother, Julia, who had conducted his educa- 
 tion with the greatest care. In his sixteenth year (viz. a.d. 46) he assumed 
 the toga tiriUt, and was made a member of the College of Pontiffs, of 
 which, many years later, he became Pontifex Maximus. In the great 
 triumph of Julius Caesar, for his African victories, a.d. 46, which lasted 
 several days, Augustus, then but sixteen years of age, was permitted by 
 his great-uncle to ride on horseback behind the triumphal car. Vespasian 
 imitated this, 117 years later, by admitting his son Domitian to his 
 triumph. Augustus was with the army in Appollonia when the news of 
 the assassination of Julius Caesar (March 15, B.C. 44) reached him. He 
 immediately departed for Italy and learned of his adoption into the Julia 
 Gens, the family of which Julius was a member, and that the Dictator 
 himself had made him his heir. The soldiers saluted him "Caesar," 
 and he assumed the name which is at the head of this sheet, save that the 
 word "Augustus," as an imperial title, was afterward added, Senatus C'on- 
 sulto, "by Decree of the Senate." 
 
 January, b.c. 43, Augustus was appointed to the command of the army, 
 enjoying the title and insignia of Praetor, with peculiar privileges. Circum- 
 stances, always favorable to this son of fortune, soon threw the entire 
 command into his hands. In August of that year he was made Consul by 
 special " S. C," ten years earlier than the legal period. 
 
 The first triumvirate between Augustus, Mark Antony and Lepidus 
 was formed b.c. 43, for five years. The full expression of this combina- 
 tion was triumviri rei publicae constituendae, "a triumvirate for constitut- 
 ing the Republic." Their first act was to proscribe their personal enemies 
 and destroy the Republican party, 2,000 Knights and 300 Senators per- 
 ished. The triumvirs confiscated the estates of the murdered men for 
 their own benefit and for bribes to the soldiers. In all this Augustus was 
 equally cruel and rapacious with the others, and in this general storages the 
 great Cicero fell. 
 
 The battles of Philippi, October, b.c. 42, were gained by Augustus and 
 Antony. These sealed the fate of the assassins of Caesar. B.C. 37 the 
 office of triumvir was renewed for a second term of five years. Novem- 
 ber 13, b.c. 36, Augustus celebrated an ovation at Rome for his numerous 
 successes. B.C. 33 he was again elected Consul, but resigned within one 
 day. Lepidus was by this time quietly dropped from the triumvirate, and 
 in b.c. 31 the final struggle began between Augustus and Antony. The dou- 
 ble fight (by sea and land) at Actium, September 2, b.c. 31, resulted in the 
 complete success of Augustus and the ruin and speedy death of Antony. 
 
 And now, for forty-five years, the life of Augustus, as the head of the 
 Roman world, was comparatively quiet. The Senate and people vied 
 with each other in devising for him new honors and distinctions, as they 
 had done to Julius before him. Many extraordinary privileges were con- 
 ferred. Augustus twice closed the temple of Janus, viz. B.C. 29 and 25 
 because peace had been restored throughout the empire. Some authors 
 say it was closed a third time about the period of the birth of Jesus. The 
 title of " Emperor forever " was granted to Auguslus, also the name of 
 Augustus (sacred, venerable, august), which was afterward conferred upon 
 his successor, and continues in use among some of the European mon- 
 archs to the present day. . 
 
 B.C. 23 he entered upon his eleventh and last Consulship. Then he 
 accepted the imperittm proeonsulare for life, by which he became the high- 
 est authority in the Roman provinces; also the Iribunitia potestas for life, 
 by which his inviolability was legally established and he was practically 
 invested with the kingly power. He was formally exempted from the 
 penal operation of all the laws of the Empire, and B.C. 12, on the death 
 of his ancient partner, Lepidus, he entered upon the office of Pontifex 
 Maximus. 
 
 Augustus constructed roads and works of public utility. The standards 
 and prisoners lost in Purthia. by Antony, were restored under his rule. 
 Every ten years he went through the form of resigning the Empire, but 
 resumed it again at the formal request of the Senate. He adopted Tiber- 
 ius, his step-son, to be his son and successor. He died in the arms of 
 Livia, his faithful wife, at Nola, in Campania. August 29, a.d. 14, aged 76 
 years. In his last moments he inquired of his friends " whether he had 
 acted his part well in the drama of human life." 
 
 The first wife of Augustus was Clodia. the second Scribonia. by whom 
 he had one daughter, Julia. Divorcing Scribonia, for cause, he took from 
 her husband Livia Drusilla and made her his third wife. She was the 
 mother of his successor, Tiberius. The licentious behavior of his only 
 daughter, Julia, was a source of great unhappiness to Augustus, and in 
 general we may indorse the views of a distinguished writer, that "he 
 was one of those unhappy men whom fortune surrounds with all her out- 
 ward splendor and who can yet partake but little of the general happiness 
 which they establish or promote." 
 
 The disaster to the legions in Germ .ny under Varus, a d. 9, was the 
 most serious misfortune that Augustus ever encountered. This subject 
 is treated in the coin-sheet of Tiberius. 
 
 A great celebration under the head of Seculares was held by Augustus 
 B.C. 17, to commemorate the establishment of Rome e.c. 753. There are 
 but few coins commemorating this event, and we must refer to the coin- 
 sheet of Domitian for engravings illustrating a similar celebration. 
 
 The birth of Jesus Christ, which occurred (according to the received 
 era) e.c. 4, during the government of Augustus, has no recognition upon 
 coins, nor should we expect it. But nine centuries later the portrait of 
 the " Child of the Star and ^ong " was impressed upon the money of 
 Constantinople as "the King of Kings I " 
 
 Augustus was the earliest numismatic collector of whom we have the 
 record. He made up a fine cabinet of coins from which he conferred pres- 
 ents upon his friends. This collection was probably burned with the 
 library a.d. 80, in the reign of Titus. 
 
 It is to the lasting fame of this Emperor that, in a great and munifi- 
 cent spirit, he gathered around him such a company of poets, historians 
 and men eminent in the arts as no other Roman ruler had. The names of 
 Virgil, Horace, Ovid, etc., do not appear upon his coins, although 
 
 " The temples of the gods, 
 The fanes of heroes and Cyclopean halls, 
 His liberal hand adorned." 
 
 The denarius struck by Augustus was worth the ten asses which its 
 name denotes. It contained about forty-five grains of pure silver, valued at 
 fifteen cents Federal currency; but in the time of Gordianus Pius, 238- 
 244, the metal was adulterated by two-thirds of its value, having only fif- 
 teen grains of pure silver. Under Diocletian, 286-305, it recovered nearly 
 its original purity. 
 
 The appearance of the Wolf and Twins upon the coins of Roman Em- 
 perors for many centuries recalls the nervous lines of Byron, referring to 
 the great bronze image of the wolf at Rome, that has been smitten with 
 lightning: 
 
 "And thou, the thunder-stricken nurse of Rome, 
 She-wolf! whose brazen-imaged dugs impart 
 The milk of conquest yet, within the dome 
 Where, as a monument of antique art, 
 Thou standest! Mother of the mighty heart. 
 Where the great founder sucked from thy wild teat, 
 Scorched by the Roman Jove's ethereal dart. 
 And thy limbs black with lightning,— dost thou yet 
 Guard thine immortal cubs, nor thy fond charge forget?" 
 
 — ( Childe Harold, Hi., 88.) 
 
14 
 
 COINS OF AUGUSTUS. 
 
 During the reign of Augustus, were born Caligula, Claudius, Galba 
 and Vespasian, afterward Emperors. 
 
 At the funeral of Augustus his body was borne to the pile on the 
 shoulders of Senators, as was that of the good Nerva, eighty-four years 
 later, and the ashes of those two princes were mingled in the same sepul- 
 cher. Compare this with the last decree of the Senate concerning Nero, 
 viz., " that he should be put to death more majorum" (in the manner of 
 the fathers) that is, his head should be fastened in a fork (furca), and he 
 be whipped to death 1 
 
 The Praetorian Guards, or body-guard of the Emperors, so often alluded 
 to upon coins, first acquired their importance under the organization of 
 Augustus. Gibbon says these bands, whose licentious fury was the first 
 symptom and cause of the decline of the Roman Empire, were increased 
 by Augustus to the number of 15,000. Sensible that laws might color but 
 that arms alone could maintain his dominion, he gradually formed this 
 powerful body of guards in constant readiness to protect his person, to 
 awe the Senate, and either to prevent or crush the first motions of rebel- 
 lion. He distinguished these favored troops by double pay and superior 
 privileges, but as their formidable aspect would at once have alarmed and 
 irritated the Roman people, three cohorts only were stationed in the 
 Capitol, the remainder being dispersed in the adjacent towns of Italy. 
 After fifty years of public serv'tude, Tiberius assembled them at Rome 
 in a permanent camp, fortified with skillful care and placed upon a com- 
 manding position. 
 
 WHAT THE COINS TEACH CONCERNING AUGUSTUS. 
 
 READINGS 
 
 Of twenty-four coins, silver and bronze, of the Emperor Augustus, from 
 
 the illustrations on the fourth page. 
 
 [The student will observe in these Readings: First, that the size of a 
 Coin does not always agree with the size of the picture. Second, that each 
 metal is distinguished by an abbreviation,— AV(am-um) standing for gold; 
 AR (argentum) for silver; AE (aes) for copper, bronze or brass, words 
 indiscriminately used in Numismatics. Third, that there are few punctu- 
 ation points on Coins, though sometimes introduced by engravers to 
 facilitate Readings. Fourth, that we do not reproduce the old forms of 
 Greek letters here, but substitute modern type; and, Fifth, that these 
 Readings are prepared as well for the use of Learners as experts.'] 
 
 No. 1, AE. A Medallion struck by the people of Caesarea Augusta. 
 The symmetry of the sheet is preserved by removing the two faces to 
 opposite corners. 
 
 Obverse. Unlaureate head of Augustus to the right. Beardless; 
 bust not draped. Inscription: AVGVSTVS. 
 
 Reverse. A wreath of laurel inclosing a ring, within which are letters 
 of large size, C.A., for " Caesarea Augusta." Salduba. a city of Tarracon, 
 in Spain, changing its name, adopted this in honor of Augustus. When 
 Spain was divided between the Emperor and the people. Tarracon was 
 made into a colony and peopled by veterans of the fourth Legion (Scy- 
 thia), the sixth (Ferrutae or Iron-armed), and the tenth (Fretensis). This 
 colony was»Immunis, that is exempt by the Emperor from public contri- 
 butions and duties. Hence this medallion to commemorate so many bene- 
 fits received from their most munificent patron. His continued victories 
 are suggested by the laurel crown. As late as the Popedom of John XXII 
 this was the primary city of Arragon. 
 
 No. 2, AR. 
 
 Obverse. The unlaureate head of Augustus to the right. Inscrip- 
 tion (abbreviated): TR POT VIII CAESAR AVG; (supplicd)-Tribu- 
 nitia Potestate 8; Caesar Augustus. The words "Tribunitia Potestate" 
 upon coins are always read in the ablative case, and translated " exercis- 
 ing the Tribunitian Power"; here " for the 8th time." 
 
 Reverse. Two male figures, togated, standing; their right hands are 
 joined over an altar. Upon some coins of this stamp is seen a hog about 
 to be immolated Legend (abbreviated): C ANTIST VETVS III VIR 
 FOEDVS P R CVM GABIN; (supplied)— Cains Antistius Vetus Triumvir 
 Foedus Populi Romani cum Gabinio — "Antistius Vetus, the Triumvir, 
 a covenant of the Roman people with Gabinius." This type was struck 
 by Antistius, mint-master, in memory of the father, seeing that the elder 
 under the name of Antistius sprung out of the Gabians, from a Latin city. 
 It will be seen that the privileges assumed by these mint-masters to put 
 whatever they pleased on the money, expired with Augustus. 
 
 No. 3, AE. 
 
 The Obverse has the laureate head of Augustus with Inscription, 
 " Caesar, Son of the deified Augustus, Father of the Country." 
 
 Reverse. An Altar. From each side a winged figure of Victory faces 
 inwards holding a palm-branch in one hand and a laurel wreath in the 
 other. The altar is highly ornamented. Underneath are the words (sup- 
 plied) Romae et Augusta — "To Rome and to Augustus." This altar is 
 usually styled " the Altar of Lyons.." At the time Drnsus was in Ger- 
 
 many, B.C. 11, the barbarians were preparing to cross the Rhine. Drusus, 
 then at Lugdunum (now Lyons, France) invited all the cities of the pro- 
 vince to display their loyalty to Rome by erecting a stately altar at the 
 confluence of the Rhine and Saone. Sixty of the communities accepted 
 the invitation. The altar was dedicated to Augustus (a god, by decree of 
 the Senate), and the names of the sixty states were inscribed upon it. 
 The colossal statue of the Emperor himself was set up within the munici- 
 pal emblems of the sixty communities. It was dedicated August 10. B.C. 
 11, and a festival was instituted, which continued for several centuries to 
 be annually solemnized with shows and musical performances. 
 
 No. 4, AE. 
 
 Obverse. Unlaureate head of Augustus to the right. Inscription 
 (abbreviated): SPQR CAESARI AVGVSTO; (supplied)— Senatus Popu- 
 lusque Romanus Caesari Augusto— " The Senate and Roman People to 
 Augustus Caesar." 
 
 Reverse. A soldier to the left, in fine military attitude, as if looking 
 earnestly toward a distant object. In his right hand, alabarum; in his 
 left, a parazonium. Legend (supplied): Pro Salute et Reditu Jovi Optimo 
 Maximo Sacra Vota Publice Suscepta— "For the safety and the return (of 
 Augustus) to Jupiter, the Greatest and Best, the Sacred Vows are publicly 
 made." 
 
 This coin forcibly illustrates the deference paid by the early Romans 
 to the Emperor. A matter of a brief absence from the Capitol, which 
 would now serve for a newspaper paragraph, was impressed upon a whole 
 mintage of coins, distributed through all the land. 
 
 No. 5, AE. Struck at Italica, a city of Spain. 
 
 The Obverse has the head of Augustus, with the word " Bilbihs." 
 
 Reverse. A mounted warrior, lance in right hand, armed cap-a -pie, 
 galloping to the right. The attitude of steed and rider is superb. Beneath 
 is the word "Italica." This horseman was the symbol of the ancient 
 city of Bilbilis, then called "Italica." When Augustus bestowed upon the 
 city very great privileges, they gratefully struck coins in acknowledgment. 
 
 No. 6, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The temple of Jupiter Tonans (" the Thunderer ") upon 
 the Capitoline Hill. Four columns in front. Beneath are the words 
 10 VI DEO— "To the god Jupiter.'" In the field the letters S. C, "Senatus 
 Consulto, " by Decree of the Senate. 
 
 Augustus constructed many public works, as, for instance, the Forum, 
 the temple of Mars the Avenger (Mars Ultor); and that of Apollo on the 
 Palatine Hill. The one here figured was built by Augustus in devout 
 gratitude for deliverance from great peril in a thunder-storm. To the 
 treasury of this temple he presented at one donation, gold, gems and 
 pearls to an immense amount. 
 
 No. 7, AR. 
 
 Obverse. Unlaureate head of Augustus to the right. Inscription: 
 Caesar Augustus. 
 
 Reverse. The Civic Wreath given a Roman who saved the life of a 
 citizen; composed of oak-leaves and acorns. Inscription: Ob Cives Ser- 
 vatos, "for saving citizens," or "for preserving the lives of citizens." 
 (The engraver of this cut erroneously makes the word cives, civis.) 
 
 No. 8, AE. 
 
 Obverse. Victory to the left, standing upon a globe. In her left hand 
 is a palm branch; in her right, a laurel wreath. Inscription (supplied): 
 Victoriae Augusti— " To the Victory of Augustus" (properly, "to the 
 goddess Victory, tutelary of Augustus"). 
 
 Reverse. Three military standards erect. Legend (abbreviated): 
 CHO (for COH) PRAE PHIL; (supplied)— Cohortis Praetoriae Philippen- 
 sis— " Of the Praetorian Cohort at Philiopi." 
 
 The victories at Philippi over the assassins of Caesar are too well 
 known for comment. These standards are not legionary, but those of the 
 Cohorts or lesser divisions. Mark Antony struck a very large number of 
 coins of this class, and so did Gallienus nearly three centuries later. 
 
 No. 9, AE. 
 
 The Obverse has the head of Augustus like No. 4. 
 
 Reverse. A she-wolf, hungry and gaunt, to the right. Inscription 
 (abbreviated): MVN ILERDA, Municipium Ilerda— "The City Ilerda." 
 This place, now Lerida, in Spain, lies in the bend of the river Sycor. 
 Whether our wolf was the emblem of the city, or a token of the general 
 domination of Rome expressed by this beast, may be debated. There is 
 something horrible in the air of this Pyrennean wolf. 
 
 No. 10, AE. 
 
 The Obverse has the head of Augustus like No. 4. 
 
 Reverse. A vexillum erected upon an altar. Inscription (abbrevi- 
 ated): CAESAR AVGVSTA M PORCI CN FAD II VIR (with a dash over 
 the II); (supplied)— Caesarea Augusta. Marca Porcio et CneoFado Duuni- 
 viris— " The Colony of Caesarea Augusta; Marcus Porcius and Cneus 
 Fadus being mint-masters." 
 
 No. 1 refers to the colony Caesarea Augusta in Spain. The standard 
 upon the altar indicates the Roman reverence to the gods, whom they 
 worshiped as the authors of all their goods and givers of all their power. 
 
COINS OF AUGUSTUS. 
 
 15 
 
 In forming a colony, they first constructed an altar and placed a standard 
 upon it, the united indicia of Divine and Roman power. 
 
 No. 11, AE. 
 
 Obverse has the head of Augustus, with inscription: " To the deified 
 Augustus." It will be remembered that Augustus, like Julius Caesar, was 
 made " a present god," as Horace expresses it, even in his life-time, and 
 priests and temples were consecrated to him as a divinity. 
 
 Reverse. Neptune standing to the left. A dolphin in right hand; a 
 trident in left. Ilis right foot is on a prow. Legend (supplied): Btrytus. 
 The Colony Julia Augusta at Berytus, (now Beyrout, in Syria,) is referred 
 to in our coin No. 4 of Julius Caesar. Pliny calls it Felix Julia, " the 
 Happy Julian Colony," from Julius Caesar. The Phoenicians, in whose 
 territory Beyrout stood, gave good aid to Augustus with their ships, at 
 Actium, and he in gratitude bestowed corresponding benefits upon their 
 cities. Hence this coin. 
 
 No. 12, AE. 
 
 Obverse. Dnlaureate head of Augustus to the left, an unusual facing. 
 Behind it a Caducaeus, as an emblem of much good. Inscription (sup- 
 plied): '■ The Emperor Augustus, Son of the deified Julius." 
 
 Reverse. A Labyrinth, which recalls that at Thebes or Memphis. 
 Here it suggests the conquest of Egypt under Cleopatra, as the Caducaeus, 
 the glory of Augustus, victor of nations. In a coin of Marcus Aurclius 
 (a.d. 161-180) the same attribution appears with the addition of a croco- 
 dile. Pliny also describes labyrinths at Crete, Lemnos and Italicus. 
 
 No. 13, AE. 
 
 The Obverse is not figured here. 
 
 Reverse. A colonist driving a yoke of oxen to the left, like coin No. 
 4 in Julius Caesar. Legend: tEmerita. Augusta Emerita was a city in 
 Spain, on the Tagus, now called Merida. It was named from the meri- 
 torious character of the soldiery by whom Augustus colonized it, and 
 they struck this coin in gratitude for favors received from the Emperor. 
 After the battle of Actium. Augustus disbanded a large part of his legions, 
 and with them formed numerous colonies along the frontiers of the Em- 
 pire, all of which appear in coins. 
 
 No. 14, AE. A Greek Imperial, struck at Cydonia, at Crete. 
 
 Reverse. A she-wolf, gaunt and hideous, suckling a boy. Legend 
 (abbreviated): KYAON. (Supplied): KYAflNIA— " Cydonia." 
 
 The people of Cydonia, one of the principal cities of Crete, struck this 
 coin to Augustus in gratitude for restoring their liberty. Like the Phoe- 
 nicians, they had aided him in his contests with Antony, and in return 
 received valued privileges. 
 
 No. 15, AE. A Greek Imperial, struck at Antioch, Cilicia. 
 
 The Obverse has the head of Augustus, with inscription (Anglice): 
 " Caesar Augustus, the (High) Priest." 
 
 Reverse. An elegant and complicated crown. Legend: APXIE- 
 PATIKON ANTIOXEI2 — "The Pontificia (Pontifical condition) by the 
 people of Antioch." 
 
 Upon the death of Lepidus, the Pontifex Maximus, B.C. 12, that office 
 was assumed by Augustus, whereupon the magistrates of the pontifical 
 college at Antioch struck this coin in commemoration. The crown is the 
 one styled Corona Pontificia. 
 
 No. 16, AE. A Greek imperial, struck at Cos. 
 
 Reverse. The club of Hercules and a Serpent, wound about a wand 
 to the left. Legend: 20*OKAH2 KSHfiN— "Sophocles: of the Cossans." 
 
 Sophocles — a common name in that region to this day — was praefeot, 
 either of the temple of Hercules in the city of Cos, or of the island itself. 
 The Cossans were devout worshipers of Hercules, whose club distin- 
 guishes the coin. The serpent, twisted about the rod, refers to a richly- 
 endowed temple of Esculapius which stood on that island. 
 
 No. 17, AE. A Greek imperial, struck at Segestes, in Sicily. 
 
 The Obverse has the head of Augustus, with the words, " Or the 
 Segesteans." 
 
 Reverse. Aeneas to the left, carrying his father Anchises and his pen- 
 ates, or household gods, from the city of Troy. lulus, the youthful son 
 of Aeneas, is seen following. The Legend, if there was any, is abraded. 
 The affecting story of Aeneas bearing his aged father from the burning 
 city is a familiar one. 
 
 No. 18, AE. A Greek imperial, struck at Damascus, Syria. 
 
 Reverse. The tutelary god of the city of Damascus seated, to the 
 left, upon a pile of rocks, her head adorned with a turreted crown. In her 
 left hand is an overflowing cornucopiae; in her right a couple of dates, 
 the fruit of the palm, abundant in thai region, and an emblem of abun- 
 dance; or, they may be prunes, for which Damascus is famous. Beneath 
 her feet is the figure of a man, with his arms in the attitude of swimming. 
 This is also an emblem of the neighboring city of Antioch, and implies 
 that the two cities united in striking this coin to Augustus. 
 
 No. 19, AE. This is a Restoration Coin, struck in honor of Au- 
 gustus, by the Emperor Titus (a.d. 79-81). 
 
 Reverse. A funeral altar, styled "the Altar of Providence," having 
 horns at the corners. Legend (supplied): Imperator Titus Vespasianus 
 
 Augustus Restituta— " The Emperor Titus Vespasian Augustus; a restored 
 coin." S. C, Senatus Consulto, "By Decree of the Senate." Providen- 
 tiae for Ara Providentiae, " the Altar of Providence." Titus did himself 
 credit in his brief reign by restoring the coins of his more worthy prede- 
 cessors. 
 
 No. 20, AE. A Restoration Coin of Augustus, like No. 19, but struck 
 by the Emperor Nerva (a.d. 96-98). 
 
 Reverse. Thunder-bolts (fulmina). Inscription (supplied): Imper- 
 ator Nerva Caesar Augustus Restorata, " The Emperor Nerva Caesar 
 Augusta; a restored coin." S. C, Senatus Consulto, "By Decree of 
 the Senate." Nerva, like Titus, reigned but two years; but in that inter- 
 val made himself a good name in the mint by restoring the coins of his 
 honored predecessors. 
 
 No. 21, AE. A Restoration Coin of Nerva, like Nos. 19 and 20. 
 
 Reverse. A globe, with the prow of a ship in front. Legend: the 
 same as No. 20. 
 
 No. 22, AE. A Greek imperial, struck at Smyrna. 
 
 Obverse. The jugated heads of Augustus and his wife Livia to the 
 right. His head is laureate, the only instance of the kind upon this sheet. 
 Her bust is modestly draped. Inscription (in Greek): 2MYPNAIOI 
 2EBA2T0I2— "The Smyrneans to the Augustus's" (or, " to the Emperor 
 and Empress"). 
 
 Reverse. A Female Figure to the front, with turreted head. In her 
 right hand a scepter, in her left a gloriola. Below her left arm an eagle 
 stands upon a short piHar. Legend: AIONY2I02, KOAAYBA2I02 — 
 "Dionysius Collybasius," praefect of the city. 
 
 The union of the two heads on the Obverse denotes concord. The 
 group on the reverse, probably, represents the glory of Rome. 
 
 Livia was the mother of Tiberius, who succeeded Augustus; also of the 
 elder Drusus, by her first husband. She then married Augustus, and was 
 made his executor. 
 
 No. 23, AE. A Greek imperial, struck at Samos. 
 
 The Reverse has the head of Augustus, like the preceding, with the 
 inscription, " the Senate of the gods." 
 
 Obverse. Head of Livia, wife of Augustus, to the right. Under her 
 chin, a crescent. Head is most elaborately dressed. Inscription: MHNH 
 2AMION— "The Luna of the Sameans." This crescent emblem, now 
 the national attribution of the Moslem, is common enough upon ancient 
 coins. 
 
 No. 24, AE. A Greek imperial, struck at Samos, like the last. 
 
 The Reverse has the head of Augustus, with inscription as No. 23. 
 
 Obverse. Head of Livia, wife of Augustus to the right. Drapery of 
 bust fastened at right shoulder with a button. Head decorated much as 
 in the last. Inscription: 0EAN PilMHN— " The goddess, Rome." 
 
 The frequent appearance of standards upon the coin-cuts given in these 
 sheets will excite the interest of the reader. An army, under the Romans, 
 recalls the vivid language of the Hebrew,— it was emphatically "an army 
 with banners." The rabbinical writers describe the great standards of the 
 twelve tribes of Israel with minuteness. They were all prominent objects, 
 as the Crowned Lion for Judah, the ravening Wolf for Benjamin, etc. But 
 those of the Romans were more simple. The oldest military standard was 
 the manipulus, or bundle of hay fastened to the top of a pole. Hence the 
 term maniple, applied to the company or smaller section of the forces. 
 This was afterward changed for a spear adorned with shields, images of 
 the gods and the figure of an open hand (see our coin No. 2 of Caligula). 
 The standard of the Legion itself was an eagle, ordinarily of silver, some- 
 times of gold (or gilt), perched, as it were, with expanded wings, upon the 
 top of a spear. But various Legions had, besides their eagle, some dis- 
 tinctive objects, as the boar, the stork, the ox, etc. etc. The standard of 
 the Cavalry (Vexillum) was square, as in Nos. 4 and 10 of our coins of 
 Augustu s. 
 
 The standards of various Legions are depictured upon the coins of the 
 Antonia Gens, of which Mark Antony was chief. The Obverses of these 
 denarii show a galley with ten or twelve oars on a side; the prow armed 
 with a trident and bearing a vexillum; the epigraph is ANT AVG III VIR 
 RPC. The Reverses exhibit three military standards each, the center 
 being an eagle with wings spread as for flight. The two on the sides are 
 garnished with shields, the crescent moon, and other objects. In the field 
 of the coin are the letters denoting the enrolled number of the Legion, 
 viz.: LEG II; LEG IIII; LEG VI; LEG VIII, etc., up to XXIII. These 
 Legions had served under Mark Antony with great devotion. His coins 
 also present epigraphs complimentary to the Cohorts, as Cohortium Prae- 
 toriarum, and Cohortis Speculatorum. The naval forces are not forgotten 
 in these numismatical compliments, as we see by LEG CLASSICAE. 
 Two of the Legions are named as well as numbered, viz., the Lybica and 
 Antiqua. In the coins of Gallienus, nearly three centuries later, every 
 Legion has its peculiar name and is designated by some well-known 
 object, which was selected by the Legions (corresponding somewhat to 
 the modern idea of corps-badges), such as the Goat, Pegasus, the god Mars, 
 the Wolf and Twins, the Boar, the Centaur, the goddess Minerva, etc. 
 
COINS OF AUGUSTUS. 
 
Asksriesa AsmQiskti&si Qt Hmmmmsimts-, 
 
 TIBERIUS 
 
 [Of the twelve Caesars who exercised imperial authority at Rome from 
 B.C. 47 to a.d. 96, Tibebius, a.d. 14-37, was Ihe third. The two who pre- 
 ceded him, under this title, were Julius Caesar, b.c. 47-44, and Augustus. 
 b.c. 31-a.d. 14. The nine who succeeded him, Caligula, a.d. 37-41; Clau- 
 dius. 41-54; Nero, 54-68; Galba, 68-69; Otho, 69; Vitellius, 69; Ves- 
 pasian, 69-79; Titus, 79-81, and Dojiitian. 81-96.J 
 
 Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero, third of the Caesars, Emperor of Rome 
 a.d. 14 to 37. was bom November 17, b.c. 42. His father was Tiberius 
 Claudius Nero, who served as Questor under Julius Caesar, b.c. 48, and 
 commanded a fleet, and as a reward was admitted to the College of Priests. 
 After much other service he died about B.C. 34. The mother of the Em- 
 peror was Livia Drusilla, who, after the birth of Tiberius, was divorced 
 from her first husband and married to Augustus, then triumvir with Jtark 
 Anthony and Lepidus, and afterward Emperor. This transaction, so much 
 in accordance with Roman manners, gave her no discredit; for historians 
 unite in extolling her purity of life and conduct. 
 
 The person of Tiberius was tall and well made. He had robust health. 
 His eyes were large, his face handsome. He was carefully educated, and 
 proficient as well in the Greek as the Latin tongues. As a speaker and 
 writer he evinced considerable talent, his master in rhetoric being Theo- 
 doras of Gadara. He wrote a commentary of his own life; also Greek 
 poems, and a lyric poem on the death of Julius Caesar. In military cour- 
 age he was deficient. He had a jealous and suspicious temper, and 
 became, later in life, a monster of cruelty. He was unsocial, melancholy 
 and reserved. " He was the prince of hypocrites." 
 
 At the triumphal entry of Augustus into Rome, B.C. 29, Tiberius, then 
 thirteen years of age. rode on the left of Augustus, as Augustus, sixteen 
 years before, had accompanied Julius Caesar on a similar occasion. 
 
 Tiberius was three times married,— first to Vipsania Agrippina, whom 
 he divorced while she was pregnant; he was married, b.c. 11, to Julia, 
 daughter of Augustus. By her he had one child who died in early youth. 
 
 In public offices Tiberius was at various times tribunvs militum, and 
 conducted an army, b.c. 20, to Armenia. He joined in the campaign, 
 B.c. 15, against the Rheti; B.C. 13 he served Consul the first time; b.c. 11 
 he was engaged against the Dalmatians and Pannonians; b.c. 7 he served 
 Consul the second time; b.c. 6 he obtained the IribuaUia poteslas for five 
 years, and then retired for seven years to Rhodes to avoid his wife Julia, 
 whose licentious conduct was patent to all. On his return she had been 
 banished by her father, the Emperor, to Pandataria, and he never saw her 
 again. 
 
 About a.d. 4, Augustus adopted Tiberius (his stepson) as his son and 
 successor, all those whose age and relationship were superior to his hav- 
 ing passed away. From this time to his accession to the purple, Tiberius 
 was employed in military command, and a.d. 12 enjoyed a triumph for his 
 German and Dalmatian victories. A.D. 14 Augustus held his last census, 
 in which Tiberius was his colleague. He became Emperor upon the death 
 of Augustas, August 19, a.d. 14. 
 
 The early years of his reign were not unpromising. His nephew, 
 Germanicus, achieved marked successes over the Germans, as our coins 
 will show. Tiberius drove from Italy the whole school of magicians and 
 astrologers. A notable earthquake having occured in Asia Minor, a.d. 17. 
 which destroyed twelve cities, the Emperor alleviated the calamity by his 
 bounty, and the restored cities vied with each other in manifestations of 
 gratitude. 
 
 The year a.d. 21 was the fourth consulship of Tiberius. The last Ro- 
 man citizen (except Emperors) to whom a triumph was granted was Junius 
 Blaesus, who was permitted this honor for his African victories, a.d. 22. 
 
 A.D. 26, Tiberius left Rome and took up his residence in Campania 
 and the island of Capri (now Capreae), from which he never returned. 
 Old age and debauchery had so bent his body and disfigured his face with 
 ugly blotches that he was unwilling to be seen in public. A.D. 33, Galba 
 (afterward Emperor) served as Consul. 
 
 A.D. 36, Tiberius, being now seventy-eight years of ago, was attacked 
 with his last disease. He appointed no successor, but, as he said, " left 
 the affair to fate." March 16, a.d. 37. he had a fainting fit, from which 
 partially recovering, he began to desire food, and then his attendants ex- 
 pedited his end by smothering him with clothing. His reign endured 
 twenty-two years six months and twenty-five days. His funeral oration 
 was pronounced by Caligula, his successor, but he did not receive divine 
 honors like his predecessors. 
 
 During the reign of this prince, the death of Jesus Christ occurred, 
 April 6, a.d. 33, under Pontius Pilate, procurator of JuiUea. Wo do not 
 look for intimations of this upon cotemporary coins, but many centuries 
 later the character and celestial glory of the Nazarene were stamped upon 
 the official coins of Rome, to the number of millions. 
 
 The appearance of Jupiter upon the coins of Tiberius is that found 
 upon the monuments of other princes. The Roman oaths "by Jupiter" 
 were accompanied by curious ceremonies. The man who took the oath 
 held in his hand a stone, and prayed that if he willfully deceived he might 
 be cast out from holy places, and tossed " as now I toss this stone." See- 
 ing the name of Jupiter then npon a coin the people understood the pecu- 
 liar sanctity connected with the circumstance in whose memory it was 
 coined. In the treaty-oaths, the officer styled pater patralvx (or chief of 
 the Fetiales who formed treaties) held the sacred flint that symbolized the 
 thunder-bolt over the back of a hog, and called on Jupiter that •• if 
 by public consultation or wicked fraud the Romans should break the 
 treaty, in that day may Jupiter smite the Roman people as the herald 
 now smote the victim, and the heavier as Jupiter was stronger than man." 
 At the word he slew the swine with the flint-stone. 
 
 There is frequent appearance of soldiers with standards, armor, etc., 
 upon the coins of Tiberius. Without these the army could not have been 
 conciliated. At the distant outposts, fixed for years among barbarous 
 surroundings, deoarrcd from the comforts of their own civilization, it was 
 inspiring when a new coinage was made, either by order of the Emperor 
 in gold and silver, or of the Senate in bronze, for the troops to see that 
 their services were kept in -memory at Rome. There was an exciting field 
 of promotion to a Roman soldier from a common -oldier (grerjarius miles) 
 to a centurion of the lowest century of the ten maniples of the haslali to 
 the primipilus of the Legion. And it might well have been said of every 
 soldier, as was so fong afterward averred of Napoleon's army, that "every 
 man carried a Marshal's baton in his knapsack." In engravings upon 
 other sheets of this series we give the arms and uniform of each class of 
 Roman soldiers. 
 
 Apollo, as he lashes forward the horses of the sun, is a pleasant coin- 
 device of Tiberius. At the grand centennial of Rome, b.c. 17, a verse in 
 the Carmen Saeculare of Horace, which was sung upon the occasion, was 
 directed to Alme Sol, " the genial snn," whose personification is Apollo. 
 In the coins of Constantine and his cotemporaries, three centuries later, 
 this god appears as a youthful figure, turned to the left, nude, a pallium 
 upon his left arm, a globe in his left hand, his right forefinger pointing 
 stiffly to the meridian sun. Upon such coins the legend is usually SOLI 
 INVICTO COMITI^'To the Sun, my indomitable ally." Examining 
 such a figure upon a coin, we may imagine it thus addressing the nation 
 that impressed it, — '■ Roma, Roma, te saluto! " 
 
 This deity, Apollo, is represented as the son of Jupiter and Latona, 
 twin-brother of Diana; the God of the Sun, of soothsaying, of the man- 
 agement of the bow, of medicine, poetry and music. The laurel was 
 sacred to him. The Ludi Apollinarii were annually celebrated in his 
 honor, on the 5th of July. Many important towns were named in his 
 honor, as Apollonia, in Aetolia, in Macedonia, Illyria and Cyrenaica. 
 Such a favorite was this deity with the Roman people, that it gave them 
 singular delight to see his attributions upon the national coins. His figure 
 and personification, although commonly attended with his name, need not 
 he, for all knew Apollo by his traditional face, or by one of his emblems. 
 The Greeks gave him even more exquisite relief and workmanship than 
 the Roman artists. Homer makes him the god of archery, prophecy and 
 music, introducing him in some beautiful lines at the very opening of his 
 immortal poem. His favorite animals were the hawk, the swan, the cicada, 
 the dolphin, etc. He himself was represented in the perfection of manly 
 strength and beauty. His long curling hair hangs loose and is bound be- 
 hind with the strophium. His brows are wreathed with laurel. In his 
 hands he bears the bow and lyre. In relation to oracular responses from 
 the deities, the ancients had various sarcastic proverbs. One was absque 
 aere mvtumesl Apollinu oraeulum. Translated somewhat freely— " Apollo 
 will not talk to you unless his fee is paid." 
 
 The appearance of Pielas upon the coins of Tiberius, as one of his 
 tutelariee, suggests that the word is not alone to be translated Piety or 
 Religion. It is rather a personification among the Romans of faithful at- 
 tachment, love and veneration. When the people read on the coins of An- 
 toninus (a.d. 137-161) PIVS, they read it— "dutifully affectionate "— that 
 
18 
 
 COINS OF TIBERIUS. 
 
 is, to his predecessor. At first there was in Rome but a small sanctuary 
 to Pietas, but, B.c. 191, a large temple was erected. Her representation 
 upon colus is usually that of a matron casting incense upon an altar. 
 Sometimes the stork, a filial bird, an ancient emblem of pietas, is teen 
 upon coins, and sometimes children. In some, Pietas is exhibited as a 
 female offering her breast to an aged parent. 
 
 The character of Tiberius compares with that of the Emperor Phocas, 
 who reigned 600 years afterward, a most bloodthirsty tyrant; in stature 
 short, beardless, red haired, having shaggy eyebrows, a great scar disfigur- 
 ing his face, which became black when his passions were aroused, all the 
 elements of cruelty being combined in him. 
 
 And who shall compute the evil influences of the example of Tiberius 
 upon his successors? He wrote the annals of his time, and this was the 
 only book, it is said, that was perused by Domitian, 80 years later. How 
 much of the intolerance and cold-blooded cruelty of the latter was due to the 
 former? As Alexander owned himself modeled upon the Hector of Homer, 
 so Domitian upon Tiberius. The orgies of Caligula, the murder of Nero, the 
 voluptuousness of Claudius, all had their model in Tiberius. Nay, the 
 inexpressibly horrible private life of Commodus and of Elagabalus, so 
 long afterward, may only have been copied from that of Tiberius, when 
 he forsook Rome, where there were public witnesses of his bestiality, and 
 spent the closing years of his life in the seraglio, secluded from the popu- 
 lar eye. It was then that he struck certain coins never found in a public 
 cabinet, coins that suggest the unutterable filthiness of his nature. 
 
 The births of Otho and Vitellius, afterward Emperors of Rome, oc- 
 curred during the reign of Tiberius. 
 
 WHAT THE COINS TEACH CONCERNING TIBERIUS. 
 
 READINGS 
 
 Of twenty-one coins, gold, silver and bronze, of the Emperor Tiberius, 
 
 from the illustrations on the fourth page. 
 
 [The student will observe in these Readings: First, that the size of a 
 Coin does not always agree with the size of the picture. Second, that each 
 metal is distinguished by an abbreviation, — AV (aurum) standing for gold; 
 AR (argentum) for silver; AE (aes) for copper, bronze or brass, words 
 indiscriminately used in Numismatics. Third, that there are few punctua- 
 tion points on coins, though sometimes introduced by engravers to facili- 
 tate Readings. Fourth, that we do not reproduce the old forms of Greek 
 letters here, but substitute modern type; and, Fifth, that, these Readings 
 are prepared as well for the use of Learners as experts.'] 
 
 No. 1, AE. A medallion. To preserve the symmetry of the page, its two 
 faces are separated. 
 
 Obverse. The unlaureate head of Tiberius to the left; hair bushy; 
 bust undraped; beardless. What collegians irreverently style ''the un- 
 measured conk," or prominent nose of Tiberius is well displayed here. 
 Inscription (abbreviated): TI CAESAR AVGVSTI F IMPERATOR V; 
 (supplied) —Tiberius Caesar Augusti Filius Imperator 5 — "Tiberius 
 Caesar, son of Augustus; Emperor for the 5th time." The manner of 
 reading is from right to left. 
 
 Reverse. A most beautiful temple, of which 10 columns are shown. 
 The tympanum contains the letters S. P. Q. R: Senatus Populusque Ro- 
 manus — " the Senate and Roman People." The roof is covered with fig- 
 ures. Between the columns in front sits the image of Concord, holding in 
 her right hand the Patera or sacred dish; in her left, her accustomed em- 
 blem, the cornucopiae. On the right and left are the statues of Tiberius 
 and his brother Drusus. An old numismatist adds, " That there might be 
 an eternal memory of this temple, and of the concord of the two broth- 
 ers to posterity, this medal, so rare for those times, was struck." The 
 temple is that of Concord, rebuilt by Tiberius. It stood very close to 
 the forum, and it was in this edifice that the Senate met at the trial of 
 Cataline. 
 
 No. 2, AE. 
 
 Obverse. Unlaureate head of Tiberius to the left, as in No. 1. In- 
 scription (supplied): " Tiberius Caesar Augustus Imperator." Read from 
 right to left. (The letter E in the cut is an error of the wood-engraver.) 
 
 Reverse. No device. Legend (abbreviated): PONTIF MAXIM TRI- 
 BVN POTEST XXIIII; (supplied) — Pontifex Maximus Tribunitia Potes- 
 tate 24, "The High Priest; exercising the Tribunitian Power the 24th 
 time." S. C, Senatus Consnlto— " By Decree of the Senate." This coin 
 was struck a.d. 22 — thus computed: B.C. 6, Augustus endowed Tiberius 
 with the Tribunitia Potestas for 5 years; then, after an interval of 4 years, 
 he received it annually: Thus " Tr. P. XXIITI " brings us to a.d. 22. 
 
 No. 3, AE. This may be studied in connection with No. 4. 
 
 The Obverse contains the head of Tiberius, with Inscription: "Ti- 
 berius Caesar, Son of the Divine Augustus; Augustus, Emperor the 7th 
 time." 
 
 Reverse. A shield, in the middle of which is the effigy of the goddess 
 Clemency, with the word Clementiae ("to Clemency") for a Legend, and 
 
 S. C, Senatus Consulto-"By Decree of the Senate." See observations 
 upon No. 4. 
 
 No. 4, AE. 
 
 Obverse is the same as that of No. 3. 
 
 Reverse. A shield, highly ornamented aud enriched with a laurel 
 wreath. In the middle is the effigy of the goddess Moderation, with the 
 word Moderationi (" to Moderation") for Legend, and S. C, Senatus Con- 
 snlto— "By Decree of the Senate." Patin remarked in 1696 "that these 
 coins impute praise to the clemency and moderation of this most impure 
 tyrant, so far as the luxury of the age might spare external show to the 
 people and adulation to the Emperors." He then goes on to explain that 
 Tiberius, however cruel at heart, outwardly practiced the manners of a 
 moderate and clement person. "When he received visitors at his ban- 
 quets, he met them at the gate upon their entrance, and when they de- 
 parted, followed them as far." The shields figured here refer to the 
 golden shields which Tiberius suspended in the Capitoline, and dedicated 
 to the eternal gods. 
 
 No. 5, AR. This is the denarius usually cited in commenting upon the 
 demand made by Jesus by the words, " Show me a penny" {Luke xx, 24). 
 
 Obverse. The laureate head of Tiberius to the right. Beardless; 
 bust undraped. Inscription (abbreviated): TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F 
 AVGVSTVS-, (supplied) — Tiberius Caesar Divi Augusti Filius Augustus 
 —■Tiberius Caesar Augustus; eon of the deified Augustus." 
 
 Reverse. A female figure seated upon a square seat, to the right; the 
 right hand supported by a spear, the left holding out an olive branch. 
 Legend (supplied): Pontifex Maximus— "The High Priest." 
 
 No. 6, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The figure of the goddess Vesta seated on an ornamented 
 chair, to the right. Her right hand holds the Patera; her left is supported 
 by the Ha9ta Pura. Her drapery comes neatly to her feet. Inscription 
 (abbreviated) : C VIB MARSO PR COS DR CAE Q PR TC RVFVS FC 
 DD PP: (supplied)— Caio Vibio Marso Proconsule; Druso Caesare Quaes- 
 tore Provinciae; Titus Caecilius Rufus Fieri Curavit; Decuriones Posu- 
 erunt — "Caius Vibius Mareus being Proconsul; Drusus Caesar being 
 Questor of the Province; Titus Caecilius Rufus caused (this coin) to be 
 struck; the Senators (of Utica) gave the orders." 
 
 Nos. 6 and 7 were struck at Utica, in Africa, famous for the death of 
 Cato. The city was greatly favored by Julius Caesar, Augustus and Ti- 
 berius, and struck many coins in honor of the latter. 
 
 No. 7, AE. 
 
 Reverse. Figure of the goddess "Vesta, as in No. 6, with slight varia- 
 tions in the supports of the chair. Inscription (abbreviated): C VIBIO 
 MARSO PR COS HI C SALLVS RVSIVS (F) C MM I V; (supplied)— 
 Caio Vibio Marso Proconsule 3; Caius Sallus Rusius Fieri Curavit; Muni- 
 cipes Municipii Julii Uticenses — " Caius Vibius Marsus being Proconsul 
 in the 3d year; Caius Sallus Rusius caused this coin to be struck; the 
 citizens of the free Julian city of Utica (approved)." 
 
 No. 8, AE. 
 
 Obverse. Unlaureate and beardless head of Tiberius to the left. Be- 
 hind the neck a branch of laurel ; in front, an eagle. Inscription (supplied) 
 — "Augustns Tiberius Caesar." 
 
 Reverse. The head of Apollo to the right, with the Lyre in front. 
 Legend : Characters in unknown script. 
 
 In other coins of Tiberius we find that prince arrayed in the habit of 
 Apollo, with the Lyre. " For he conceived himself to be a son of Apollo," 
 says Suetonius, and many inscriptions are addressed to him by the name 
 of that deity. 
 
 No. 9, AE. 
 
 The Reverse is a restored coin by Titus, who duplicated so many of 
 the coins of Augustus and other princes. 
 
 Obverse. The figure of Justice, with the word IVSTITIA. As in pre- 
 ceding coins, we learn that Tiberius affected all the best virtues, though 
 practicing them so little. Patin says: "The most unmerciful (inclemen- 
 tissimus), immoderate (immoderatissimus) and unjust (injustissimus) man 
 in all the period of his rule made vows to clemency, moderation and jus- 
 tice ! " The force of the Latin tongue could go no farther than this. 
 
 No. 10, AV. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Tiberius to the right. Inscription as on 
 the Obverse of No. 4. 
 
 Reverse. Laureate head of Augustus Caesar to the left. Legend 
 (abbreviated): DIVOS AVGVST DIVI F; (supplied)— Divos Augustus 
 Divi Filius—" The deified Augustus, son of the Deified." Augustus was 
 called Divus (divos) after he had been consecrated, and flamens appointed 
 to him. As Julius Caesar had received the same honor in his lifetime 
 Augustus styled himself, " Son of the Deified," in which, as we see, Ti- 
 berius imitated him. For he struck coins in honor of the father who had 
 adopted him, and so conciliated the people to him. It is due to the char- 
 acter of Tiberius to say that he did not assume the name of Augustns, 
 but suffered it to be ascribed to him, as we read upon this elegant aureus,' 
 or gold coin. 
 
COINS OF TIBERIUS. 
 
 19 
 
 No. 11, AE. 
 
 The Obverse ha9 the head of Tiberius, with Inscription: "Tiberius 
 Caesar Augustus, son of the deified Augustus." 
 
 Reverse. The figure of a camp. Legend (supplied;: Colonia Augusta 
 Emerita— " The Colony of Emerita Augusta." 
 
 Another coin of this colony is figured in No. 13 of the series of Augustus. 
 The colony was named from the worthy character of the veteran soldiers 
 to whom Augustus granted the territory when he dissolved so many 
 legions at the close of the civil wars, and douated valuable lands and 
 possessions to them. 
 No. 12, AE. 
 
 The Obverse has the laureate head of Tiberius, with the inscrip- 
 tion as No. 11. 
 
 Reverse. A horseman, lance in right hand, galloping swiftly to the 
 right. Inscription, OSOA. 
 
 V V is for VRBS VICTA— "The Victorious City." Caesar, in his 
 Civil War, speaks in laudatory terms of the bravery of the people of Osca. 
 Silver mines were here, described by Livy. It is now a town in Arragon, 
 styled Huesca. 
 No. 13, AE. 
 
 Obverse. Dnlaureate head of Tiberius to the left. Portrait but little 
 resembles the preceding, being a failure in the artist. Inscription: 
 " Tiberius Caesar Augustus, Emperor, son of the deified Augustus." 
 
 Reverse. The temple erected by the people of Ratisbona. Legend: 
 AETERNITATI AVGVSTAE— "To the eternity of the Augusta" (or 
 Empress); but why Augustae instead of Augusti we cannot explain. It 
 may be a blunder of the artist, whose work in the portrait is so inferior. 
 This place is now Regensburg, Germany. 
 No. 14, AE. 
 
 The Obverse has the head of Tiberius and an inscription like the last. 
 
 Reverse. A temple of five columns, erected in honor of Augustus, 
 
 having a facade and corners of roof moderately ornamented. The letters 
 
 ABDERA are symmetrically disposed. This place is now Adra, in Spain. 
 
 No. 15, AE. 
 
 The Obverse has the head of Tiberius, with inscription like the last 
 Reverse. A ship to the right, with seven oars visible; prow armed 
 with trident; helmsman at his post; Vexillum at the prow. Inscription 
 (abbreviated): SAG L SEMP GEMINO L VAL SVRA II VIR— " Sagnn- 
 tum Lucio Sempronio Geniino, Lucio Valerio Sura Duum-viris," Segun- 
 tum: Lucius Sempronius Geminus and Lucius Valerius Sura, being the 
 mint masters. 
 
 Saguntnm, like many other Spanish cities, offered its municipal em- 
 blem to conciliate the favor of the Emperor Tiberius. The place had 
 been taken and destroyed by Hannibal, after a siege that produced a fam- 
 ine so severe as to make the adage " A Saguntine famine " proverbial. 
 The ship is that by which the colonists were brought here from the island 
 Zacinthus. 
 
 No. 16, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 The Obverse has the head of Tiberius, with inscription in Greek: 
 "Tiberius Caesar Augustus." 
 
 Reverse. Head of Livia, mother of Tiberius, to the right. Hair elab- 
 orately and elegantly dressed; profile beautiful. Legend: EAE22AIQN 
 2EBA2TH— '■ Augusta of the Edessans." The people of Edessa, at the 
 Euphrates, considered that they could not please Tiberius better than to 
 honor his mother, Livia, in this manner. In Nos. 23 and 24 of the series 
 of Augustus we have portraits of the same lady. 
 No. 17, AE. 
 
 The Reverse has the words "Pontiff; Tribunitian Power the second 
 time; by decree of the Senate." 
 
 Obverse. The head of Drusus, brother of Tiberius, to the right. 
 Inscription (abbreviated): DRVSVS CAESAR TI AVG P DIVI AVG N; 
 (supplied) — Drusus Caesar Tiberii Augusti Filius; Divi Augusti Nepos — 
 '•Drusus Caesar, son of Tiberius Augustus; nephew of the deified Augus- 
 tus." 
 
 Drusus, junior, the only son of Tiberius, and therefore heir to the 
 throne, was born b.c 13, and elected Consul a.d. 14, the year of his 
 father's accession. A.D. 22 he received the Tribunitian power, but died 
 by poison a.d. 23, administered by his wife, Livilla. He was a person of 
 most depraved character, like the majority of those who composed the 
 court of Tiberius. 
 
 No. 18, AE. A Triumphal Coin in honor of Germanicus, nephew and 
 adopted son of Tiberius. 
 
 Obverse. Germanicus riding bareheaded to the right, in a quadriga 
 triumphal chariot, elegantly ornamented. In his left hand be bears a 
 legionary eagle upon a spear Above him is the inscription " GermanicuB 
 Caesar." 
 
 Reverse. Germanicus in full armor standing to the left; his feet 
 crossed; his right hand raised, as if detailing to the Senate the events of 
 his campaigns. In his left band is a legionary eagle. Legend (abbrevi- 
 ated): SIGNIS RECEPT DEVICTIS GERM S C; (supplied) -Signis 
 
 Receptis Devictis Germanis Seuatus Consulto— " The Standards being 
 recovered; the Germans being subdued; by Decree of the Senate." 
 
 The history of this coin is one of extraordinary interest, and will repay 
 a critical reference to the history of the period. 
 No. 19, AE. 
 
 Obverse. The head of Antonia to the right. Dressing of the hair 
 modest and attractive; neck draped. Inscription: "Antonia Augusta." 
 
 Reverse. The Emperor standing in the pontifical habit, holding in 
 his right hand the simpulum. Legend (abbreviated): TI CLAVDIVS 
 CAESAR AVG PM TR P IMP; (supplied) — Tiberius Claudius Caesar 
 Augustus Pontifex Maximus Tribunitia Potestate Imperator— "High 
 Priest, exercising the Tribunitian Power; Emperor." S. C, Senatus 
 Consulto — "By Decree of the Senate." 
 
 This Antonia, the daughter of Mark Antony and Octavia, the sister of 
 Augustus, was the wife of Germanicus Drusus, brother of Tiberius. She 
 was born about B.C. 36. Her three children were Germanicus Caesar, 
 described in the preceding coin; Livilla. alluded to in coin No. 17 of this 
 series, and Claudius, afterward Emperor. She was celebrated for her 
 beauty, virtue and chastity. 
 No. 20, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The heads of Nero and Drusus, facing each other. Legend 
 (partly obliterated): " Nero and Drusus." 
 
 The three sons of the elder Drusus, brother of Tiberius, viz. Nero, 
 Drusus and Caius, were in the line of inheritance upon the death of his 
 own children; but their fate was a harsh one. Nero, the eldest, was 
 exiled by his uncle, and starved lo death, a.d. 29; Drusus, the second, after 
 a glorious career at the head of the Roman armies, was poisoned; Caius 
 (called Caligula), after a perverted youth, became the vilest Emperor that 
 had ever ruled, and his short reign was closed by assassination. This coin 
 was struck in some Spanish mint, place not identified. 
 
 No. 21, AE. A Greek Imperial, struck at Miletus, near Ephesus, in 
 honor of Agrippina, granddaughter of Augustus. 
 
 Obverse. The head of Agrippina to the right. She was the wife of 
 Germanicus, named in No. 18. and mother of Caius (Caligula), afterward 
 Emperor. Dressing of the hair elaborate; neck modestly draped. In- 
 scription (partly obliterated): MIAASIBN — '• Of the Miletans." 
 
 Reverse. The laureate head of Caius (Caligula) to the right. In front 
 of the long craned neck an eight-point star. Legend: FAI02 KAI2AP 
 TEPMANIK02 2ABA2T02 — " Caius Caesar Germanicus Augustus." 
 
 This coin more properly belongs to the series of Caligula, as it testifies 
 to the benefits received from him by the Miletans. 
 
 In commenting upon Coin No. 18 of this series, we alluded to that 
 most interesting passage of history, the disastrous defeat of Varus by the 
 Germans, a.d. 9. This general, formerly pro-consul of Syria, moved in 
 the summer of that year to the river Weser, near where it is joined by the 
 Werra. His army consisted of three Roman legions, with their regular 
 number of auxiliaries and a strong body of cavalry. By the most dastardly 
 treachery he was drawn from his camps by Herrmann, Arminius and the 
 other German chiefs, professedly Roman allies, and attacked in a woody 
 pass by an immense army of Germans. The first day's fight was inde- 
 cisive; but in the two following days, surrounded by immense hosts of 
 savages, impeded by heavy rains and worn down by incessant combat, the 
 Roman army was destroyed. Three eagles were captured. Varus com- 
 mitted suicide. All the Roman possessions between the Weser and the 
 Rhine were abandoned to the enemy. 
 
 Thus far all historians agree. The disaster sent dismay throughout the 
 Empire. The Emperor Augustus, who was both weak and aged, gave way 
 to the most violent grief. He tore his garments and cried aloud day and 
 night. ■■ Varus, give me back my legions! " 
 
 But " the great victory "as German historians delight to call it. was 
 ephemeral. It was ever the custom of Rome to vise stronger from defeat. 
 A.D. 11, Tiberius set out with an army of recovery and revenge, taking with 
 him his nephew, Germanicus Caesar, then twenty-four years of age. A.D. 
 13 Germanicus was placed in command with eight legions. His progress 
 into the German provinces, though slow, was sure. He captured the wife 
 of Arminius and her father. At the scene of Varus' disaster he gathered 
 up and buried the remains of that betrayed band. A.D. 16 he gave the 
 savages a thorough defeat on the plain of Idistavisus. and Arminius 
 escaped only in disguise. A second victory followed soon after. Armin- 
 ius was then put to death by his own relatives, as a usurper of sovereign 
 power. The lost eagles of Varus were recovered, and in honor of the abso- 
 lute reconqtiest of Germany, our Coin No. 18 was struck. 
 
 This coin, then, is a monument of certain truths upon which historians 
 are divided. Cressy, in his " Fifteen Decisive Battles," includes the de- 
 struction of Varus as one. Other authorities, accepting the traditions of 
 savage tribes for history, have elevated Arminius to the highest rank of 
 patriotism and valor. 
 
 On the other hand, we exhibit cotemporary coins, veritable " Leaflets 
 of History," stamped by the most cultivated nation of the age, declaring 
 that " the Germaus were conquered and the standards recovered! " 
 
COINS OF TIBERIUS. 
 
G<t,ini-§>hQQt§j t 
 
 JlmgriQg/rt As&QQigtUQm Q>£ $WB]!i8I&3itl8t&« 
 
 CALIGULA. 
 
 [Of the twelve Caesars who exercised imperial authority at Rome from 
 B.C. 47 to a.d. 96, Caligula, a.d. 37-11. was the fourth. The three who 
 preceded him under this title were Julius Caesar, e.g. 47-44; Augustus, 
 b.c. 31-a.d. 14, and Tibekius, 14-37. The eight who succeeded him, Clau- 
 dius, 41-54; Nero, 54-68; Galea, 68-69; Otho, 69; Vitellius. 09: Ves- 
 pasian, 69-79; Titus, 79-81, and Domitian, 81-96.] 
 
 Cains Caesar Augustus Germanicus (commonly styled Caligula), fourth 
 of the Caesars, Emperor of Rome, a.d. 37 to 41, was born at Antium. ten 
 miles south of Rome, August 31, a.d. 12. The reigning Emperor was 
 Augustus. Caligula was the youngest son of Germanicus Caesar, nephew 
 of the Emperor Tiberius, the same who restored the prestige of Rome lost 
 iu the destruction of Varus and his three legions by the Germans, a.d. 9. 
 His mother, Agrippina, granddaughter of Augustus Caesar, was oue 
 of the victims of the cruelty of the Emperor Tiberius. Nero, after- 
 ward Emperor, was the son of the second Agrippina, sister of Caligula, 
 and the Emperor Claudius was her father's brother. The nickname (rumieu 
 joculare) of Caligula (which he himself always refused to bear, deeming it 
 an insult) is derived from caliga, the form of boot, heavy and studded 
 with nails, worn by common soldiers. A private soldier was termed, 
 from this object, miles caligidalvs. The word is allied to calceus, from 
 calx, the heel; and by metonymy, caliga represents military service. 
 
 The Emperor Caligula, born under sound of trumpet, spent his early 
 years in the camps with his father. He became the idol of the sol- 
 diers. At the age of sixteen, upon the death of his mother, he took up 
 his abode with his great-grandmother, Livia Augusta, the wife of the 
 Emperor Augustus, and at her death delivered her funeral oration from 
 the Rostra, wearing the praetexta. From this he removed to the dwelling 
 of his grandmother, Antonia, the wife of Drusus, brother of Tiberius, 
 where he remained until his twentieth year (a.d. 32), when the Emperor 
 Tiberius summoned him to Misenum, in Campania, the place of the royal 
 residence. 
 
 A resident at the voluptuous court of Tiberius, Caligula concealed his 
 indignation at the treatment his family had received from that monarch, 
 and so saved his own life; but his savage and voluptuous character was 
 understood by the Emperor. He married (a.d. 35) Junia Claudilla (Clau- 
 dia), who lived but a year after. Soon after her death he obtained the 
 questorship, and then the augurate. having been created pontifex maximus 
 two years before. 
 
 The death of Tiberius, which occurred at Misenum, March, a.d. 37, in 
 the manner of an assassination, has been charged upon Caligula, who, in 
 fact, boasted that he administered poison to the old voluptuary with his 
 own hands. Yet he attended the funeral in the dress of a mourner, hair 
 and beard unshaved and untrimmed, clothed in black, all ornaments being 
 laid aside. 
 
 It was not altogether the purpose of Tiberius that Caligula should be 
 his successor. In his will he had appointed Tiberius Gemellus, his grand- 
 son, to be co-heir with Caligula; but the Senate and the people gave the 
 sovereign power to Caligula alone in honor of his father, Grrmanicu6, 
 who had been the idol of the nation, and he set out upon his brief career 
 as ruler without an opponent. 
 
 At first he seems to have tried to perform a worthy part. He paid to 
 the people and the soldiers the legacies left them by the late Emperor, 
 pardoned all who had joined in the oppressions endured by his family, 
 and publicly burnt the condemnatory papers. He released from prison 
 and from exile all political prisoners, and restored to the magistrates that 
 full power of jurisdiction of which they had been deprived. To foreign 
 princes, stripped of their patrimony by his predecessor, he behaved with 
 generosity. Among these, Agrippa, grandson of Herod the Great, of 
 Judea, who had been put in chains by Tiberius, was pardoned and his 
 kingdom restored to him. 
 
 July 1, a.d. 37, Caligula, in conjunction with his uncle Claudius, after- 
 ward Emperor, entered upon his first Consulate. Soon after this he was 
 seized with a serious illness, in consequence of his irregular mode of liv- 
 ing, and from that time became an altered man. All that was good in him 
 evaporated. The justice and moderation evinced during the first months 
 of his reign disappeared. From that time he acted more like a diabolical 
 monster than a human being. His conduct was that of a madman. Per- 
 haps his illness destroyed his mental balance and thus let loose all the 
 veiled passions of his soul. 
 
 The hand of the executioner fell heavily upon the ancient families of 
 
 Rome. Only the obscure were safe. He put to death Tiberius Gemellus, 
 whom he had formerly made Princeps Juventutis. He compelled many of 
 his relatives, amongst them his grandmother, Antonia, and his wife, 
 Ennia Naevia, to commit suicide, lie was ever haunted by the black 
 spectres of gloom and ennui. At the circus, when the number of criminals 
 failed for the bloody sports, he seized upon bystanders, ordered their 
 tongues cut out, and made them substitutes in the horrid games. At his 
 meals he ordered men tortured to death before his eyes as zest to his flag- 
 ging appetite. Once, during a horse-race, when he found the people more 
 humane than himself, he expressed the wish that " all men had but one 
 neck, and he would decollate the race at a blow." Cursed with the 
 grossest sensuality, he had a keen enjoyment of low and profligate society. 
 Ilis favorite pleasure was sensual excitement. Mystery, intrigue and sus- 
 picion hung over his court, and to all time his memory dwells in 6uch 
 contempt as well as detestation that few can even recollect his real name 
 (Caius Caesar), but call him " Caligula," as one would say "the Tom, Dick 
 and Harry of Roman Emperors." 
 
 In his madness Caligula conceived himBelf to be a god. He appeared 
 publicly as Bucchus, Apollo, Jupiter, Diana and others, representing either 
 sex, as the fancy moved him. He would stand in the temple of Castor and 
 Pollux, between the statues of those divinities, and require the people to 
 worship him in their stead. He even built a temple to himself under the 
 name of Jupiter Latiaris ("the Jove of the Latins"), and erected his 
 statue of gold as presiding god there. He even raised his horse Incitatus 
 to the consulship as his own colleague! In reading these coius we may 
 recall this wretched story to mind. 
 
 A.D. 40, Caligula led his army into Gaul, and to the shore opposite 
 Britain. But four months alter his return (viz. January 24, 41) he was 
 murdered at the theatre, together with hi6 wife and child. It may be said 
 of him, as of many subsequent tyrants, "he had shed with impunity the 
 noblest blood of Rome; he perished as 60on as he was dreaded by his own 
 domestics." 
 
 After his death the Senate, changing the fear under which they had 
 cowered before him into wrath, solemnly execrated his memory. His 
 statues were ordered to be thrown down, inscriptions erased, coins 
 gathered in and melted! This same "act of oblivion" was performed 
 nearly fifty years afterward to the dishonor of Domitian, and, so far as 
 statues and inscriptions are concerned, with success. Not bo with coins! 
 They had been distributed through too many hands, by too many methods, 
 to be gathered up again. Millions upon millions of them were scattered 
 from one confine of the great Empire to another, and the Senate may as 
 well have ordered the dust gathered that had been blown from the seven 
 hills of Rome, as to recover the dispersed coinage of this infamous ruler 
 that had passed from under the hammer in their great mint in the temple 
 of Juuo Moneta. 
 
 The abundance of ancient coins is an appropriate subject here. They 
 bring back the life of buried populations because they were struck so 
 numerously and distributed so systematically. With them all the products 
 of the earth were purchased which made Rome the emporium of the 
 earth. They were placed under termini, the boundaries of towns, fields 
 and roads, as to-day the United States surveyors place handfuls of char- 
 coal under the termini which tliey set up. Coins were placed between the 
 lips of the departed to serve him for ferriage as he passed the dark river 
 (Styx), and if we compute the number thus interred in a thousand years 
 we can form some estimate of how many remained iu circulation. The 
 engineers hid them in the angles of their camps as we to-day place them 
 under corner-stones of public edifices. From the coins of Janus, some of 
 which weighed 4.000 grains, down to minute bits of bronze, they were thus 
 committed to the guardianship of mother earth. So the life of a Roman 
 Emperor, good or bad, honored or disgraced, impressed upon imperishable 
 metal, and thus disseminated, could never be consigned to oblivion. 
 
 The subject is not exhausted. The plow-share, the engineer's spade, 
 the upheavals of earthquakes, the gulleying out of hillsides by rains, the 
 drying up and drainage of marshes, the cleansing of old pools and spring 
 heads, the breaking up of ancient wrecks upon rocky coasts, excavations 
 for foundations in all Roman cities, dredging of rivers; these and other 
 processes, natural and human, have brought to light, are bringing to light, 
 will yet bring to light, immense numbers of the coinage of Rome struck 
 during its twenty centuries of existence. Here is a list of "finds" 
 recorded within a few years: 
 
Near Rheims, Prance, 1829, 2,000 Roman coins in a Roman vase, of 
 which 1.500 in billon of Postunius. Another collection near by had 4,000, 
 all email bronze except one. 
 
 On the Jersey Coast, England, a d. 1630, 982 Roman coins. 
 
 In 1836, 700 Roman coins discovered in a vase at Lawal, on the Marne 
 in France. These were all denarii, in fine preservation. They were of 
 Tiberius, 200; Augustus, 165, etc. 
 
 At Exeter, England, in some parts of the city, a person can scarcely dig 
 a cellar without seeing half a dozen coin portraits staring him in the face. 
 One hundred aud eighty-two came out together, representing Claudius, 
 Nero and Vespasian. In October. 1876, 55,000 near Verona, Italy, etc. 
 These genuine materials of numismatic study lie so thickly under Lon- 
 don that the excavations of the underground railway there, a few years 
 since, brought to light thousands of them. 
 
 Near Chimay, France, a "find" some thirty years since contained 
 26,000 Roman coins, in bronze and billon. These ran from Valerian to 
 Aureliau. Of Gallienus there were 2,200. in eighty-three varieties; of 
 Tetricus, father and son, 18,500, in twenty-two varieties. 
 
 August 10, 1836, there were found, in a bronze basket, near Thorn- 
 grafton, eleven miles from Hexham, England, three gold and sixty silver 
 Roman pieces. The reverses were all different. They ran from Claudius 
 to Hadrian. October 2, 1836, a " find" near Maidenhead, England, filling 
 two rude vases, contained between 400 and 500 Roman coins, from Otho 
 to Antoninus Pius. About the same time there were found near Rush 
 Green, Lewisham, England, two earthen pots with 420 aurei (gold coins). 
 In 1839, at Stroud, in Kent, several hundred Roman coins from Antoninus 
 to Gratianus. In excavating for the Great Western Railway, England, 
 some 250 denarii came to light, of Valens, Gratianus and Magnus Maxi- 
 mus. 
 
 A boy in England, stooping for a stone, picked up an aureus of Trajan. 
 The Obverse, a laureate head of that emperor; Reverse, a genius bestowing 
 gifts upon two children. In the exergue were the letters ALIM ITAL. 
 The legend was: COS V PP SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI. Near Graves- 
 end, England, 552 Saxon coins were discovered, of the period ad. 814, 
 mostly fresh and sharp, as if just fallen from the mint. There was one of 
 Alfred in the heap. 
 
 In 1838, at Swansea, Englaud, 166 coins, English and Scotch snver, 
 were found in a vase. Near Loughborough, Leicestershire, England, in an 
 urn, were found nearly 2,000 Roman small bronze — eighty-four of Philip, 
 and from that to Probus. 
 
 This list might be extended to many pages. It is chiefly valuable as 
 proving the richness of the upper alluvial of Europe, Asia and Africa in 
 these metallic monuments of Roman history. 
 
 WHAT THE COINS TEACH CONCERNING CALIGULA. 
 
 READINGS 
 
 Of seventeen coins, gold, silver and bronze, of the Emperor Caligula, 
 
 from the illustrations on the fourth page. 
 
 [The student will observe in these Readings: First, that the size of a 
 Coin does not always agree with the size of the picture. Second, that the 
 metal is distinguished by an abbreviation, — AV (aurum) standing for gold, 
 AR (aiyeitii/m) lor silver, AE (aen) for copper, bronze or brass, words in- 
 discriminately used in Numismatics. Third, that there are few punctua- 
 tion points on Coins, though sometimes introduced by engravers to facili- 
 tate Readings. Fourth, that we do not reproduce the old forms of Greek 
 letters here, but substitute modern type; and Fifth, that these Readings 
 are prepared as well for the use of Learners as experts.] 
 
 No. 1, AE. 
 
 Obverse. The laureate head of Caligula to the left; beardless; bust 
 undraped. Inscription (abbreviated): C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS 
 PON M TR POT; (supplied)— Caius Caesar Augustus Germanicus Pou- 
 tifex MaxiinuB Tribunitia Potestate,— " Caius Caesar Augustus Germani- 
 cus; High Priest; exercising the Tribunitiau Power." 
 
 Reverse. A group of the three sisters of Caligula,— Agrippina, Dru- 
 silla and Julia,— in the characters of Piety, Constancy and Good Fortune. 
 The one to the left represents Fortune; her right arm is supported by a 
 short column, aud thus supports the cornncopiae. The central figure, 
 as Piety, holds the sacred patera in her right hand, and on her left arm the 
 cornncopiae. Julia, representing Fortune, holds a rudder in her right 
 band; on her left arm, the cornucopiae. The history of these three vile 
 women, their horrible commerce with their own brother, and their de- 
 served fate, is too shocking for our pages. What sneers of scorn these 
 coins excited as they passed from hand to hand throughout the great 
 Empire one may easily conceive. S. C. is read Senatus Consulto,— " By 
 Decree of the Senate." 
 
 No. 2, AE. A medallion struck at Caesarea Augusta. 
 
 Obyerse. Laureate head of Caligula to the left. The pose of the 
 
 prince is arrogant and superb. Beardless; bust not draped. Inscrip- 
 tion (abbreviated): C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS IMP; i6 upplied)- 
 Caius Caesar Augustus Germanicus Imperator. 
 
 Reverse. Three standards, upright and parallel. The central one is 
 the legionary eagle, usually made of silver. The others are the standards 
 of the maniples, or company flags, viz., a human hand, fingers erect, palm 
 outward. Legend: LICINIANO ET GERMANO II VIE,-" The mint- 
 masters, Licinianus and Germanus;" C. C. A., Colonia Caesarea Augusta. 
 See coin No. 1, series of Augustus, for this. The two men named were 
 chiefs of the mint at that place. The custom of inserting the names of 
 mint-masters in coin legends, so common with Julius Caesar, disappears 
 a little later on. 
 
 No. 3, AE. 
 
 The Obverse has the head of Caligula, with Inscription: "Caius 
 Caesar Augustus Germanicus; Emperor; High Priest; exercising Tribuni- 
 tiau Power; Consul."' 
 
 Reverse. The head of Salus, deity of Health (Prosperity, Salutation), 
 represented as a female, to the right; hair dressed; bust draped. Legend 
 (abbreviated): CN ATEL FLAC CN POM FLAC II VIR (F) C, SAL 
 AVG; (supplied)— Cneus Atellins Flaccus (et) Cneus Pomponius Duum- 
 viri Fieri Curaverunt Salutis Augusti.— " The mint-masters, Cneus Atellius 
 Flaccus and Cneus Pomponius, caused (this coin) to be struck to the 
 health of Augustus." We are not informed of what city these men were 
 the moneyers. 
 
 No. 4, AE. 
 
 Reverse. There is no type. Inscription: LICINIANO ET GER- 
 MANO II VIR C. C. A.— "The Colony Caesarea Augusta; Licinianus 
 and Germanus being the mint-masters." 
 
 No. 5, AE. 
 
 Reverse. A colonist driving a yoke of oxen and plow, to the right. 
 His right hand holds the diminutive plow in use to this day in oriental 
 countries; his left flourishes a whip. The condition of the cattle bespeaks 
 good pasturage and care. Legend the same as No. 4, save that the letters 
 C. C. A. are omitted. 
 
 No. 6, AE. 
 
 Reversb. Nero and Drusus. nephews of Tiberius, on horseback, gal- 
 loping to the right. Their cloaks and the tails of their horses indicate 
 speed. The attitude of the horses is fine. Legend: Nero et Drusus 
 Caesares— "The Caesars Nero and Drusus." It is probable there are other 
 words which are lost in this specimen. 
 
 In looking at these figures the reader will bear in mind that both met 
 with premature death at the hand of Tiberius, their imperial uncle. 
 
 No. 7, AE. 
 
 Obverse. Unlaureate head of Caligula to the left; beardless; bust un- 
 draped. Inscription (abbreviated): C. Caesar Aug Germanicus Pou M 
 Tr Pot; (supplied) — Caius Caesar Augustus Germanicus Pontifex Maxi- 
 mus Tribunitia Potestate— " The High Priest; exercising the Tribunitian 
 Power." 
 
 The nickname of Caligula is never found upon coins; it would have 
 been as much as a moneyer's life was worth to stamp upon the metal a 
 name so distasteful to the Emperor. 
 
 No. 8, AE. 
 
 The Obverse has the head of Caligula, with the same inscription as 
 that of No. 7. 
 
 Reverse. The three daughters of Germanicus by Agrippina, ?iz., 
 Agrippina the Second, Drusilla and Julia. These sisters of the Emperor 
 Caligula form a strange group upon this coin, as on the Reverse of No. 1, 
 where a brief account of them is given. 
 
 No. 9, AE. 
 
 The Obverse has the head of Caligula, with the usual inscription. 
 
 Reverse. An elegant laurel wreath inclosing the letters II Vir. In- 
 scription (abbreviated): MV AVG BILBIL C CORN REFEC M IIELV 
 FRONT II VIR; (supplied) — Municipium Augusta Bilbilis Caio Corne- 
 lio Refecto (et) Marco Helvio Frontone Duum-viris — "The Free-city Au- 
 gusta Bilbilis; Caius Cornelius Refectus and Marcus Helvius Fronto 
 being mint-masters. 
 
 The free city of Bilbilis, in Tarracon, Spain, struck numerous coins in 
 honor of the Emperors, who successively favored them. 
 No. 10, AE. A Greek Imperial 
 
 The Obverse has the head of Caligula with the usual inscription. See 
 No. 21 of the series of Tiberius. 
 
 Reverse. The god of music, Apollo, as a player upon the lyre. The 
 deity is nude; head bound with laurel. The pose is graceful; the anat- 
 omy of the figure worthy of study. Legend: A1AYMEY2 MIAH2IQN" — 
 " Apollo of the Miletans." Didymus (or " the twin " ) was a cognomen of 
 Apollo. Because the sun illuminates the moon, or because he was born at 
 one birth with Diana, therefore the Greeks termed them Didymi (twins), 
 as they did Jupiter and Apollo. Suetonius says that in honor of this. Ca- 
 ligula determined to complete the Temple of the Twin, at Miletus, which 
 had fallen through age. 
 
COINS OF CALIGULA 
 
 23 
 
 No. 11, AE. 
 
 The Obverse has the head of Caligula, with the usual inscription. 
 Reverse. The laureate head of Germnnicus, father of Caligula, to the 
 right. Legend (abbreviated): GERM CAESAR PVLCHRO III VARIO 
 II VIR— " Gcrmanicus Caesar; Pulcher being triumvir and Varius the 
 duumvir." 
 
 It is doubtful from what city this coin emanated. This Pulcher was a 
 member of the great Claudia Gens, of which there are numerous coins 
 extant; Varius was also the name of a Gens (ancient cluu) of whom 
 we have coins struck at Osca, Spain. 
 No. 12, AE. 
 
 The Obverse 16 the same as No. 11 
 
 Reverse. This is a duplicate of No. 11, save that Dosscnus takes the 
 place of Varius in the Legend. But we cannot indicate the name of the 
 city. 
 
 No. 13, AR. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Caligula to the right. Inscription (sup- 
 plied): Caius Caesar Augustus Germanicus — " The High Priest; exercis- 
 ing Tribunitian Power." 
 
 Reverse. Radiate head of the Emperor Augustus (deceased a.d. 14) 
 to the right. Legend: Divus Augustus, Pater Patriae — "The deified Au- 
 gustus; the Father of the Country." 
 
 This beautiful denarius deserves more than ordinary study. We bor- 
 row the cut from Smith's "Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography 
 and Mythology," voce Caligula. 
 
 No. 14, AE. A Greek Imperial, 6truck at Cos, and much damaged by 
 time. 
 
 Reverse. The serpent, sacred to the people of Cos. He lies in volu- 
 minous folds, with head erect, as in the act of striking. The position 
 is natural, and proves the artist. The Legend is much obliterated: KQIQX 
 --'■ Of the people of Cos." 
 No. 15, AE. 
 
 Reverse. Pegasus to the left, a most artistic personification. The 
 Legend is much obliterated: COR is for Corinth. See Nos. 7 and 8 of the 
 series of Julius Caesar. The names of the moneyers are abraded,- - LO II 
 VIR alone remaining. 
 
 No. 16, AE. A Greek Imperial, struck at Ilion, in Asia Minor. 
 Obverse. The unlaureate heads of Augustus and Caligula, facing each 
 other. Each bust rests upon a cippus. Inscription: TAI02 KAI2AF 
 ®E02 AYTOKPATfiP 5EBA2T0I — " Caius Caesar; the deified Emperor; 
 the Augustuses." 
 
 Reverse. The goddess Pallas (Minerva) standing to the front, be- 
 tween the personifications of Rome and the Senate, facing each other. 
 The head of Rome is turreted. Legend: ®EA POMH IEPA 2YNKAHT02 
 — "Goddess Rome; Holy Senate." IYI is for Iliensium— " Of the people 
 of Troy." 
 
 This coin, in auggestivenesB of locality, goddess, etc., is exceedingly 
 rich. 
 
 No. 17, AV. 
 
 Obverse. A very beautiful gold coin (aureus). The laureate head of 
 Caligula to the right; beardless; bust undraped. Inscription (abbrevi- 
 ated): C CAESAR AVG PONT MAX TR POT III COS III— "Caius 
 Caesar Augustus, High Priest; exercising Tribunitian Power the third 
 time; Consul the third time. 
 
 Reverse. The civic wreath of oak leaves and acorns presented to a 
 person who had saved the life of a Roman citizen. The wreath incloses 
 the Legend, S P Q R P P OB CS — Senatus Populusque Romanus Patri 
 Patriae- ob Cives Servatos — " The Senate and Roman People to the 
 Father of the Country for Saving Citizens." 
 
 Besides the seventeen coins figured and described, we present readings 
 of a number of denarii and aurei, many of them extremely beautiful 
 and rare. All of this sort of coinage was stamped by special order of the 
 Emperor., and not of the Senate, and therefore represents self-praise. It 
 was the " Imperial money," as the bronze coinage, made under special 
 decrees of the Senate, was the "people's money." This is to be kept in 
 mind by the coin-student. Whatever compliments to a prince or his family 
 we see upon gold or silver coins were put there by command of l/ie Emperor 
 himself, while that which we find upon bronze money was commanded 
 by the Senate. 
 
 One of these coins exhibits the civic crown with the lettering S P Q R 
 P P OB CIVES SERVATOS — Senatus Populusque Romanus Patri 
 Patriae ob Cives Servatos — "The Senate and Roman People to the 
 Father of the Country for Saving the Lives of Citizens." See our No. 
 17. The allusion is to the recall of certain exiles and other acts of clem- 
 ency performed by Caligula at the commencement of his reign. 
 
 We have an Allocution coin of Caligula in bronze which is interesting. 
 The Emperor stands to the left in a suggestum; behind him is a curule 
 chair. His right hand is raised to address five soldiers who bear four 
 legionary eagles. This represents his harangue to the Praetorian and 
 other forces at his accession. 
 
 A bronze coin of Caligula is extant with veiled female figure to the left, 
 representing Vesta, seated on a square, high-backed seat, ornamented in 
 every part. In her right hand is a patera; in her left, the hasta pura. S C, 
 for Senatus Consulto, is seen, viz. " By Decree of the Senate," in the field. 
 
 A coin of Pietas, struck to Caligula, is much like this. In the Obverse 
 is a figure veiled; the right hand holding the patera, the left elbow 
 resting upon the head of a robed female (small) standing on a base at the 
 side of the chair, with one hand on th^ bosom, the other at the side. This 
 statue is designed as an ornamental support for the left arm, but does not 
 appear to be a part of the chair. The word PIETAS is in the Exergue. 
 Upon the Reverse is a fine square temple of 6ix columns (hexastyle), dec- 
 orated with garland:) suspended among the columns. The pediment and 
 tympanum are much ornamented with statues. In front of the temple is 
 an altar, at which the Emperor, dressed in pontifical robes, is standing. 
 In his right, hand is a patera to catch the blood from an ox held for sacri- 
 fice by the victimarius. There is an attendant behind the Emperor. 
 (Imagine Caligula as a Priest!) The Legend is DIVO AVG — Divo Augus- 
 to— "To the deified Augustus,"— referring to the temple erected in honor 
 of Augustus. This temple, a century later, was repaired by Antoninus 
 Pius, and a coin struck, with the Legend, " The Temple of the deified 
 Augustus restored." 
 
 A coin found in both metals has the head of Agrippina, and commem- 
 orates the filial conduct of Caligula, who. upon his accession, repaired to 
 the island of Pandataria, and collected in an urn the remains of his 
 mother. Agrippina, who, banished by Tiberius, had died of starvation four 
 years before. Bringing these to Rome, he established, in her memory, 
 Circensian games. Her remains, borne in a carpentum, were carried 
 with pomp, and her reputation restored by coins. The Legend is: Agrip- 
 pina Mater Caii Caesaris Augusti Germanici —"Agrippina, the mother of 
 Caius Caesar Augustus Germanicus." 
 
 There is a gold coin presenting his sister Agrippina crowned with a 
 diadem, and his sister Julia. See No. 1 of this series. 
 
 A gold coin struck by Caligula in honor of Augustus, the second Em- 
 peror, has the radiated head of Augustus and the Legend (Anglice), "The 
 deified Augustus, Father of the Country." Caligula took special pains to. 
 honor his ancestor Augustus, omitting, as far as possible, the memory of 
 Tiberius, who had destroyed the dearest members of his family — father, 
 mother, etc.— in his jealous cruelty. The coin last named was struck on 
 the occasion of his dedicating the temple begun by Tiberius. At the cele- 
 bration he rode dressed in a triumphal habit, with immense display. 
 
 Coins were struck by Caligula in honor both of his father and grand- 
 father. Few princes, in fact, gave so much attention to printing genealogy 
 upon imperishable metal. The memory of these two was particularly 
 dear to the people, and at first they honored Caligula for the sake of the 
 dead. 
 
 Coins were struck with the sympulum and lituus, emblems of the 
 Augurate. The Legend is IMPERATOR PONT MAX.AVG TR POT — 
 " The Emperor, High Priest, Augur, holding the Tribunitian Power." 
 
 Several victory-coins of Caligula exist in gold and silver. One has 
 Victory seated on a Globe; in her right hand a branch of laurel. Another 
 has laurel in both hands. These are small differences to note, but they 
 show that they were struck from different dies. This Victory refers to 
 the visits of Caligula to Britain and Germany. The Legend, TR POT 
 IIII, gives the year a.d. 40. The story goes that as the spoils of victory 
 were too scanty for building a trophy, he required the Praetorian Guards 
 to cut trees and construct one from the productions of the forest. 
 
 Other evidences of his respect for Augustus are seen in coins having 
 the radiate head of that prince; another with a star upon each side of 
 the head, and another with seven stars surrounding the head. Radia- 
 tion denotes deification and the two 6tars indicate Drusus and German- 
 icus, father and grandfather of Caligula. In the group of seven, five 
 denote the five brothers of Caligula. Another of this class of coins 
 (a quinarius) exhibits a scepter laid transversely across the neck. . One 
 writer suggests that these stars refer to Arcturus, the tail of the Great 
 Bear. An elegant silver coin, very large, has the figure of Augustus, 
 togated, sitting in a chariot drawn by four elephants, with drivers sitting 
 on the neck, in Oriental mode, and seven stars surrounding the prince. 
 
 The smaller cuts, placed below the coins on the sheet of engravings 
 (fourth page), are explanatory of different numbers of this series of "The 
 Twelve Caesars." Commencing at the left hand, they are named: 1, 
 Curule Chair; "2, Obsidional Crown; 3, Civic Crown; A, Sacrificial Knife; 
 5, Roman Ring; 6, Roman Altar; 7, Arch of Titus, at Rome; 8, Sacri- 
 ficial Axe; 9, Fasces with Hatchet; 10, Ovalis Crown; 11, Naval Crown; 
 12, Sacrificial Knife; IS, Roman Lady's Ear-ring; tt, Mural Crown; 15, 
 Triumphal Crown; 16, Vallaris Crown; 17, Roman Ring. 
 
 All the coins figured in this series are extant, but not in this country. 
 The collection in the United States Mint, at Philadelphia, is rich in 
 them, but as a whole the inquirer is directed to the immense collec- 
 tions in Paris, France, embracing more than one hundred thousand 
 specimens. 
 
COINS OF CALIGULA* 
 
 * 
 
G9in*S$h@@t§, 
 
 Ammioam Association ©J Numismatists* 
 
 CLAUDIUS 
 
 [Of the twelve Caesars who exercised imperial authority at Rome from 
 B.C. 47 to a.d. 96, Claudius, a.d. 41-54, is the fifth. The four who precede 
 him, under this title, were: Julius Caesar, b.c. 47-44; Augustus, b.c. 
 31-a.d. 14; Tiberius, 14-37, and Caligula, 37-41. The seven who succeed 
 him: Nero, 54-68; Galba, 68-69; Otho, 69; Vitellius, 69; Vespasian, 69- 
 79; Titus, 79-81, and Domitian, 81-96.1 
 
 Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus, fifth of the Caesars, Em- 
 peror of Rome a.d. 41 to 54, was horn at Lyons, in Gaul, August 1, B.C. 10. 
 The reigning emperor was Augustus. His father was Nero Claudius Dru- 
 sus (vulgo Drusus Senior), the first Germanicus; and the celebrated Ger- 
 manicus, of German fame, was his brother. His mother was the beautiful 
 and illustrious Antonia, niece of Augustus. It is pleasant to recall the 
 fact that the unsullied fidelity of Drusus to his marriage bed was a theme 
 of popular admiration and applause even in that most profligate age. 
 
 But the father died while the son was yet in infancy. The constitution 
 of Claudius being feeble, he exhibited a weakness of intellect which, 
 throughout all his life, showed itself in an extraordinary deficiency in 
 judgment, tact and presence of mind. This led to his childhood being 
 neglected. He was despised and intimidated by his nearest relatives, and 
 left to the care of pedagogues who treated him harshly. His own mother 
 stigmatized him as a portentum hominis (a human monster), and declared 
 there was something in his nature wanting to the true make-up of a man. 
 It follows that he failed in his undertaking from the lack of judgment, 
 and made himself ridiculous in the eyes of others. He was excluded from 
 the society of his family, and confined to that of slaves and women. 
 Augustus and Tiberius always treated him with contempt. Caligula, his 
 nephew, raised him to the consulship, indeed, but allowed him no part 
 in public affairs. 
 
 Yet Claudius grew up to a manhood of uncommon industry, diligence 
 and research. During the long period previous to his accession to the 
 purple (for he was fifty-one years of age when crowned), he devoted the 
 larger part of his time to literary pursuits. Living in obscurity, and tak- 
 ing no part in the administration of government, his opportunities to col- 
 lect the political and historical facts of the day were improved in the 
 composition of a set of annals from the death of Caesar, to which Tacitus 
 and other Roman historians are supposed to have been indebted for much 
 that makes their works valuable. In this labor, Livy, the historian, en- 
 couraged him. Suestonius describes his literary work as " a composition 
 more awkward than elegant." He also composed histories of various coun- 
 tries. 
 
 Claudius was four times married (some historians say three). His first 
 wife was Plautia Urgulanilla, by whom he had a son and a daughter. 
 Divorcing her for cause, he married Aelia Petina. This union being soon 
 severed by divorce, he married the notorious Messalina, " an exemplar of 
 female profligacy." Upon her death for crime, a.d. 48, he chose his own 
 niece, Agrippina, mother of Nero, and the worst of the four. 
 
 Following the death of Caligula, a.d. 41, there was an interregnum of 
 two days, when Claudius was made Emperor by joint consent of the Sen- 
 ate and the army. His first acts were far-seeing and humane, evincing the 
 same kind and amiable disposition which he had exhibited through so 
 many years of private life; and all through his reign of thirteen years, 
 when left to act upon his own impulses, Claudius seemed a kind, good 
 and honest man. 
 
 During his reign, as we shall see from his coins, he was particularly 
 fond of architectural enterprises. He built the famous Claudian aqueduct, 
 and the port of Ostia, and drained Lake Fucinus. Various wars were 
 conducted in Britain, Germany, Syria and Mauretania by his generals. 
 He made a short visit to Britain, a.d. 43, and constituted that island into a 
 Roman province. For this he obtained the surname " Britannicus," and 
 enjoyed upon his return to Rome a magnificent triumph. 
 
 During his reign an attempt was made to celebrate the Ludos Secu- 
 lares, or Centennials of Rome, of which we have spoken under Augustus 
 and Domitian. It was unsuccessful. 
 
 His death was the result of poiBon, administered in a dish of mush- 
 rooms by his wife, Agrippina, who had already secured the promise of 
 the succession to her son, Nero. Seeing some indications in the fickle 
 mind of Claudius that he might withdraw from that promise and nominate 
 his own son, Britannicus, she put the Emperor to death. It is needless to 
 say the death of the son was not long delayed. This unhappy lad. son of 
 Claudius and Messalina, was born a.d. 42, during the second consulship of 
 
 his father. When the title of Britannicus was bestowed by the Senate 
 upon the Emperor, it was shared by the young prince as his proper and 
 distinguishing appellation. He was cherished as the heir-apparent to the 
 throne until the disgraceful termination of his mother's career. Upon the 
 Emperor's marriage to the ambitious and unscrupulous Agrippina, her eon, 
 Nero, by a former marriage, was adopted heir, to the exclusion of Bri- 
 tannicus. Upon Nero's accession to the purple the poor lad, then twelve 
 years of age, was poisoned. The first draught failed of success, when a 
 second, mixed with wine, was presented him at a banquet where, in ac- 
 cordance with the usage of the times, the children of the imperial family, 
 together with other noble youths, were seated at a table apart from the 
 other guests. Scarcely had the cup touched his lips when he fell back 
 dead. He was buried the same night amidst a terrific rain-storm. 
 
 The Emperor, as already hinted, enjoys the infamy of having had for 
 wives two of the worst women named in history, Messalina and Agrippina. 
 As each of these appears, in her turn, upon his coinB, they belong equally 
 to our history. Messalina Valeria, his third wife, was married to him 
 before his accession to the throne. The historians, Tacitus, Pliny, and 
 Dion Cassius, and the satirist, Juvenal, agree in making her the exemplar 
 of female profligacy. That as a wife she was faithless, cannot be doubted. 
 She was implacable when her fears were aroused, or her passions or avarice 
 were to be gratified. The Emperor was her instrument and dupe. The 
 most illustrious families of Rome were polluted by her favor, or sacrificed 
 to her cupidity or hate; and the absence of virtue was not concealed by a 
 lingering sense of shame, or even by a specious veil of decorum. Julia, 
 daughter of Germanicus, and Julia, daughter of Drusus, were among her 
 victims. The only refuge from her love or hate was the surrender of an 
 estate or province, an office or a purse, to herself or her satellites. Claudius 
 himself appeared to be, of all men, the only person ignorant of her perfidy. 
 In his British triumph she followed his chariot in a carpentum. She re- 
 ceived from the Senate the title of Augusta, and the right of precedence 
 {jus consensus) at all assemblies. Her insanity at last took such a form that 
 Claudius was compelled by his fears to issue her death-warrant, and she 
 perished, a.d. 48, in helpless agony, by the tribune's hand, in the gardens 
 of Lucullus, leaving two children,— Britannicus, of whom we speak above, 
 and Octavia, who afterward married Nero, and was murdered by his order. 
 The name, titles and statues of Messalina were removed from the palace 
 and the public buildings of Rome by a decree of the Senate. 
 
 Of Agrippina, fourth and last wife of the imbecile Claudius, our report 
 is not more favorable. Could these wretches who harried the human race, 
 like wolves among sheep — could they ever have thought that the people 
 around them were gathering up and committing to record, from day to 
 day, the facts of their guilt, and that in due time all would appear in pub- 
 lic history! Is not this what the poet laureate calls 
 
 "The fierce light that beats upon a throne?" 
 
 Agrippina, styled the younger, as distinguished from her mother of the 
 same name, was the daughter of the noble Germanicus, born about a.d. 
 15, in the camp of the Legions commanded by her father. Thus, like her 
 brother Caligula, the first sounds that saluted her ears were those of mili- 
 tary life. A.D. 28 she married Cn. Domitius Ahenobarbus, who died in 40. 
 By him her infamous son Nero was born. Her next husband was C. Pas- 
 sienus, who died some years afterward by poison, administered probably 
 by herself. By this time she was notorious for her scandalous conduct — 
 for her most perfidious intrigues and unbounded ambition. When her 
 brother Caligula became Emperor, he banished her for cause, a.d. 39, to 
 the island of Pontia, in company with her si6ter Drusilla. Upon the 
 accession of her uncle, Claudius, to the throne, a.d. 41, they were released, 
 although Messalina, the empress, was her mortal enemy. A.D. 48, upon 
 the execution of Messalina, she was married to Claudius, the union being 
 legalized by a decree of the Senate, by which the marriage of a man with 
 his brother's daughter was declared valid. This law was abrogated three 
 centuries later by Constantine the Great and his son Constans. 
 
 By her influence over the Emperor, his son Britannicus was displaced 
 from the succession in favor of her son Nero, and Octavia, daughter of 
 Claudius, was married to that prince, then sixteen years of age. Having 
 accomplished so much of her plan, she now resolved to give the quietus 
 to her husband, and to govern the Empire through her influence with her 
 son. This waB done, a.d. 54, at Sinuessa, a watering-place to which Clau- 
 dius had retired for the improvement of his health. 
 
 It is disgusting to relate the details of her subsequent career. Suffice 
 
26 
 
 COINS OF CLAUDIUS. 
 
 that petty feminine intrigues came at last to be her ruin, and that, having 
 escaped a plot for drowning her, a band of men was sent to her villa, who 
 surprised her in her bedroom, and she was slain by the hand of a centurion. 
 It is reported that Nero visited the house immediately after, and expressed 
 his admiration of the beauty of her features and form! She left commen- 
 taries upon her history and that of her family. 
 
 The numerous references to camps upon the coins of Claudius, and 
 upon Roman coinage generally, call for a description of Roman castra- 
 mentation. The old Roman plan of never resting except in an intrenched 
 camp, and the fact that every able-bodied Roman was conscripted to 
 several years of military life, make this a theme of much numismatic 
 interest. Although so much ib said, upon coins, ofVIRTVS (courage, 
 bravery, gallantry), yet it is not to be supposed that all were fascinated 
 with this sort of life. We may imagine more than one saying, " Let others 
 have the reward of valor; but for my part I am content to hear the old 
 soldiers around the festive board reciting their campaigns and drawing 
 the plans of their battles on the board with wine." The representation 
 of the storming of a camp is seen upon a coin of C. Numonius Vala, a 
 cotemporary of the poet Horace. 
 
 The representation of camps upon coins is more frequent in the days 
 of Constantine than at the period of the twelve Caesars. The Romans 
 never passed the night upon a march without fortifying their resting place. 
 They never gave battle, except from sheer necessity, without having pre- 
 viously fortified a camp to which they might retreat; and when we estimate 
 the number of marches and battles engaged in by the legions in all parts 
 of the Empire, for so many centuries, it presents the striking calculation 
 that the field-work engineering thus performed would have constructed 
 every railroad now in the ancient Empire. The military discipline of the 
 Romans was so scaled that the soldier obeyed the centurion, the centurion 
 the tribune, the tribune the lieutenant-general, the lieutenant-general the 
 consul. Therefore when the army was upon the march, the engineers 
 went before, under suitable guard, to choose and mark out a proper place 
 for the camp. A tribunus militum made the selection with due attention 
 to the nature of the surrounding country. The engineers immediately set 
 to work to stake out the form, and as the Maniples came up, every one 
 proceeded to its own quarters, and set to work there. As each Roman 
 soldier was equally skillful with spade as with sword, with ax as with 
 spear, the work went on with incredible speed and accurate joining of 
 parts. 
 
 The form of the camp, when the ground permitted, was square. It was 
 surrounded by a broad ditch, upon the inner edge of which was a rampart 
 protected by stakes. Four openings were left for gates, one on each side. 
 That next the enemy (if in a hostile country) was the Porta praetoria; 
 opposite to that (in the rear) the Porta decumana. Those on the sides 
 were Porta principalis dextra, and Porta principalis sinistra. Entrances 
 to these gates were fortified with excessive care and skill. 
 
 An area exactly proportioned to the forces having been thus marked 
 out and fortified, the first place provided for was the General's quarters, 
 called the praetorium. On one side of that were the quarters of the Lieu- 
 tenant-Generals; on the other that of the Questor. The camp was pri- 
 marily divided into two halves, and immediately within the rampart was a 
 vacant space about two hundred feet broad, to protect the troops from 
 missiles thrown over the fortifications. In the neighborhood of an enemy, 
 sentinels (procubitores) circumambulated the entire camp, exchanging 
 the watchword and keeping strictest vigil. To desert the post or to sleep 
 on the post was death without appeal. 
 
 That portion of the camp seen upon coins is the Praetorian Gate, which, 
 when the camp was a standing one, was usually built up and ornamented 
 as an imposing structure. 
 
 WHAT THE COINS TEACH CONCERNING CLAUDIUS. 
 READINGS 
 
 Of twenty-fonr coinB, gold and bronze, of the Emperor Claudius, from 
 
 the illustrations on the fourth page. 
 
 [The student will observe in these Readings: First, that the size of a 
 Coin does not always agree with the size of the picture. Second, that the 
 metal is distinguished by an abbreviation,— AV (aurum) standing for gold; 
 AR (argentum) for silver; AE (aes) for copper, bronze or brass, words in- 
 discriminately used in Numismatics. Third, that there are few punctua- 
 tion points on Coins, though sometimes introduced by engravers to facili- 
 tate Readings. Fourth, that we do not reproduce the old forms of Greek 
 letters here, but substitute modern type; and, Fifth, that these Readings 
 are prepared for the use of Learners as well as experts.] 
 
 No. 1, AE. To preserve symmetry, the two faces of this coin are 
 separated on the sheet. 
 
 Obverse. The laureate head of Claudius to the right. Inscription 
 (abbreviated): Tl CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG PM TRP IMP; (supplied) 
 — Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus; Pontifex Maximus; Tribunitia 
 
 Potestate; Imperator,— " Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus; High Priest; 
 exercising the Tribunitian Power; Emperor. 
 
 Reverse. A Civic Crown. Legend (abbreviated): EX SC OB CTVES 
 SERVATOS ; (supplied) — Ex Senatus Consulto ob Cives Servatos,— ■' For 
 preserving the lives of Citizens; by Decree of the Senate." 
 
 In some coins of this class there is a countermark in front of the face, 
 with the letters P R O B, for Populi Romani Oblatio,— " An oblation of 
 the Roman people." 
 
 This coin was struck the year of his accession, a.d. 41. Claudius had 
 revoked the law of lese-majeste, recalled exiles, reduced taxes, restored 
 estates, etc., and so was accounted worthy the Civic Wreath. 
 
 No. 2, AE. This coin was struck under the reign of Nero, but inserted 
 here as referring to events proper to the time of Claudius. 
 
 Obverse. The Port of Ostium at the mouth of the Tiber, as construct- 
 ed by Claudius, but dedicated by Nero. The form, as seen in the engrav- 
 ing, is circular. At the entrance, as if Conditor of the Port, and in the 
 background of the engraving, is a statue of Claudius, paludated, standing 
 upon a square base under the word Augusti("of the Augustus "). The 
 right hand of the statue is extended, the left supported by a long staff. 
 This statue was a mark to mariners by day. By night a light was affixed 
 to the right hand to serve as a pharos. The sides are archways for the 
 flow of water into and out of the port. There are also temples in the in- 
 closing rim for the worship of marine deities. A colossal statue of Nep- 
 tune recumbent is in the foreground, his left arm upon a dolphin. (In 
 some of these coins his right arm rests on the broad part of a rudder.) 
 The port contains four sailing and three rowing galleys. Beneath the 
 recumbent figure is the Inscription (abbreviated): S POR OST C; (sup- 
 plied) — Portus Ostii; Senatus Consnlto,— " The Port of Ostium; by 
 Decree of the Senate." The numismatist Vaillant suggests that the 
 recumbent figure may be that of Portumnus (Portunus), a tutelary god of 
 harbors, roadsteads and navigation, identified with the Greek Palaemou. 
 
 Reverse. In our engravings (taken from Vaillant's Selectiora Numis- 
 mata of 1695), the Reverse is as given here, viz., an Annona coin with 
 Ceres seated to the right holding her torch in right hand. Before her, as 
 if addressing her, stands the goddess of Abundance with the cornucopia, 
 her unvarying symbol, on the right arm. An altar is between them. This 
 coin represents the diligence of Nero in procuring corn for the people. 
 The words, Ceres Annona Angusti are read, " Ceres the Corn-deity of 
 Augustus." 
 
 But according to Hobler's Records of Roman History, the Obverse of 
 our Coin No. 2 is the laureate head of Nero to the right, with Inscription, 
 "Nero Claudius CaeBar Augustus Germanicus; High Priest; exercising 
 Tribunitian Power; Emperor; Father of the Country." As we have never 
 seen this coin we cannot decide between conflicting authorities. 
 
 But few coins exhibit such a variety, yet not crowded, upon a Reverse as 
 this of Ostium. Both as a matter of history and art it will bear critical 
 investigation. The old port of Ostium was constructed by Ancus Marcius, 
 about B.C. 626. He made it a place of importance, and the shipping port of 
 Rome. When the Romans began to be better known as a naval power, a 
 fleet of war-galleys was maintained there. Julius Caesar undertook the 
 enlargement and repair of the port, but Claudius gave himself to the work 
 with great heartiness, and completed it at a cost so enormous that the 
 architect refused to make proposals for it, declaring that it would ruin 
 him. " So," says the old historian, " Claudius, nothing deterred, put his 
 60ul into the work (rem in animum suum induxit) and completed it in a 
 manner worthy the magnanimity and power of Rome." 
 
 Ostium, now styled Ostia, is eighteen miles from Rome, and still much 
 frequented as a watering place. In Hobler's Roman Coins there are 
 drawings and elaborate descriptions of the port. 
 
 No. 3, AV. An elegant gold coin. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Claudius to the right. Inscription (sup- 
 plied): Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus; Pontifex Maxi- 
 mus; Tribunitia Potestate. For translation see No. 1. 
 
 Reverse. The image of Victory to the right, inscribing glorious deeds 
 upon a shield. Right foot rests upon a globe. Legend: Victoria August(i) 
 —"The Victory of the Augustus" (more strictly, "the Victory which 
 is the tutelary of the Emperor.") This coin refers to the success of Clau- 
 dius (a.d. 4.3) in Britain, for which he triumphed with such great honors. 
 The goddess rests her foot upon the globe as if a new world had been 
 acquired for Roman supremacy. For Britain, divided from all the world, 
 seemed to the Romans a new earth. 
 
 No. 4, AE. A Greek Imperial. The style of lettering is extremely cu- 
 rious. We know nothing like it, except the shekels and their aliquots, 
 struck by the Jews when they first acquired the right to coin money, 
 B.C. 140. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Claudius to the right. Poor art. Inscrip- 
 tion (abbreviated): TI KAAYAIOY KAIZAP02 IB— "Of Tiberius Clau- 
 dius Caesar Augustus, the 12th year." This sets the date a.d. 52. 
 
 Reverse. Head of Agrippina to the left. Legend (abbreviated): 
 ArPinniNAN 2EBA5THN IOYAIAN— " The Empress Julia Agrippina." 
 
COINS OF CLAUDIUS. 
 
 27 
 
 This was the fourth and last wife of Tiberius, whose hand was among 
 those that gave him his death. The mother of Nero, it is not unpleasant 
 to recall the fact that, she was eventually slain by his order. There ib 
 a countermark before the neck of this portrait a monogram, read BA K 
 for BA2IAEY2 KAAYAI02— " Claudius the King." 
 
 No. 5, AE. 
 
 Reverse. Two legionary standards, one of them that of seventh Legion, 
 the other not legible, but probably the eleventh. Each of the eagles, with 
 extended wings, rests one foot upon a cippus. Claudius gave great favors 
 to the soldiers of the seventh (" Urban ") and the eleventh (" Claudian " ) 
 Legions. He described them to the Senate as Faithful and Pious, in 
 memory of which circumstance this coin was struck. 
 
 A series of articles by the present writer, published in The Army 
 and Navy Journal, 1876, " The Legions of Rome as illustrated by coins of 
 the period," is the medium of more extended information under this head. 
 
 No. 6, AE. 
 
 Reverse. Three military ensigns. The central one, on which the eagle 
 with expanded wings stands on thunderbolts, is legionary. The property 
 of the twenty-second (" Primigenia "), which was formed by Augustus, in 
 Egypt, and styled Pious and Faithful. COL A A PATR is read, Colonia 
 Augusta Aroa Patrensis— "The Colona Augusta Aroa Patrens." This 
 was in Achaia, where the twenty-second Legion, when disbanded by 
 Augustus, had been colonized. For favors received from the Emperor 
 Claudius they struck this coin. 
 
 No. 7, AE. 
 
 Obverse. Unlaureate head of Clandius to the left. Inscription (sup- 
 plied): Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus. 
 
 Reverse. The three children of Claudius, the central figure looking 
 to the left, the other two looking inward. Below them a double corunco- 
 piae overflowing with fruits and foliage. Above, the word LIBERIS (da- 
 tive plural of Liberi)— "To the (three) children." Beneath, the initials 
 COL A A P — "Colonia Augusta Aroa Patrens," — for which see No. C, 
 struck at the same place. 
 
 The three children here figured are Drusus and Claudia, son and 
 daughter by his first wile, Plautia, and Octavia by his third wife, Messa- 
 lina. The latter was married to Nero, divorced and put to death by his 
 order. 
 
 No. 8, AE 
 
 Re-terse. The figures of Julius Caesar and Augustus standing on a 
 suggestum to the left. On each side the platform is a square block, as if 
 designed for two other figures. The position is graceful. Their legs are 
 crossed and they stretch the right hand forward as if addressing an 
 assembly. On the suggestum the words DIVVS AVG (nstuB) — " The 
 deified Augustus." Legend (supplied): Colonia Augusta Julia Philippi. 
 
 Philippi, a city of Macedon, named from Philip the father of Alex- 
 ander the Great. Its greatest fame in Roman history was connected with 
 the defeat of the forces of Brutus, which occurred there B.C. 43. The 
 Roman colony at Philippi, in gratitude to Claudius for his liberality, struck 
 this coin in his honor, placing upon the Obverse those two of his prede- 
 cessors who had been equally generous. 
 
 No. 9, AE. 
 
 Reverse. A figure of Neptune to the left in his shelly chariot, drawn 
 by tritons, one of which is sounding a blast to the winds and waves, with 
 a conch. The trident of the marine deity iB prominent. This type Patin 
 styles " uncommon and very celebrated." 
 
 No 10, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Reverse. Victory marching to the right, with palm branch in both 
 hands, hut no wreath. Legend: MYfiN02 2YNATKIAA APOKEflN (for 
 Antiocheon) — Myonis Synarchia Antiochensium,— "The College of the 
 Antiochans." 
 
 The image of Victory expresses the general glorification over the cam- 
 paign of Claudius in Britain, and the mint-master of Antioch hastens to 
 offer his tribute in the lesB perishable form of coins. 
 
 No. 11, AK. A Greek Imperial, to be studied in connection with No. 20. 
 
 Reverse. A hippopotamus to the right, under the word AYTOKPA 
 (toris) — " Of the Emperor." This coin was struck at the colony of Cae- 
 sarea, in Mauritania, established by the Emperor Claudius. 
 
 In the Millennial of Rome, a.d. 248, the Emperor Philip the Arabian, 
 held a celebration of the one-thousandth year of Rome, with immense 
 pomp, games, gladiatorial contests and the exhibition of wild beasts. Of 
 the latter the collection was worthy the extent and enterprise of the Em- 
 pire in its palmiest days. There were paraded through the streets of 
 Rome on that occasion no less than 32 elephants, 10 elks, 10 hyenas, 30 
 leopards, 1 hippopotamus, 1 rhinoceros, 10 ostriches, 20 wild asses, 10 
 cameleopards, and a host of wild beasts less rare. The coins of the period 
 contain specimens of the greater part of these. 
 
 No. 12, AE. A Greek Imperial, to be studied in connection with No. 13. 
 
 Reverse. A wreath of laurel, within which KOlNfiN KYIIPlfiN — 
 "The Community (Partnership, Fellowship) of the Cyprians." This 
 partnership between neighboring municipalities was common, even for 
 
 several centuries after this period. How far it extended, what friendly 
 ties it secured between people otherwise inimical, may be seen in cyclo- 
 pedias, under this head. 
 
 The present specimen was struck by some of the free cities named, in 
 acknowledgment of favors received from the Emperor Claudius. 
 
 No. 13, AE. A Greek Imperial, to be studied in connection with the 
 last. 
 
 Reverse. In the center, KYUPinN — "Of the Cyprians." Inscrip- 
 tion: E1II KOMINIOY nPOKAOY AN0YIIATO2 — " Under Cominius 
 Proclus, the Proconsul of the Cyprians." The reader will observe some 
 disorder in the lettering — perhaps the fault of the artist. 
 
 No. 14, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Reverse. Six fertile heads of wheat, tied at the stalks. Greek letters, 
 L B, for Lukabantos 2, "of the second year " of the reign of Claudius, 
 viz. a.d. 42. This emblem suggests Ceres and her abounding supplies of 
 grain. In the coins of Sicily, styled, " the native home of Ceres," on ac- 
 count of its productiveness, the emblem abounds. The coin before us 
 was struck, like the last two, in Cyprus, a fertile island. 
 
 No. 15, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Reverse. Head of one of the wives of Claudius, under the guise of 
 Ceres, to the right. The words BEA 2EBA2TH are read, " the Goddess 
 Augusta," (or the deified Empress), an expression which in those days 
 meaDt as little as the words "Most Gracious," applied to modem rulers. 
 The bust is modestly draped. 
 
 No. 10, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Reverse. A temple front of six columns. Inscription mutilated: 
 "- os Anthupatos" for "Lucius Mindius Balbus, Proconsul of the Nicae- 
 ans." Over the entrance the word NIKAIEQN — "Of the Nicaeans." 
 Nicaea, a celebrated city in Bithyuia, where this monument was struck, 
 appears frequently upon coins. 
 
 No. 17, AE. A Greek Imperial. This and the two succeeding coins 
 may be studied together. 
 
 Reverse. The personification of the river Nile to the right. The face 
 aged, bearded; bust draped. Beneath is a double cornucopiae, from one 
 of which emerges an infant. The word AYTOKPA(tori) is read, "to the 
 Emperor." 
 
 The symbolism of this coin is very curious and inviting. That the 
 people of Egypt should wish the Imperial family to be prolific in children 
 could not be more neatly turned than this. 
 
 No. 18, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The head of Isis, the goddess of Egypt, to the right. Bust 
 draped. On the forehead an elephant's head, a common type on coins of 
 the African provinces. The Greek word is read as in No. 17. 
 
 No. 19, AE. 
 
 Reverse. An eagle standing upon fulmina, to the right. The Greek 
 word is read as in No. 17. The letters below, AIT. are Lukabantos 13, 
 " of the 13th year " of the reign of Claudius, viz. a.d. 43. 
 
 Upon much the larger part of the bronze coinage of Egypt the date is 
 given in this easy manner, a method so far superior to that pursued in 
 most of the mints of the Empire that it is strange the Senate did not ap- 
 preciate it. 
 
 No. 20, AE. 
 
 Reverse. Joined hands. The Greek word is read as in No. 17. 
 
 No. 21, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The head of Messalina to the right. Hair elaborately braided; 
 bust draped. Inscription: Valeria Messalina Augusta. 
 
 No. 22, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 The Obverse has the laureate head of Claudius to the right, with 
 Inscription: Tiberius Claudius Germanicus Augustus. 
 
 Reverse. The hcadB of Claudius and his wife Agrippina turned to 
 each other. The reader will imagine the last look of this precious queen 
 when she handed her husband the poisoned draught which ended his 
 life. Legend (Anglici): " Claudius Augustus;; Agrippina Augusta." 
 
 No. 23, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Reverse. The head of Agrippina to the right. Bust draped; hair ele- 
 gantly adorned with two spicae (wheat heads). The Greek word "Agrip- 
 pina" explains itself. This woman so coveted the possession of power 
 that she said, " Let me die, but let me rule." 
 
 No. 24, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Obverse. Agrippina in the habit of Ceres, to the right. Hair ornately 
 arranged; bust draped. Out of her bosom spring two wheat-ears, and 
 between them a poppy-head. These indicate fruitfulness, and gratitude 
 to God. Inscription (Anglice): Augusta Agrippa. 
 
 Reverse. This is one of the finest groups of our series. The figure is 
 that of " the goddess of the chase." Diana, drawiug forth an arrow from 
 the quiver. In her left hand the bow is vibrating. Upon her head is the 
 crescent-moon. At her feet is a stag, and a nymph is holding the head of 
 another stag. Legend (abbreviated): Em 2EPOTHNIOY KAIIITfiN02 
 KAI IOYAIA2 2EOYHPA2 AKMflNEDN —"Under Serotenius Capito, and 
 Julia Severa, of the people of Acmonia." This is a city in Phrygia. 
 
COINS OF CLAUDIUS. 
 
 
(Mu= Sheets* 
 
 Amesmmm Animation Qi Numismatists, 
 
 NERO 
 
 [Of the twelve Caesars who exercised imperial authority at Rome, from 
 B.C. 47 to a.d. 96, Nero, a.d. 54-68, was the sixth. The five who preceded 
 him under this title were, Julius Caesar, b.c. 47-44; Augustus, e.c. 31- 
 a.j). 14; Tiberius, 1-1-37; Caligula, 37-41, and Claudius, 41-54. The six 
 who succeeded him, Galba, 68-69; Otho,69; Vitellius, 69; Vespasian, 69- 
 79; Titus, 79-81, and Domitian, 81-96.] 
 
 Tiberius ClaudiuB Nero Drusus, sixth of the Caesars, Emperor of Rome 
 a.d. 54 to 68, was born at Antium, also the birth-place of Caligula, ten 
 miles south of Rome, December 15, a.d. 37. The reigning Emperor was 
 Caligula. His father was Cneius Domitius Ahenobarbus, consul a.d. 32, 
 and proconsul in Italy, a man whose life was stained with crimes of every 
 hue. His mother was Agrippina, daughter of the good Germanicus, J but 
 herself a woman of such infamous character that when the birth of Nero 
 was announced, his father openly declared that anything sprung from 
 himself and Agrippina could bring nothing but ruin to the State. The 
 mother of Nero, losing her first husband, a.d. 40, and then a second, was 
 married, for the third time, to the Emperor Claudius. After a life of 
 cruelty and intrigue, she was put to death by command of Nero himself. 
 
 Poisoned as to the veins with such blood, with a childhood spent in 
 the most dissolute surroundings, Nero still enjoyed the teachings of 
 Seneca; and having taste and talent of his own, studied the arts, composed 
 verses, and acquired a moderate knowledge of music. In private station 
 he would have passed through life like others who, rich and idle, live and 
 die, leaving the world but little the worse and none the better for having 
 gone through it. 
 
 But it was the curse of Imperial Rome that whom the better deities 
 chose for command, evil influences held in the background. Upon the 
 assassination of Claudius, a.d. 54, the Emperor's son, Britannicus, being 
 set aside by the intrigues of Agrippina, Nero was brought forward as heir 
 to the crown. Saluted Imperator by the soldiers, the Senate acquiesced in 
 the decision, and the provinces received him as their master.' 
 
 A connected genealogical chain from Julius Caesar to Nero will be use- 
 ful here as mnemonical. 
 
 1. Julius Caesar. 2. Augustus, the grand-nephew of Julius by Atia, 
 daughter of Julia, sister of Julius. 3. Tiberius, step-son of Augustus. 
 4. Caligula, grand-nephew of Tiberius. 5. Claudius, nephew of Ti- 
 berius, and second cousin of Caligula. 6. Nero, stepson of Claudius, and 
 last descendant of Julia, sister of Julius Caesar. 
 
 Nero was thrice married. At the age of sixteen he was espoused to 
 Octavia, daughter of the Emperor Claudius and Messalina. Never dis- 
 guising his aversion to this lady, he divorced her on the plea of sterility, 
 and took for a second wife Poppaea, whom he had seduced from Otho, 
 afterward Emperor. Octavia was then charged with incontinency, ban- 
 ished, and put to death by the arts of Poppaea. She was but twenty years 
 of age, and her unhappy life and untimely death were the subject of 
 general commiseration. 
 
 Agrippina, mother of Nero, was likewise a victim to the animosity of 
 Poppaea. The death of Poppaea came in due order; her brutal husband, 
 in a fit of passion, kicked her when pregnant, and the blow proved fatal. 
 His next enterprise in the direction of a wife was that of his own sister by 
 adoption, Antonia, daughter of Claudius; but she refused the honor, and 
 suffered death for her contumacy. Finally he married Statilia Messalina, 
 whose husband he had slain, and she survived him. He left no children. 
 
 So, at the immature age of scant seventeen, 'he boy Nero, — not yet 
 developing any particular trait of character, much leBS that odious and 
 detestable one, that besottedly fanatical and intolerant one, which has 
 linked him with Caligula, Domitian. Commodus and Elagabalus as the 
 monsters of human kind,— assumed the Roman purple. 
 
 The beginning of his reign was no worse than might be expected of an 
 illy-educated youth of seventeen. His public addresses, written by Seneca, 
 were models of oratory. He made favorable dispositions to the Senate, 
 and divided crowns and kingdoms with liberal hand. 
 
 His years of consulship are thus tabulated: 
 
 First consulship, a.d. 55, with L. Antistius Vetus. 
 
 Second consulship, a.d. 57, with L. Capurnius Piso. 
 
 Third consulship, a.d. 58, with Valerius Messalla. 
 
 Fourth consulship, a.d. 60, with C. Cornelius Lentulus. 
 
 Fifth consulship, a.d. 68, alone. 
 
 The principal events 6tf Nero's reign were the breaking forth, a.d. 65, 
 of the rebellion in Judea, which resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem, 
 
 a.d. 70. Coins referring to the subjugation of the Hebrews were struck 
 under Vespasian, Titus and Domitian. The unprecedented fire of a.d. 64, 
 in which much of the city of Rome perished, belongs to this reign. Of 
 the fourteen regiones of the city, ten were reduced to ashes. The origin of 
 the conflagration was popularly attributed to Nero himself, though it is 
 difficult to understand what motive could have actuated him. Nero him- 
 self threw the odium upon the Christians, of whom many were in conse- 
 quence slain by the most refined tortures. A great eclipse of the sun 
 occurred shortly after the death of Agrippina, and awakened superstitious 
 fear throughout the Empire. The rebellion in Britain, in which the name 
 of Boadicea appears, was easily put down by Nero's lieutenant. The year 
 a.d. 60 was marked by the appearance of a portentous comet, which be- 
 tokened some catastrophe. 
 
 The death of Nero was a fitting close to a life whose wanton and licen- 
 tious appetite had alienated every one. Deserted by his friends, he was 
 condemned by the Senate to be put to death more majomm, " in the 
 ancient style," which was, " to have his head fixed in a fork, and be whipped 
 to death! " He fled to a house outside the city and stabbed himself, June 
 9, a.d. 68, after a reign of thirteen years, seven months and twenty-eight 
 days. St. Paul may have had him in view when he wrote (Romans iii, 13) 
 of the mouth that was an open sepulchre. 
 
 With Nero we bid farewell to the line of emperors and chiefs professing 
 to be descended from Aeneas and Augustus. We bid farewell to them and 
 to the Btate of things which they created and maintained in the Empire. 
 A new scene commences. The old Bystem of hereditary descent com- 
 menced by Julius Caesar and kept in force for a century, is broken up, and 
 the army having discovered the secret of creating an Emperor, the republic 
 is at once thrown into their power, and all the rights and authority of the 
 Consuls and Senate, as the true legislators, are set aside, and they are 
 treated as mere puppets, to be called into play at the caprice of the military. 
 
 The frequent appearance upon the coins of Nero of his second wife 
 Poppaea demands a brief account of this beautiful but vicious woman. 
 She came from a noble family at Rome. The historian says that she pos- 
 sessed everything needful to make a perfect woman except 'a virtuous 
 mind. Surpassing beauty, ample fortune, conversational powers distin- 
 guished for sprightliness and vivacity— such were her qualities. She was 
 first married to Rufus Crispinus, praetorian prefect under Claudius, by 
 whom she had a son. Being divorced from him, she then married Otho, 
 afterward Emperor. Nero, making her acquaintance, removed Otho to 
 the province of Lusitania, and she became the mistress of the Emperor. 
 But her ambition aspired to be his wife ; and as Agrippina, mother of Nero, 
 was the chief obstacle, she worked upon his mind to put his mother to 
 death, a.d. 59, a fate she had long merited. The next step was to separate 
 Nero from his wife Octavia, whom he had always disliked. By working 
 alternately upon his [hopes and fears she succeeded, and the unhappy 
 lady who, indeed, had brought to her husband the Empire itself, was first 
 divorced and then slain. The marriage of Nero and Poppaea occurred 
 a.d. 62, and her goal was gained. 
 
 In the following year a daughter was born of the union. This event 
 caused the most extravagant joy to Nero, and was celebrated with public 
 games and rejoicings. Doubtless coins will be found impressed with thiB 
 bit of history, as also the death of the infant, that soon followed; for it 
 was enrolled among the gods, S. C, "by decree of the Senate! " A.D 65, 
 Poppaea was again pregnant, but was killed by a blow from her husband 
 inflicted in a fit of passion. Then the harlot herself was deified. Her 
 body was enbalmed and deposited in the sepulchre of the Julian family. 
 A public funeral was decreed, Nero himself delivering the oration, and a 
 magnificent temple was dedicated to her, which bore the inscription, Sa- 
 binae deae Veneri matron es fecerunl—* The mothers erected this to the 
 goddess Venus Sabina" (Sabina, the proper name of Poppaea). The only 
 people who regretted her death were the Jews, whose cause she had de- 
 fended, doubtless for mercenary motives; and it is odd to see Josephus 
 styling her in his Antiquities (xx. viii, 11) " a religious woman." Poppaea 
 was inordinately fond of luxury and pomp, and took immense pains to 
 preserve the beauty of her person. Her mules were shod with gold, and 
 five hundred she-asses were milked daily to supply her with a bath of fresh 
 milk. 
 
 The coins of Nero are usually fine. Like those of Cyzicene in Asia 
 Minor, styled " the Cyzicene Staters," ou account of their elegance, many 
 of Nero's are models of art. 
 
30 
 
 COINS OF NERO. 
 
 The attributes of Ceres were favorites upon the coins of Nero. These 
 were so attractive to the moneyers of Greece and Rome that an account of 
 so popular a deity is in place here. As agriculture is the basis of every 
 well-regulated Bocial condition, the ideas associated with Ceres are those of 
 peace and good rule. The arma cerealia were the plow, spade and imple- 
 ments of husbandry. She was the mother or giver of cereal food gener- 
 ally. The daughter of Cronus and Rhea, she was the mother of Proser- 
 pine. The long torch usually seen in her left hand upon coins is con- 
 nected with an incident very affecting in heathen mythology, in which 
 much of human passion was wrapped up. Her daughter Proserpine had 
 been abducted by Pluto and taken to his subterranean abode. Ceres, 
 learning that this was done by the consent of Jupiter, refused to return to 
 her heavenly place, and remained among men, conferring blessings by 
 causing the fields to produce grain. Upon the restoration of her daughter, 
 however, she consented to change her resolution, but first instructed men 
 in the art of agriculture. 
 
 "Upon the coins we see the long torch, with fire burning from the top, 
 with which Bhe went about in search of her daughter; also the mystic 
 basket shaped like a barrel. Sometimes 6he holds a sceptre, corn ears or 
 a poppy. Around her head is a garland of wheat ears, or a simple ribband. 
 Her stature is tall and majestic. 
 
 Her ascription upon coins are such as these: Ceres Annona; Ceres 
 Augusta; to Ceres the Fruitbearer (Oereri Frugiferae); to Ceres the 
 Restorer (Redux), etc. In the folio of 1764, D'Orville's Sicula, the 
 representations of Ceres are the most frequent of the two hundred and 
 forty specimens there figured. She is delineated among them as a beauti- 
 ful woman, matronly, her head crowned with spicse (wheat ears), which 
 are interwoven with her hair in many beautiful forms. In some of them 
 earrings are worn in forms of jewelry used at the present day by oriental 
 women; for the island of Sicily was reckoned the favored home of Ceres. 
 
 In examining coins of Nero we may recall the fact that, when they 
 were struck, thousands of Christians were living concealed in the cata- 
 combs of Rome, marking upon the soft stone those emblems and inscrip- 
 tions that express the undying faith which sent them there. We find 
 upon none of his coins yet discovered any allusion to the burning of Rome 
 or to the persecution of the Christians. 
 
 WHAT THE COINS TEACH CONCERNING NERO. 
 
 HEADINGS 
 
 Of twenty-three coins, silver and bronze, of the Emperor Nero, from the 
 
 illustrations on the fourth page. 
 
 [The student will observe in these Readings: First, that the size of a 
 Coin does not always agree with the size of the picture. Second, that the 
 metal is distinguished by an abbreviation, — AV (aurum) standing for gold; 
 AR (argentum) for silver; AE (aes) for copper, bronze or brass, words 
 indiscriminately used in Numismatics. Third, that there are few punctu- 
 ation points on Coins, though sometimes introduced by engravers to 
 facilitate Readings. Fourth, that we do not reproduce the old forms of 
 Greek letters here, but substitute modern type; and, Fifth, that these 
 Readings are prepared as well for the use of Learners as experts.] 
 
 No. 1, AE. A medallion. The two faces are set at opposite sides of 
 the page, to preserve symmetry. 
 
 Obverse. The laureate head of Nero to the left. Chin prominent, 
 almost to deformity; beard crisp, thick, woolly; bust undraped; pose of 
 the head superb. 
 
 Inscription (abbreviated): NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GERM 
 PM TRP IMP PP; (supplied) — Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Ger- 
 manicus Pontifex Maximus Tribunitia Potestate Imperator Pater Patriae— 
 "Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus; the High Priest; exer- 
 cising the Tribunitian Power; Emperor; Father of the Country." 
 
 Reverse. An Allocution scene. Nero, togated, is standing in front of 
 a suggestum. A person, also togated, standing near him, a little retired. 
 Nero is addressing three soldiers, representatives of the three Maniples 
 composing a Cohort. One bears the legionary eagle, one the open hand 
 or flag of the maniple. In the rear of the military delegates is the Prae- 
 torium at Rome. Legend (abbreviated): ADLOCVT COH; (supplied)— 
 ADLOCVTIO COHORTI— " Address to the Cohort." 
 
 There are bronze coins of precisely the same type as this, weight 392 
 grains; and the "Allocution" here marked presents the earliest type of 
 Nero's reign. He is addressingthe Praetorian soldiers upon his accession, 
 a.d. 54, and the person standing by him on the suggestum is Burrhus, 
 commander of those favored troops. 
 
 No. 2, AE. 
 
 Obverse. The laureate head of Nero to the right. General expression 
 and poise of the head as No. 1. Hair curly, dressed in front in a curious 
 pattern. Inscription as No. 1. At the point of the bust is a figure of a 
 mask. We often find in his coins at the bust a small globe. 
 
 Reverse. An Annona scene; expressed with such rare beauty that 
 
 the hand of Nero himself, an accomplished artist, may be detected in it. 
 Legend: ANNONA AVGSTI CERES— "Ceres the Annona of the Augus- 
 tus." S. C, Senatus ConBulto-" By Decree of the Senate." This always 
 implies the decree sent to the Chief of the Mint, specifying the purpose, 
 character and value of the coin ordered. To read the Reverse of this 
 beautiful coin we begin with the sitting figure. Ceres, seated to the left 
 on a square seat; in her left hand is a lighted torch, under her left foot a 
 low stool. Her right hand points to a decorated altar, on which is a 
 grain-measure (modius). A female in front of her, whose left foot also 
 rests upon a low stool, bears an overflowing cornticopiae on her left arm; 
 in the background, as a shadow, appears the stern part of a grain-galley. 
 
 It was the custom of the Emperors to distribute annually a supply of 
 grain to the poorer classes of Rome. This gratuity was called Annona, 
 from annus a year; annona=the yearly produce of the earth. 
 
 No. 3, AE. This represents the closing of the Temple of Janus. It 
 may be studied in connection with No. 4. Nero closed the gates of this 
 temple a.d. 58, for the first time since the days of Augustus. 
 
 Reverse. Temple of Janus Quirinus. On the right is the closed door. 
 A garland is suspended so as to fall over the top of the door, which is 
 arched. The side of the building shows openings for the admission of 
 light. Legend (abbreviated): PACE P R TERRA MARI QVE PARTA 
 IANVM CLVSIT; (supplied)— Pace Populi Romani Terra Marique Parta 
 Janum Clusit— " The peace of the Roman people being brought forth on 
 land and sea he closed Janus." In the Legend of Coin No. 4, the word 
 Vbigue (everywhere) is substituted for Terra Marique with the same 
 meaning. 
 
 Of this coin Patin says: "In my opinion it exhibits the most superb 
 of all antique inscriptions. In the midst is seen the temple that Numa 
 the second king of Rome, constructed, which was the index of peace and 
 war, signifying open in War, closed in Peace. Numa first closed it. Again 
 it was shut after the first Punic war, a.v.c. 519; the third time, after the 
 battle of Actium, by Augustus, 725; the fourth time, by the same prince, 
 after the Cantabrian war, 729; the fifth time (as some authors aver), by the 
 same at the birth of Jesus Christ." 
 
 No. 4, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The same as No. 3, except that VBIQ is substituted for 
 TERRA MARIQVE, with the same meaning. 
 
 No. 5, AR. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Nero to the right. General expression as 
 in preceding number. Inscription (abbreviated): NERO CAESAR AVG 
 G IMP; (supplied)— Nero Caesar Augustus, Germanicus Imperator. 
 
 Reverse. A Decursio scene, drawn with much spirit. A horseman, 
 bareheaded, gallops to the right, his cloak flying behind him; in right 
 hand a spear, couched as for the charge. Behind the horse a foot-soldier, 
 running, armed with sword and shield. In front, a foot-soldier, with lance 
 and shield, has fallen on his knees. In some coins with this type, the lat- 
 ter is running with a standard. Legend: DECVR, for Decursio — "A Cav- 
 alry Exercise." 
 
 This coin was struck about a.d. 60, when Nero instituted certain five- 
 years games. It represents the disciplina, or training exercises of the Ro- 
 man cavalry. The two foot-soldiers are training to join and assist the 
 cavalry in battle. 
 
 No. 6, AE. 
 
 Obverse. The unlaureate head of Nero to the right; beardless; trans- 
 versely across the neck is a parazonium. Inscription (abbreviated): 
 NERO CLAV CAES AVG IMP VRINO VOLVMNIO ; (supplied)— Ne- 
 roni Claudio Caesari Augusto Imperatori Urino Volumnio — "To Nero, 
 etc. ; from TJrinus Volumnius." 
 
 Reverse. The heads of Nero and Octavia, his first wife, facing each 
 other. Above his head is the figure of the Sun; above hers, the Moon. The 
 arrangement of her hair, like that of other Roman matrons upon coins, is 
 labored and elegant. Bust neatly draped. Inscription (supplied): Nero 
 Claudius Caesar Augustus Imperater Octavia Augusta. 
 
 Octavia was the daughter of the Emperor Claudius, born about a.d. 42, 
 and married to Nero a.d. 53, at the age of eleven years, Nero being but 
 sixteen. He divorced her a.d. 62. and shortly afterward put her to death. 
 
 There is a question among numismatists as to this TJrinus Volum- 
 nius, but he was probably the mint-master of Corinth, where this coin 
 was struck. 
 
 No. 7, AE. It may be studied in connection with Nos. 8 and 9, as they 
 have the same Obverse. Like most coins struck in Greece (except those 
 of Athens), it displays high numismatic art. 
 
 Reverse. Bellerophon, with shield on left arm, governing Pegasus. 
 This was the symbol or municipal emblem of the city of Corinth. The 
 attitudes of horse and man in the coin are admirable. The Legend is 
 partly erased by rust; all that we can read distinctly id, II VIR— "Du- 
 umviri," the preceding word containing the name of that officer. COR 
 is for " Corinth." 
 
 We find from other coins of this class thafcthe moneyer's name was 
 C IVLIO POLYAENO n VIR COR— "Cains Julius Polyaenus," etc. 
 
COINS OF NERO 
 
 31 
 
 No. 8, AE. 
 
 Reverse. A crown formed of celery inclosing the word ISTIIMIA — 
 "Belonging to the isthmus of Corinth." COK, Corinthus— " Corinth." 
 
 The word Isthmia may suggest the canal commenced through the 
 Achaian isthmus, which the Corinthians attributed to Nero; or, it may 
 refer to the Isthmian Games of Corinth, of which this celery crown was 
 the distinguishing prize. 
 
 As the death of St. Paul occurred about the period in which this coin 
 was struck, and was perhaps due to the cruelty of Nero, we may compare 
 his remarks relative to this crown, in 1 Corinthians ix. 
 
 The abraded letters represent the Bame name as in No. 7, viz. " Caiii6 
 Julius Polyaenus, the Duum-vir." 
 
 No. 9, AE. This is an Adventus coin, and displays Hue art. 
 
 Reverse. A Praetorian galley, six oars on a side. Vexillum is flying 
 at the center. Legend (supplied): Adventus Augusti— " The Approach of 
 the Augustus." The other letters may be studied in the light of Nos. 1 
 and 8. It is difficult to explain the uniform illegibility of all these three 
 classes of coins. 
 
 No. 10, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Obverse. Head of Octavia, first wife of Nero, to the right. Hair ele- 
 gantly braided and dressed; bust modestly draped. Inscription: OKTA- 
 OYIA 2EBA2TA— Octavia Sebasta— " The Empress Octavia." The letter 
 L is for AYKABANT02— "Of the year." the word "one" being under- 
 stood. This dates the coin the same year of her marriage with Nero. 
 
 Reverse. Head of Nero to the right, adorned with radiate crown; 
 bearded. Inscription (Anglice): Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Em- 
 peror. 
 
 No. 11, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Reverse. The numismatic type of a river, represented as a recum- 
 bent man. From his right shoulder to his right hand extends a swamp 
 reed. Under his arm is an urn, from which water flows. Inscription 
 (abbreviated): Eni EPMOrE KAAP02 3XIYP— "Under (the rule of) 
 Claras Hermogenis of the Smyrnaeans." 
 
 The city of Smyrna struck many coins to Nero, as to other emperors, 
 and the type here given refers to the situation of the city. Clarus Hermo- 
 genis was Praetor under Nero. 
 
 No. 12, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Reverse. A male figure, nude to the hips, to the right, looking upward 
 and forward with ardent gaze. Right hand resting on a spear; on left 
 arm, an overflowing cornucoplae. Left hand gathers and sustains the 
 falling garments. Legend: AEM02 PnMAIQN— " The people of the Ro- 
 mans." 
 
 This coin may be studied in connection with Nos. 4 and 13. It was 
 probably struck in Roumania, Thrace. 
 
 No. 13 AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Reverse. Figure of a cithara-player. This was the ancient harp or 
 lyre. She is gracefully tripping to the right. In her left hand is the 
 cithara; in her 'right, the dish for collecting donations. (? ) Legend: 
 EPEITON AnOAAfiN— "Of the utterances of Apollo " Nero, as a de- 
 votee of music, was a devout worshiper of Apollo. He not only made 
 verses, but sung them upon the public stage. 
 
 No. 14, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Reverse. Male figure, standing upon a suggestum, to the left. In 
 right hand an urn. Legend (abbreviated): Yn AYrH IOY HPH2IEI- 
 noY— "ByAulus Caius Julius Erisippus." 
 
 The preposition Yn for Yno upon coins (like En for ETII) always 
 implies the government by a magistrate. 
 
 No. 15, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Reverse. A Macedonian shield. Inscription: 2EBA2T02 MAKE- 
 AONfiN — "The Augustus of the Macedonians." We find, from exam- 
 ination of coins, that the Macedonians, by whom this coin was struck, 
 were in the habit of offering this shield to many Emperors. Often in 
 silver, sometimes in gold, the gift was costly and grateful to the recipient. 
 
 No. 16, AR. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Nero to the right. Inscription: "Nero 
 Caesar Augustus." 
 
 Reverse. A winged Victory, moving to the right. In her right hand 
 a laurel crown; in her left, a palm branch. Legend: ARMENIAS. 
 
 At the commencement of Nero's reign, a.d. 54, Volagaeaes, King of 
 the Parthians, attempted to invade Armenia, its prince, Rhadamistus, 
 having been defeated. But Nero placed Corbulo over this province, who 
 made peace with Vologaeses and received hostages. Hence this denarius 
 was struck, with the name of Nero coupled with the Armenian victory. 
 
 No. 17, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Obverse. Nero in the habit of Apollo to the right, bearing a cithara 
 in his hands. Inscription: NEPfiNI AnOAAJlNI — "To Nero, the 
 Apollo." 
 
 Reverse. The winged figure of Victory, gradient, to the left, with 
 crown in right hand and palm branch in left. Legend: NEPI2N02 — 
 "Of Nero." 
 
 This interesting specimen confirms the historical statements of the 
 " royal fiddler," for Suetonius refers to this very coin when he says that 
 Nero erected his statues in the form a cithara player, and also struck 
 coins with the same figure. Xiphilinus declares that Nero stood on the 
 stage in the guise of a cithara player, and that he called himself by the 
 name of Apollo, and overcame many in musical contests. 
 
 No. 18, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Reverse. The figure of Agrippina, mother of Nero, seated on an 
 ornamented chair to the left. A veil falls back from her forehead. In her 
 left hand is an overflowing cornucopia; in her right a laurel branch. 
 Legend: ArPIIIHEINlI 2EBA2T(H)— "The Empress Agrippina." Struck 
 in some provincial city, it regards this dissolute princess as a deity to be 
 worshiped! 
 
 No. 19, AE. 
 
 Reverse. Head of Jupiter Ammon to the left, crowned, as enstom- 
 ary, with ram's horns; bearded; hair thickly curled. Inscription (sup- 
 plied): Colonia Julia Augusta Cassaudrens — " The Julian Augustan Colony 
 at Cassandria." This place is situated in Macedonia, at the entrance of 
 the Isthmus of Pallene. Pliny describes its people as worshiping a 
 stone which fell from heaven. 
 
 No. 20, AE. 
 
 Reverse. A bull, to the right, pushing with horns and tossing the 
 dust. Legend (abbreviated): EX CONSENSV C C I B; (supplied) — Ex 
 Consensu Colonia Campestris Julia Babba — "By Consent of the Julian 
 Campestral Colony of Babba." This Babba waB a city in Mauritian Tin- 
 gitana. 
 
 No. 21, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Reverse. The jugated heads of Nero and his wife, Poppaea, to the 
 right. His head is laureate; hers presents the hair elaborately dressed; 
 bust draped. Legend: " Nero, the Augustus; Poppaea, the Augusta." 
 
 No. 22, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Reverse. Head of Poppaea to the right. The beauty of the hair- 
 dressing is marvelous. Legend: "Poppaea Augusta." 
 
 No. 23, AE. This may be compared with the two preceding. A Greek 
 Imperial. 
 
 Reverse. Head of Poppaea to the right. Legend: "Poppaea Au- 
 gusta." The letters LI are for Lukabantos I— "Of the year 10" of the 
 reign of her husband; viz. a.d. 63. 
 
 Among the gold coins of Nero we instance the -following, which are 
 rare : 
 
 1. Type, two standing figures; one radiated, of Augustus holding the 
 patera in his right hand, and the hasta pura in his left; the other of Livia, 
 having the patera in her right hand and two cornucopia; in her left. The 
 Legend is: AUGUSTUS AUGUSTA. The frequent use of the patera in 
 ancient coin-emblems is an evidence of the religious sentiment of the 
 Romans. It was a broad, shallow bowl, and the vessel used for making 
 
 . libations at a sacrifice, etc. (also, " a goblet or broad piece of plate to drink 
 out of"), without which it would seem that no religious exercises could 
 be conducted. In the changes that followed the introduction of Christi- 
 anity into the Roman empire, the cross took the place of the patera. 
 
 2. Type, a female figure standing, holding patera and cornucopia; as 
 usual. Legend: CONCORDIA AUGUSTA. This rare and beautiful 
 aureus was struck to indicate the perfect concord that had been estab- 
 lished between Nero and his mother Agrippina, who appears on this coin 
 as Dea Concordia. Her position, seated, implied that concord between 
 the parties (the son and the mother) is lasting. She is depictured holding 
 a patera, because from that the libation was poured out. 
 
 3. Type, the emperor togated (wearing the toga or citizens' dress) and 
 standing to the front. His head is radiated. In his right hand he holds a 
 branch; in his left, a globe, with a victoriola surmounting it. Legend: 
 AUGUSTUS GERMANICUS. 
 
 This charming aureus was struck by command of Nero, in honor of 
 Tiberius Claudius, by whom he had been adopted. The radiated head im- 
 plies the decease and deification of the person thus honored. The titles 
 Augustus and Germanicus are explained in our accounts of the Emperor 
 Claudius. The branch denotes that peace prevailed through the universal 
 empire, and that the temple of Janus had been closed. The globe, upon 
 which the Gloriola sits, teaches that the whole world had been subdued 
 and subjected to the Roman laws. 
 
 4. There is a beautiful gold coin (aureus) similar to No. 4 on our coin- 
 sheet. 
 
 5: Types, the patera, tripus, simpulum or capeduncula and lituus. 
 Legend (abbreviated): SACRED COOP IN OMN CONL SVPRA NVM 
 EX SC; (supplied)— Sacerdos Cooptatus In Omnia Collegia Supra Numerum. 
 Nero, who had been Princeps Juventutis, and was not yet Augustus, took 
 the title " The Priest Chosen," etc., as seen on the coin; The words Ex 
 Senatus Const/lto. so rare upon a gold or silver coin of the empire, are 
 placed here to imply not that the coin was struck by order of the Senate, 
 for the Senate had no control over those of the precious metals, but that 
 the choice (cooptatus) was made by their order. 
 
COINS OF NERO. 
 
G&im*Sheetg t 
 
 &m&siQ&m AssQGistiQni at NumismstrntSi, 
 
 GALBA. 
 
 [Of the twelve Caesars who exercised imperial authority at Rome from 
 B.C. 47 to a.d. 96, Galba, a.d. 68-69, was the seventh. The six who preceded 
 him under this title were: Julius Caesar, b.c. 47-Ai; Augustus, b.c. 31- 
 a.d. 14; Tiberius, 14-37; Caligula, 37-41; Claudius, 41-54, and Nero. 
 54-68. The five who succeeded him: Otho, 69; Vitellius. 69; Vespasian, 
 69-79; Titus, 79-81, and Domitian, 81-96.] 
 
 ServiuB Sulpicius Galba. Beventh of the Caesars, Emperor of Rome a.d. 
 68 to 69, was horn at Terracina, twenty miles southeast of Rome, Decem- 
 ber 24, b.c. 3. The reigning Emperor was Augustus. His father was Sul- 
 picius Galba, an orator of ordinary abilities, a humpbacked man ; Consul 
 a.d. 22, who committed suicide from political disappointments a.d. 36. 
 His mother was Mummla Achaica, great-granddaughter of Mummius, who 
 destroyed Corinth b.c 146. At her death her husband married Livia 
 Ocellina, a relative of Livia, wife of the Emperor Augustus, who adopted 
 the subject of this sketch, and changed his name to L. Livius Occlla. 
 which he bore at the time of his elevation to the purple. It was not con- 
 sidered, however, that he was a relative of Augustus, whose family be- 
 came extinct in the death of Nero. 
 
 Galba early displayed such traits of character that both the Emperors, 
 Augustus and Tiberius, assured him he would one day be at the head of 
 the Roman world. His advancement, under such high patronage, was 
 sure. Before attaining the legitimate age, he was invested with curule 
 offices. He was Praetor a.d. 20, for which he had the province of Aqui- 
 tania (southern France) assigned him. He was made Consul a.d. 33, and 
 carried on a successful war in Germany. 
 
 Upon the death of Caligula, January 24, a.d. 41, he was named as a 
 candidate for the throne, but preferred living in a private station. In 
 acknowledgment of this self-reserve, Claudius, the successor of Caligula, 
 showed him much kindness and attention. 
 
 A.D. 45 and 46 he was sent to the province of Africa, which had been 
 greatly disturbed by the licentiousness of the military, and the incursions 
 of barbarians. There he restored peace, restrained the soldiers, and 
 acquired new honors. For these services he was endowed with the oraa- 
 menta triianpIuUia, and the dignity of three priesthoods — the Quinde- 
 cemviri, the SodalesTitii, and the Augustales. 
 
 During the reign of Nero, a.d. 54 to 68, he lived in strict retirement, 
 dreading to become the victim of that tyrant's suspicion. A.D. 61, Nero 
 gave him the province of Hispania Tarrocon, which he governed for eight 
 years. This brings us to the period when the death of Nero elevated Galba, 
 at the advanced age of seventy years, to the throne of the Empire. 
 
 The deposition of the wretch Nero, who had so long disgraced the pur- 
 ple, was followed closely by his death. The sword which had destroyed 
 so many was put to his own throat, and the Empire stood without a head. 
 Galba, being in command in Spain, was warmly solicited by C. Julius 
 Vindex to unite with him in an insurrection, which in a.d. 68 the latter 
 was conducting against Nero., The messengers to Galba assured him that 
 "he was the most eminent among the generals of the time, and the proper 
 successor to Nero, whose doom was clearly impending." Vindex ex- 
 horted him to arise and vindicate the rights of oppressed humanity. 
 
 The old general, having already learned that emissaries of Nero were 
 in Spain seeking to murder him, resolved at once to take the perilous 
 step and place himself at the head of the Roman world. He assembled 
 his troops, harangued them upon the cruelties of Nero, and was at once 
 proclaimed Imperator. 
 
 Organizing his forces, he gathered around him a council of elders in the 
 manner of a Senate, and affirmed to all inquirers that he was acting only 
 as the legate of S. P. Q. R. 
 
 Upon the announcement of the death of Nero, Galba took the title of 
 Caesar, and, accompanied by SaMus Otho, then governor of Lusitania, 
 and afterward Emperor, went to Rome, where ambassadors from all coun- 
 tries soon arrived to do him homage as their lawful sovereign. 
 
 But here the better part of his history comes abruptly to an end. His 
 good qualities failed him. .Severity and avarice, vices of old age, became 
 prominent in his public life. Among the soldiers, whose suffrages had 
 given him the crown, he introduced unpopular changes, and puniBhed 
 with severity the slightest opposition. The donatives promised the mili- 
 tary upon his accession were withheld, and various reports concerning his 
 niggardly and miserly character were sedulously spread through Rome to 
 increase the popular discontent. In addition to this, he was completely 
 under the sway of three favorites, and the arbitrary manner in which he 
 
 acted under their influence showed that the times were but little better 
 for him than they had been for Nero. 
 
 The first open outbreak, however, was among the legions of Germany, 
 who seut word to the Praetorians at Rome that they disliked the Emperor 
 who had been created in Spain, and that all the legion* should have a voice 
 in the selection of Emperor. Similar manifestations were made by the 
 legions in Africa. 
 
 Having no heir, Galba adopted Piso Licinianus, a noble young Roman, 
 as his coadjutor and successor, hoping thus to appease the discontent. 
 But it rather increased it, particularly as Galba neglected the popular 
 gifts customarily made by Emperors upon their accession. 
 
 The end was not far off. Salvius Otho, who had expected the honor of 
 the Imperial adoption, now secretly formed a conspiracy among the troops, 
 and within six days after the event just named it broke out. Galba, from 
 the first, despaired. Then, regaining courage, he went out to meet the 
 rebels. But as he was carried across the forum in his sedan-chair, unable, 
 from age and infirmity, to mount his horse, a troop of cavalry, lying in 
 wait, rushed forward and cut him down near the Lacus Fortius. A pri- 
 vate soldier took his head to Otho, who in the meantime had been pro- 
 claimed Emperor by the Praetorian Guards; and the dishonored remains 
 of Galba were buried by a private citizen in his own garden. 
 
 The reiteration of the word Imperator upon the coins of Galba re- 
 quires a paragraph here. The ancient forms of the word were Endoperator 
 and Induparator. We have spoken of the custom of the Roman soldiers 
 of hailing their general Imperator immediately after a victory. That 
 everything in the theory of the Roman constitution was subordinate to 
 military life need not be repeated. The declaration of Jesus (Luke xi, 
 21. 22) applies most accurately to this people: " When a strong man armed 
 keepeth his palace his goods are in peace; but when a stronger than he 
 shall come upon him and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour 
 wherein he trusteth and divideth his spoils." This was the history of Rome, 
 "the nation of the strong arm." By establishing permanent camps all 
 around the extended frontiers of the Empire; by keeping movable forces 
 always on foot; by enrolling every able-bodied freeman as a soldier and 
 forcing him to service; by provoking nations to war and then subduing 
 them and attaching them to the Empire, the office of a soldier was not only 
 made honorable but the only sure field of promotion. This is seen either 
 in work or type upon almost every coin of Rome. The spear; the parazo- 
 niam (or general's staff); the Gate of the Camp (emblem of security); the 
 laurel (badge of victory); the temple of Janus, emblem alternately of 
 peace and war; the trophies; the figures of captives suggesting the same 
 fierceness and cruelty of the soldiery that led them to mock and scourge 
 Jesus before crucifying him, and to slay their prisoners rather than suffer 
 them to escape (Acts xxvii, 47); — these and a host of attributions of the 
 god Mars upon Roman coinage, prove how important the military profes- 
 sion was deemed, and how honorable was the title of " Chief Soldier " 
 (Imperator) when ascribed to the Emperor himself. 
 
 When the legious gained a victory, then the soldiers, with shouts of 
 joy, saluted their general by the title of Imperator. His victors wreathed 
 their fasces with laurel, as did also the soldiers their spears and javelins. 
 He immediately sent letters, wrapped round with laurel, to the Senate, to 
 inform them of his success. The Senate decreed a thanksgiving to the 
 gods and confirmed to the general his title of Imperator. 
 
 The titles assumed or accepted by Augustus, and adopted as matters 
 of course by his successors, included Princeps Senatus, Imperium Procon- 
 sulare, Divus, Augustus, Pontifex Maximus, Augur, Tribunitia Potestas, 
 Regimen Moruni, Censor, Senator, etc. etc., and finally Imperator. All 
 these accrued to Galba when the Army and Senate had proclaimed him 
 Emperor. The latter title then denoted the supreme command over the 
 whole of the military force of the Empire, the right of making war and 
 peace, and the power of life and death over all the citizens. This latter 
 was derived from the most ancient theory that the general of the army 
 had that, power over his soldiers, and that without appeal. It is easily 
 seen, therefore, that the titular dignity of IMPERATOR would stand out 
 prominently upon coins. 
 
 The attributions of the goddess Vesta form favorite groups upon the 
 Roman coinage. This goddess is usually seen upon the reverses of our 
 specimens, seated upon a square throne, but sometimes standing. Her 
 left foot is supported by a low stool; her right hand rests upon her lap 
 and holds a patera. In her left hand she bears the hasta pura, her wand of 
 
34 
 
 COINS OF GALBA. 
 
 divinity. The origin of this word, Vesta, according to Sir Isaac Newton, 
 is from the Greek Hestia, a fire. Her worship was early introduced into 
 Italy. Virgil describes Aeneas bearing from Troy the statue of Vesta and 
 her sacred fire. Numa built the first temple to Vesta at Rome, at the foot 
 of the Palatine hill, and appointed four priests, called Vestalia, whose duty 
 it was to preserve the palladium, or statue of Pallas- Minerva, and to keep 
 the sacred fire ever burning. 
 
 The most affecting idea connected with this goddess is that of the sanc- 
 tity of the domestic hearth {hestia), the /reside, the symbol of social 
 union. Vesta was the goddess of virginity. At Rome six virgins, called 
 Vestals, presided over her sacred flame. Her festival was celebrated in 
 June and styled Vestalia. In the forum at Rome was a statue to the Stata 
 Mater, so placed that she might protect the pavement from the effect of 
 the fires which used to be made there in the night time. If one of her 
 vestal virgins violated the vow of perpetual chastity the culprit was 
 buried alive. 
 
 All this, and more to the same effect, was suggested to a Roman when 
 he took in his hand a coin of Galba and read upon it the attributions of 
 the far-famed deity, Vesta. And, as the coins of a mintage went into every 
 hand — the horny hand of mechanic and farmer, the scarred hand of the 
 soldier, the hand of the delver in the sunless mine, of the hunter upon 
 the mountains, of the dweller of the cities, of the mariner upon the 
 rounded sea, and of the hermit in his cell,— few could be ignorant upon 
 this or any other point connected with the State-religion. 
 
 WHAT THE COINS TEACH CONCERNING GALBA. 
 
 READINGS 
 
 Of nine coins, in silver and bronze, of the Emperor Galba, from the illus- 
 trations on the fourth page. 
 
 [The student will observe in these Readings: First, That the size of 
 a Coin does not always agree with the size of the picture. Second, That the 
 metal is distinguished by an abbreviation, — AV (aururri) standing for gold; 
 AR (argentum) for silver; AE (aes) for copper, bronze or brass, words in- 
 discriminately used in Numismatics. Third, That there are few punctua- 
 tion points on coins, though sometimes introduced by engravers to facili- 
 tate Readings. Fourth, That we do not reproduce the old forms of Greek 
 letters here, but substitute modern type; and, Fifth, That these Readings 
 are prepared as well for the use of Learners as experts.] 
 
 No. 1, AE. This medallion is a piece of extraordinary elegance, and 
 considering the brevity of Galba's reign (only seven months) the mint- 
 master must have been put under extraordinary pressure to fashion the 
 dies and perfect so large and beautiful a piece in so short a time. 
 
 A Medallion in Roman currency bears I he same relation to a Coin as an 
 official Medal made in the American mint does to a coin. Medallions were 
 larger than pieces of money. They were prepared with more care than 
 ordinary coins, and were used chiefly as gifts to the grandees of the nation, 
 also for preservation in cabinets as monuments of the age and of the 
 prince. Roman Medallions are rare and costly, and not found in many 
 American collections. Not having been used for currency, they are ordi- 
 narily in a good state of preservation. The types, devices and inscriptions 
 upon them are all found upon coins of corresponding date. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Galba to the right; beardless; wearing 
 the paludamentum. or general's cloak, buttoned on the right shoulder. 
 The nose and chin, like those of Vitellius. are prominent. He is seventy- 
 one years old. Inscription (abbreviated): SER SVLPI GALBA IMP 
 CAESAR AVG; (supplied)— Sergius Sulpicius Galba Imperator Caesar 
 Augustus. 
 
 Reverse. An Allocution scene. The Emperor standing upon a sua- 
 gestum to the right; a foot soldier in front. Galba is addressing three 
 soldiers, representatives of the Maniples of the cavalry, and of the Legion 
 itself. These are distinguished by the standards they bear; one, display- 
 ing an open hand, is the flag of the maniples, three of which made a co- 
 hort; one, with a square flag or vexillum, represents the cavalry; the 
 third, with the eagle, represents the Legion as a whole. The latter has a 
 shield displaying fulmina (thunderbolts). The shield of the cavalry- 
 soldier presents a protuberant umbo, or boss. Behind the Emperor 
 stands the Commander of the forces, holding him by the right arm. The 
 whole scene is expressed with much spirit. Inscription: ADLOCVTIO 
 —"Delivery of Address." S. C, Senatus Consulto, implies that this me- 
 dallion was struck "by Decree of the Senate," when Galba had addressed 
 his troops upon their declaring him Imperator. It is thought that the 
 person with his back to Galba is enforcing the Emperor's address upon 
 the listeners. 
 
 The attachment of the Roman troops to their standards was inspired 
 by the united influences of religion and military honor. The Eagle which 
 glittered in the front of the Legion was the object of their fondest idol- 
 atry; nor was it esteemed less impious than ignominious to abandon that 
 sacred symbol in the hour of danger. Tacitus styleB the standards Bello- 
 
 rum dii, "gods of battles." In camp they were placed in a chapel by 
 themselves, and, with the other deities, received the religious worship of 
 the troops. In the military oath, the Roman soldier swore "never to 
 desert his standard; to submit his own will to the command of his lead- 
 ers, and to sacrifice his life for the safety of the Emperor and the Em- 
 pire." This oath was taken with every circumstance of solemnity, and 
 was annually renewed by the troops on the first of January of each year. 
 The first cohort of the Legion, consisting of 1,105 soldiers, claimed the 
 post of honor and the custody of the Eagle. 
 
 No. 8, AE. A Remission coin of rare type. 
 * Obverse. Laureate head of Galba to the left. Features thin, care- 
 worn and ghastly; yet the likeness agrees with that of others in the 
 series. Beardless; bust undraped. 
 
 It is not infrequent that while one side of a coin displays good art, 
 the other is inferior. This proves that two sets of engravers, not equals 
 in skill, worked upon the same piece. In such cases it is usually the 
 Obverse that has the greater merit; but in the specimen before us the 
 reader will perceive that the best skill is displayed upon the Revebse- 
 die, which, so far as the architectural part is concerned, is handsomely 
 executed. Inscription: " Sergius Galba Imperator Augustus." 
 
 Reverse. A triumphal arch, above which are two horsemen to the left. 
 
 The preceding Emperors had imposed some onerous tax, called the 
 Quadrigessima ("fortieth part"), which Galba remitted; and such was 
 the popular joy that the Senate was moved to order the present coin, 
 acknowledging the Emperor's bounty to the citizens. Looking at these 
 horsemen, the reader will recall the picture of the equestrian statue of 
 Peter the Great, at St. Petersburg, Russia. Approaching from the left 
 is a procession of four captives, with hands bound behind them. One 
 of the four has entered the portico. Legend: QVADRIGENS REMIS- 
 SAE,— intended, probably, for quadrigessimum remissae,— " For remit- 
 ting the tax of the fortieth." S. C, Senatus consulto, in the exergue — 
 " By Decree of the Senate." 
 
 Much was written by Eckhel and Spanheim concerning this coin, and 
 it cannot exactly be determined to what particular tax the remission 
 refers; but whatever it was we know that Vespasian reimposed it, for 
 he did this to all the taxes remitted by his predecessors, so that the 
 popular joy was temporary enough, and nothing but coins remained 
 to prove that there had been a relief. Reference to the history of Rome 
 will show how burdensome were the taxes under which the people 
 groaned. 
 
 No. 3, AR. 
 
 Obverse. Unlaureate head of Galba to the right. Hair cropped short; 
 beardless; bust undraped. Inscuib^ion: " Imperator Sergius Galba Au- 
 gustus." 
 
 Reverse. A Civic Crown made of oak leaves and acorns. This was 
 donated to Galba for preserving the life of a citizen. Virgil styles it the 
 Civilis Quercus, as made of oak products. Legend (abbreviated): S P QR 
 OB C S; (supplied) — Senatus Populusque Romanns ob Servatos Cives — 
 "The Senate and Roman People, for saving citizens." 
 
 The variety of crowns seen in the coins of Roman Emperors is not 
 large. The simple laurel wreath sufficed to express the highest dignity. 
 The radiate crown grew slowly into use. Iu the Diocletian era the gem- 
 crowned coronet is seen. But as the municipal symbols are decorated 
 with so many patterns, we make a list here of those that appear upon 
 coins. Engravings of them are found upon the coin-sheet of Caligula: 
 
 The Civic Crown (Corona Civica) was deemed by a Roman the 
 highest reward he could receive. It was made of oak leaves and acorns, 
 and given to one who had saved the life of a citizen. Upon coins it is 
 usually expressed by the words OB CTVEM SERVATVM — " For pre- 
 serving a citizen," within a wreath of oak leaves. When the man who 
 wore this crown entered an assembly, the audience rose up as a mark 
 of respect. 
 
 The Mural Crown ( Corona muralis) was given to the man who first 
 scaled the walls of a besieged city. 
 
 The Naval Crown (Corona navalis) or classica, or rostrata, went for 
 a naval exploit. 
 
 The Siege Crown (Corona obsidimialis) was made of grass, and given 
 to the general who released an army from a blockade. 
 
 Camp Crown (Corona eastrensis or vallaris), to him who first entered 
 the enemy's camp. This was made in form of palisade. 
 
 Triumphal Crown (Corona triumphaXis). The name explains the 
 purpose. 
 
 Ovation Crown (Corona ovalis). This was given to a conquering gen- 
 eral at an ovation. 
 
 No. 4, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Galba to the right. Features, etc., as pre- 
 viously described. Inscription (abbreviated): 2EPOYI rAABA ayto 
 KAI5 2EBA— "To Sergius Galba. the Emperor Caesar, the Augustus." 
 (Observe the substitution of Servius for Sergius.) 
 
 Reverse. The head of Isls to the right, marked with the lotus-flower, 
 
COINS OF GALBA. 
 
 35 
 
 emblem of Egypt. The arrangement of the hair is elaborate. The let- 
 ters LA imply " Of the year 1," the first (and only) year of Galba's 
 reign, viz. a.d. 68-9. 
 
 No. 5, AR. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Galba to the right. Features, etc., as pre- 
 viously noted. Inscription: " Imperator Galba." 
 
 Reverse. Two military figures facing each other. One bears a 
 shield with two spears, the other a short javelin. Legend: GALLIA 
 HISPANIA. Spain and Gaul are represented as about to join right hands, 
 in sign of concord, because they first proclaimed Galba Emperor; for 
 Gaul began to be tumultuous against Nero under Julius Vindex, and 
 Galba was saluted Emperor while in Spain by almost all the cities of 
 Spain and Gaul. 
 
 In addition to this coin, there is another denarius with the word 
 GALLIA for a Legend. This has the head of a female, before which 
 are two wheat heads. Behind are a shield and two javelins. Another 
 denarius has HISPANIA on the Reverse, with the female at full length; 
 in her right hand, wheat heads and a poppy; in her left, a shield. The 
 purpose of these two coins is similar to that of the first. 
 
 No. 6, AE. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Galba to the right. Features aged and 
 careworn. Inscription (abbreviated): IMP SER SVLP GALBA CAES 
 AVG TR P; (supplied) — Imperator Sergius Sulpicius Galba Caesar Au- 
 gustus; Tribunitia Potestate. The last expression signifies, "Exercising 
 the Tribunitian Power." 
 
 This title, TR P, which Roman Emperors valued so highly that it 
 often appears upon coins struck as well in Greek as Latin, must be read 
 in the ablative case — Tribunitia Potestate, "Exercising the Tribunitian 
 Power." To understand the importance of the office we must refer to 
 the celebrated insurrection by ihe plebeians, B.C. 493, and the grant made 
 them then by the patricians, that henceforth they should have represent- 
 atives of the tribes, or common people, styled Tribunes. The name 
 was borrowed from a similar officer of the military. The persons of the 
 Tribunes were made sacrosancti (sacred and inviolable). No patrician 
 could be made a Tribune unless first adopted into a plebeian family. 
 B.C. 130 a law was enacted that none should be made a Tribune save 
 a Senator. The number of these popular representatives was ten. They 
 were elected annually at the Comitia Tributa, and entered upou their 
 office December 10. They wore no mark of dignity, and had only one 
 officer, the Viator, to go before them. At judgment they sat on benches 
 (smbsellia); but on all occasions they had the precedence, and every one 
 was obliged to rise in their presence. Their power was simply negative, 
 and was symbolized in the VETO — "I forbid it." 
 
 Like all other men, the popular Tribunes accumulated power, and 
 used it often tyrannically, even to ordering a Consul to prison. Their 
 jurisdiction, however, was confined to the city of Rome and a mile 
 (mille passuvm) around it. Their door3 were open day and night to 
 receive the requests and complaints ot the wretched. To interrupt a 
 Tribune while speaking was an offense that called for severe penalty. 
 The first civil blood shed at Rome was B.C. 133, when the Gracchi 
 brothers suffered death for their bold defense of the Tribunitian office. 
 
 And now we see why the Emperors sought this office so eagerly. It 
 made them the representatives of the people; made their persons sacro- 
 sancti; gave them the right to call the Senate at pleasure; to assemble 
 the people; to be appealed to in all cases, and gave them other impor- 
 tant privileges. Augustus got the Senate to confer it upon him for life. 
 Afterward, at the beginning of a reign, and upon other solemn occasions, 
 this grant was renewed to his successors. They were then said to be 
 Tribunitia Potestate donati; hence the years of their government were 
 called " the years of their Tribunitian Power," which are found very 
 often marked upon their coins. This, however, was not computed from 
 the first day of January (as the Consulship), nor the 10th of December, 
 as with Tribunes when popularly elected; but from the day on which 
 they assumed the Empire. 
 
 Augustus was, by decree of the Senate, invested with the Tribuni- 
 tian Power for life, that he might lay anything he pleased before the 
 Senate, as, previous to that time, no one could make a proposition to 
 that body save the Consul. This grant was afterward made, as a matter 
 of course, to his successors. 
 
 The people, however, continued to elect Tribunes upon the earlier 
 theory, and doubtless found them useful in representing their wants and 
 interests to the despotic ruler above them; but they had only the 
 shadow of their former power; or, as Pliny expresses it, inanem umbram 
 et sine honore nomen. They seem to have retained this even to the time 
 of Constantine the Great (a.d. 308-337), who abolished it, with other 
 ancient offices, when he instituted a form of government upon the Ori- 
 ental theory. 
 
 In the coins the title is variably written TR P, TR POT, TRIB 
 POT, etc. 
 No. 7, AE. 
 
 Obverse. Unlaureate head of Galba to the right. Features, etc., as 
 in the preceding. Inscription (supplied): Sulpicio Galbae Augusto 
 Imperatori Patri Patriae— "To SulpiciuH Galba; the Emperor; the Father 
 of the Country." Placing names in the dative case is not common in 
 Latin inscriptions. 
 
 Reverse. A Temple standing in such relation to the eye that one 
 side and end are visible; flight of steps to the vestibule. Legend: L CAN 
 AGRIPPAE II VIR. The latter are read "Corinth." The sentence 
 embodies the name of the Duiim Vir of the mint at Corinth, viz. Lucius 
 Caninus Agrippa. This is found in other coins of the same period, one 
 of which reads, " Rome and the Emperor." 
 
 No. 8, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Galba to the right; aged and deeply 
 wrinkled. Inscription (supplied): 2EPOYI TAABA AYTOKPATOPI 
 KAIS 2EBA2T— "To Servius Galba, the Emperor Caesar Augustus." 
 
 Reverse. The goddess l6is to the right, bearing upon her head the 
 lotus flower, as No. 4. She was the principal genius, the tutelary deity 
 of Egypt; the wife of Osiris and the mother of Horus. She was to the 
 Egyptians what Ceres was to the Greeks and Romans. Afterward Isis 
 was made the equivalent to the Moon, as Osiris to the Sun. The letters 
 LA refer, like No. 4. to the first year of Galba's reign. 
 
 No. 9, AE. 
 
 Obverse. The laureate head of Galba to the right. Beardless; wears 
 the palndametum, as in No. 1. Inscription: " Sergius Galba Imperator 
 Caesar Augustus." 
 
 Reverse. Pallas, the elegant symbol of the Eternal City; a female 
 sitting on a cuirass to the left. Right hand supported by hasta pura; 
 crested helmet on head; left arm resting on the upper edge of her shield; 
 right foot rests on helmet on the ground. In exergue, ROMA; in 
 the field, S C — Senatus Consulto, "By Decree of the Senate." An accom- 
 plished author gives these additional details of this beautiful coin: "The 
 lower part of her shield rests upon other shields, by the side of which 
 there is leg-armor (pcrea). Her clothes, reaching to the feet, are dis- 
 played in rich folds at the left side. She has assumed the most graceful 
 and elegant attitude, showing perfect ease and repose. The whole is a 
 complete and artistic study." 
 
 To compare the capacity of the great mint at Rome, in the time of 
 Galba, with the various mints of the Uuited States, we give extracts from 
 the official reports of 1876. A Senator had said there "is a limit to our 
 ability to coin silver pieces, and mints cannot be improvised in a year." 
 The director of the mint replies, " as the result of experience," that 
 keeping everything in good repair, the capacity of all the mints for coin- 
 ing small silver is about twenty-four million dollars per annum. In 
 August, 1876, there was coined, in gold, 84,231,240; trade dollars, $557,- 
 200; small silver, $2,346,610; minor coins, $17,700. Total, $7,152,250. All 
 were kept running through the month to their utmost capacity and without 
 interruption. The number of pieces was 8.839,562. Their weight was as 
 follows: Gold — seven and three-quarters tons; silver — trade dollars, six- 
 teen and three-quarters tons; small silver, sixty-four and one-half tons; 
 minor coinage, two and one-half tons. 
 
 The four pairs of coins figured at the bottom of the coin-sheet repre- 
 sent the most ancient coinage of Aegina and Persia, and will be referred 
 to in other sheets of this series. 
 
 Besides the nine cuts given of Galba's mintage, we have descriptions of 
 a number of denarii as follows: 
 
 1. Boni Eventus—" Of the Fortunate Approach." The type is a male 
 figure standing nude; in right hand a patera, in the left, wheat-headB. 
 
 2. Concordia Provinciarnm — " The Harmony of the Provinces." Type, 
 a female figure stolated, standing; in the right hand a branch, in left, a 
 cornucopia. 
 
 3. Fortuna Augusli — " The Fortunate of the Augustus." Type, the 
 figure of Fortune, a female, standing; in the right hand a ship's helm, in 
 the left, a cornucopia. 
 
 4. Gallia — " Gaul." Type, the head of a female, before which are two 
 wheat-heads; behind, a shield and two lances. 
 
 5. Hispauia — "Spain." Type, a female figure; in her right hand, 
 wheat-heads and poppies, in left, a shield. 
 
 6. The same epigraph. Type, the head of a woman with two javelins. 
 
 7. Pax Augusti — " The Peace of Augustus;" or, still better, "Peace, 
 the tutelar deity of the Emperor." Type, a female standing; in right 
 hand, a branch and a caducaeus, her left hand ou a lowered shield. 
 
 8. Reslituta Numidia — . " Numidia Restored." Type, the head of a 
 female with elegant necklace. 
 
 9. Roma Renascens — '" The New-springing Rome." Type, a female 
 helmeted, holding forth a Victoriola iu her right hand. 
 
 10. Roma Victrix—" Rome the Conqueror." Type, the idealized figure 
 of Rome (or Pallas) standing; in right hand abranch, in left a spear; at her 
 right foot a globe. The Senate had solemnly pronounced Nero an enemy, 
 and Roma is here represented as gaining an illustrious advantage through 
 his death. 
 
COINS OF GALBA. 
 
GQin-Siheets* 
 
 Am@fiQ3iB! AsmQi&tiQni Qi Nuimmimatmtst 
 
 OTHO 
 
 [Of the twelve Caesars who exercised imperial authority at Home from 
 B.C. 47 to a.d. 96, Otho, a.d. 69, was the eighth. The seven who pre- 
 ceded him under this title were: Julius Caesar, e.o. -17-44; Augustus, 
 e.c. 31-a.d. 14; Tiberius, 14-37; Caligula, 37-41 ; Claudius, 41-54; Nero, 
 54-68; and Galea, 68-69. The four who succeeded him, Vitellius, 69; 
 Vespasian, 69-79; Titus, 79-81, and Domi.tian, 81-96.] 
 
 Marcus Sulvius Otho, eighth of the Caesars, Emperor of Rome from 
 January 15 to April 15, a.d. 69, was born at Ferentum, Etruria, April 28. 
 a.d. 32. The reigning Emperor was Tiberius. His father was Lucius 
 Otho, who held high trusts under the Emperor Tiberius, whom he resem- 
 bled so closely that it was suspected he was his illegitimate son. He 
 was Consul, a.d. 33, then Pro-Consul, etc. The mother of Otho was Albia 
 Teretina, connected with many distinguished Roman families. 
 
 The subject of this sketch, an Emperor of only three months' continu- 
 ance, was a man of moderate stature, ill-made in the legs and effeminate 
 in appearance. The description of him by Patin (vol. eclxxxviii, p. 99, Har- 
 ris' 1 Cat.) is exhaustive. In ambitionibus nihil omisit. Homo nimiae ele- 
 gantiae et mollitudinis, corporis studiosus, nam vulso corpore galericulo 
 caplti propter raritatem capillorum adaptato et annexo ut nemo dignos- 
 ceret; faciem quoque radere et pane madido linere consuevit a prima 
 lanugine ne barbatus unquam esset. (" There was nothing wanting to 
 his efforts. He was a man of excessive taste and softness, and careful of 
 his person. For to his bald head, on account of the scarcity of hair, a peri- 
 wig was fitted and fastened so well that nobody could detect it. He was 
 also accustomed to scrape his face and to line it out with moist bread from 
 the first down upon his chin; for he never had a beard.") It would be 
 difficult to find even in a modern Court Journal, more attention to. silly 
 trivialities than this writer (Suetonius) has given here. 
 
 The deposition and self-murder of Nero left the world's Empire with- 
 out a head. How many ambitious men conceived a hope of assuming it we 
 shall never know. Four, however, are in the current of our coin-sketches, 
 of whom Otho is the second. The man had been one of the companions 
 of Nero in his debaucheries, till he was sent, about a.d. 58, as governor of 
 Lusitania, a trust which he administered with credit during the last ten 
 years of Nero's life. When Galba received the acclamation of Tmperator 
 from the Spanish legions and set out for Rome, Otho attached himself to 
 that aspirant, hoping to be adopted as his coadjutor and successor. From 
 the great age of Galba, he knew the crown would soon be vacant, and 
 fancied himself secure in the favor of the veteran soldier. 
 
 But Galba was familiar with the baseness of Otho's character, and de- 
 siring a more worthy partner and heir, selected L. Piso, a noble young 
 Roman, and on the 10th of January, a.d. 69, designated him as the future 
 Emperor. This sealed his fate. Otho at once organized a conspiracy 
 which broke forth within six days. Galba was murdered and his bloody 
 head brought to Otho, who had already been proclaimed Emperor by the 
 Praetorian Guards. An astrologer had told him that one day he would 
 rule the Roman world. His private affairs were in a ruinous condition. 
 He was ready to promise everything to the troops, and stoop to anything 
 that would secure for him 
 
 "That glittering gaud, the Imperial Crown of Rome." 
 
 Upon the same evening the Senate took the oath of fidelity to the new 
 ruler. Sabinus, brother of Vespasian, was made praefeetus vrbi. Otho 
 offered a sacrifice in the capitol, but enjoyed no favorable omens. The 
 new Emperor devoted himself to the administration of public affairs, and 
 gave hopes to the people that he would turn out better than had been pre- 
 dicted. He was acknowledged Emperor by the governors of Mauritania, 
 Carthage, and the rest of Africa. The legions in Dalmatia, Pannonia and 
 Maesia took the oath of fidelity to him. He was recognized by Egypt, by 
 Mucianus in Syria, by Vespasian in Palestine, by Gallia, Narbonensis, 
 Aquitania and Spain. It speaks well for the condition of Roman roads 
 and the rapidity of the posts that news could be received from such dis- 
 tant points in so brief a period. 
 
 But the deity, Nemesis, did not slumber. The man who had mounted 
 the throne by the murder of his predecessor and friend was not destined 
 to long life. He had a formidable opposition in the six veteran legions 
 stationed in Germany on the Rhine, where Vitellius had been sent to take 
 command by Galba himself in the month of December preceding. 
 
 On the 3d of January, a.d. 69, Vitellius was proclaimed Imperator by 
 his soldiers, and the gage of battle thrown into the arena. Everything 
 
 favored him. His legions were so ardent as to desire to march to Rome 
 even in midwinter. Two large armies were hurried forward. The Pro- 
 vinces began to declare for Vitellius. 
 
 Otho at once wrote Vitellius offering to give him all he could desire, 
 even to a share of the throne, but his rival declined all terms of compro- 
 mise, preferring the arbitrament of the sword. About the 14th of March, 
 therefore, Otho moved at the head of his troops to meet the enemy. He 
 had three excellent and experienced generals under him. He was master 
 of the sea on the northwestern coast of Italy. Otho marched on foot at 
 the head of his men in a plain military equipment. 
 
 The hostile armies met on the Po, and the forces of Otho were totally 
 defeated with the loss of forty thousand men. Then the two armies came 
 to terms and accepted Vitellius as their Emperor. 
 
 Otho still had large forces, but determined to make no further resist- 
 ance; after settling his affairs, with the utmost coolness and deliberation 
 he stabbed himself. His life had been dissolute and he died in despair. 
 April 15, a.d. 69. when he was in his thirty-seventh year. His sepulcher 
 was made at Brixellum, and Plutarch, who saw it as late as a.d. 80. says it 
 simply contained his name without an epitaph. 
 
 There are but few bronze coins of Otho; and this illustrates a fact in 
 Roman coinage to which we again make allusion, viz.. that the striking 
 of gold and silver mouey was the province of the Emperor alone, while 
 those in the third metal were controlled by decrees of the Senate. And as, 
 during the brief government of Otho, he was never fully at accord with the 
 Senate, the coinage was mostly '-Imperial." that is, composed only of the 
 precious metals. 
 
 The ascription of Pontifex Maximus seems to have been a source of 
 peculiar pride to Otho. In other places we have shown the immense power 
 and immunity attached to this office. It was the chief ecclesiastical au- 
 thority, that of the Pontifex Maximus, and made the union of church and 
 state complete in the person of the Augustus. This condition, it is sug- 
 gested by Mr. Hobler. agrees with that of Melchizedek. who is called, in 
 Genesis xiv, 18, " King and Priest." 
 
 The consecration to the office of Pontifex Maximus was performed 
 with extraordinary pomp and ceremony, as it exalted the individual to be 
 the sovereign judge and director of all public and private obligations of 
 worship. All priests and sacrifices were henceforward under his inspec- 
 tion. The Vestal Virgins stood within his selection and control. The 
 charge of composing the ritualB of worship, appointing religious cere- 
 monies, feasts and institutions, and digesting the public annals of the year, 
 was equally under his care. He was astronomer of the State and regula- 
 tor of the y,ear, for it was bis duty to see that the festivals appointed for 
 certain days were celebrated in their respective times. Julius Caesar pre- 
 ferred this office to all others, as his coins will show. The head of the 
 Roman Catholic Church claims the ancient title, and, mutatis mutandis, 
 enjoys the immunities of this office. Among the Mormons, who style them- 
 selves "Latter-day Saints," the Pontifex Maximus, at this writing, ib 
 Brigham Young, and the ecclesiastical prerogative has lost nothing in him. 
 
 The figure of Fortuna (Good-luck) upon coins is represented sometimes 
 with a rudder, because she is the deity who steers the affairs of life at her 
 will; sometimes with a ball to represent the varying unsteadiness of for- 
 tune. To this the poet Burns refers, in his memorable lines. 
 
 "Though I to foreign lands must hie, 
 Pursuing fortune's stiddery fta'." 
 
 Fortuna sometimes appears with the horn of Aiualthea, as a symbol of 
 her plentiful gifts. This was the goat that suckled Jupiter. She was 
 translated to the skies, along with her two kids whom she had put aside 
 to accommodate the infant deity, and as a reward for her kindness was 
 made into stars, on the arm of the constellation Auriga. If any doubt the 
 legend, the stars twinkle there nightly to rebuke his incredulity! The 
 child Jove, having accidentally broken off one of the horns of the goat, 
 made it into a drinking cup and ordained that it should ever be full to 
 overflowing with whatever its possessor might wish. Thus it becomes a 
 proper emblem in the hands of Fortuna. At Smyrna the statue of this 
 deity was seen having upon her head a ball sustained by one hand, in the 
 other the horn of Amalthea. 
 
 The number of coins struck under the auspices of Otho, large as it was 
 considering his brief government of three months, would have been in- 
 creased tenfold in another term of the same length, as the preparations of 
 
38 
 
 COINS OF OTHO. 
 
 the first quarter were large with the engravers. The place where the 
 temple of Juno Moneta and the mint stood was formerly the site of the 
 mansion of Marcus Manlius, who was cast from the Tarpeian rock, b.c. 
 381. The mere stamping of the coin constitute the least part of the 
 work. The time and space consumed are in the melting, refining and 
 alloying of bullion, casting it into ingots of size suitable for the drawing 
 into plates, annealing, cutting, assorting, weighing, counting, etc. After 
 •every process is complete and the rolled slips are ready for cutting out the 
 planchets (coin-blanks or flans), only one half the area can be utilized, the 
 other half going back into the melting pot in the form of clippings. 
 
 Among the more pleasing and cheer-inspiring devices impressed upon 
 the coins of the period was that of Hope (Spes). In the popular anxieties 
 that moved every heart, in the frequent changes of rulers and the horrid 
 " wars hateful to mothers," a mintage of coins, say a hundred thousand 
 or two, with the well known attributions of Spes,— a sprightly young 
 maiden tripping lightly and looking straight forward — could not fail to 
 awaken the hope expressed in the legend. In her left hand she holds up 
 her robes that in her message to sorrowing hearts she may not be impeded. 
 In her right hand she has a flower-bud, beautiful expression of Hope. So 
 well-known was this figure upon coins that we sometimes find it without 
 an accompanying legend. There was a temple in Rome dedicated to Spes, 
 afterward burnt by lightning. Upon a coin of Hadrian we have SPES P R, 
 — " The Hope of the Roman People." 
 
 Commenting upon the popular effect produced by impressing such 
 emblems upon money of the nation, we add that in all times the human 
 heart is affected by the same passions, chilled by the same griefs, warmed 
 with the same joy, struck substantially by the same hopes and fears. This 
 fact is as necessary to be kept in the mind of a numismatist as a scholar 
 of any other class. The Roman government knew as well how to move 
 the patriotism, awaken the vengeance, and inspire the hopes of its people 
 by a coin as Napoleon the Great by a bulletin. 
 
 WHAT THE COINS TEACH CONCERNING OTHO. 
 
 READINGS 
 
 Of five coins, silver and bronze, of the Emperor Otho, from the illustra- 
 tions on the fourth page. 
 
 [The student will observe in these Readings: First, that the size of a 
 Coin does not always agree with the size of the picture. Second, that the 
 metal is distinguished by an abbreviation, — AV (aurum) standing for 
 gold; AR (argentum) for silver; AE (aes) for copper, bronze or brass, 
 words indiscriminately used in Numismatics. Third, that there are few 
 punctuation points on Coins, though sometimes introduced by engravers 
 to facilitate Readings. Fourth, that we do not reproduce the old forms 
 of Greek letters here, but substitute modern type; and, Fifth, that these 
 Readings are prepared as well for the use of Learners as experts.'] 
 
 No. 1, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Obverse. The unlaureate head of Otho to the right; beardless; bust 
 undraped; hair thick and bushy, confessing its artificial character. In- 
 scription: 2A OSHNOS KAIZ 2EBA2TOY. If the SA stands for Sulvius 
 this may read, "Of Sulvius Otho Caesar Augustus." 
 
 Reverse. A mountain; above it the word KAI5APEA2. The mixture 
 of Greek and Latin letters in these words is barbarous, and leaves the mean- 
 ing uncertain. Below is the mutilated word ET. - - - for ETOY2— 
 " Of the year," the numeral 1 being understood. 
 
 Mountains are common devices upon coins, but what particular 
 eminence is indicated is not clear; whether Acrorinthus, Argaeus, Aven- 
 tinus, Casius, Dyndimus, Eryx, Gerizim, Ida, Libanus, Olympus, Paneus, 
 Rhodope, Sipylus, Taurus, or Vesuvius, all of which are found upon coins. 
 
 No. 2, AR. 
 
 Obverse. The unlaureate head of Otho to the right; hair curiously 
 arranged in front, proving the Roman wig-makers no experts in this art; 
 beardless; bust undraped. Inscription (abbreviated): IMP M OTHO 
 CAESAR AVG TRP; (supplied) — MarcuB Otho Caesar Augustus Tribu- 
 nitia Potestate — " Wielding the Tribunitian Power." 
 
 Reverse. Victory moving to the right, with her customary attributions, 
 viz., a palm-branch in left hand and laurel wreath in right. Legend: 
 VICTORIA OTHONIS — " The Victory of Otho" (or, " The goddess Victory 
 tutelar of Otho "). 
 
 This refers to the victory won by the. soldiers of Otho over Vitellius. 
 The historian Suetonius writes, "he obtained three trifling victories," 
 though he was afterward overwhelmed in one. 
 
 No. 3, AE. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Otho to the right; beardless; bust not 
 
 draped. Inscription (mutilated): IMP M OTO CA "the Emperor 
 
 Marcus Otho Caesar," etc. 
 
 Reverse. A laurel crown inclosing simply the letterB S. C, for Sen- 
 atuB Consulto — " By Decree of the Senate." 
 
 Patin, the celebrated numismatist of the seventeenth century, says of 
 
 this coin: "I wonder at the oversight (mendum) of the mint-master (mon- 
 etarius) who left out the letter H in the name of Otho. But this ought not 
 to throw suspicion upon the antiquity of the coin, since no internal evi- 
 dence is wanting in it." 
 
 No. 4, AR. 
 
 Obverse. The unlaureate head of Otho to the right; hair presents the 
 peculiarly crisp appearance in Nos. 1 and 2, due to his wearing a periwig; 
 beardless; bust undraped. Inscription: "The Emperor Otho Caesar 
 Augustus; exercising Tribunitian Power." 
 
 Reverse. An Eques galloping to the right, his pallium flying in the 
 wind behind him; with a spear vibrating in his right hand, he is striking 
 at some object in front. The group is artistically conceived. Legend 
 (abbreviated): PONT MAX; (supplied)— Pontifex Maximus— " The High 
 Priest." 
 
 This coin was struck to record the story of the expedition made by 
 Otho against Vitellius. It is Otho himself who is depictured rushing as if 
 against the enemy with a vibrating spear, for so are expeditions noted 
 down in the coins of the Caesars. But this particular expedition, says 
 Tacitus, was wretchedly and too hastily entered upon. 
 
 In another coin of this class, with the same legend, is a stolated female 
 standing, with wheat-ears in her right hand; in her left, a cornucopia. 
 Another has an Annona scene, pointing out the diligence of Otho in pro- 
 curing corn for the people of Rome. The same historian writes: "He 
 made money out of the hunger and poverty of the common people by 
 selling provisions." Another coin of this class has the same stolated figure, 
 with a pair of scales in the right hand, and a cornucopia in the left. This 
 figure is Justice. The scales in her right hand imply that Bhe weighs all 
 things by the standard of truth. The cornucopia in her left teaches that 
 through her is the abundance of all things. Otho chastised his soldiers 
 on account of their sedition at Rome, which punishment they cheerfully 
 accepted. 
 
 Two other coins of this class present still further variations. In one is 
 the stolated woman holding out a branch of olive in her right hand. Here 
 she represents Peace. In the other coin she has the patera in her right 
 hand, in her left the spear. In coins of Hadrian (a.d. 117-138), Justice is 
 represented by these attributions; and in coins of Gordianus Pius (a.d. 
 238-244), Military Concord. The patera, from which sacred things were 
 poured out to the deities, implies that while Justice flourishes and Con- 
 cord remains unshaken, an abundance of all things is yielded to men. 
 
 Another coin of Otho has for a Legend, Pax Orbis Terrarum,— "The 
 Peace of the Universal Empire." Otho, in spite of his forcing civil war 
 upon Vitellius, sought to perform his office in the interests of peace. 
 When no other external war was troubling the people, after repressing the 
 Sarmaticans, he struck this coin expressing unbroken peace. Why he did 
 not close the Temple of Janus, as Nero did a few years before, does not 
 appear. Perhaps he did. In the coin last mentioned, Peace stands look- 
 ing to the left, with a long caducaeus on her left arm; in her right hand an 
 olive branch. 
 
 Another coin of largest size, a Greek Imperial, is described with "the 
 Emperor Marcus Otho Caesar Augustus " upon the obverse, and "of the 
 year One " on the reverse, with an Eagle, on extended wings, bearing a 
 wreath in its beak. The royal bird stands on a branch of laurel. This was 
 struck at Antioch, in Syria, as the branch of laurel denotes. For the 
 laurel (says that reliable numismatist, Vaillant) was sacred to Apollo, 
 tutelar deity of Antioch. And in the great contests of a.d. 68-69 Syria 
 adhered to Otho, following the lead of their ruler Mucianus. In many 
 cities of Syria the Eagle was the symbol of Empire, and the laurel the 
 emblem of Antioch. 
 
 There are no genuine coins of Otho in First Bronze, so far as yet dis- 
 covered, although some forgeries are reported extant. Those struck at 
 Antioch are Second Bronze, and the remainder are aurei and denarii, all 
 coined at Rome. Mr. Hobler suggests that the ancient Province of Lu- 
 sitania, Portugal, would be a good field of research for coins of Otho, as he 
 was Governor there for some three years, and colonial coins may have 
 been struck there. When he heard of the death of Nero, he melted down 
 all his gold and silver plate, converted it into coin, and went with his 
 whole fortune to the aid of Galba. The questions arise, Whose dies did 
 he use in thus increasing the coinage? Were they Nero's or Galba's? How 
 did he get possession of official dies at all? Many queries of this class 
 remain to excite a steady interest in numismatic res. 
 
 No. 5, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Otho to the right; beardless; bust un- 
 draped. 
 
 Reverse. The figure styled Canopus, an Egyptian emblem of plenty, 
 to the right. In front, the letters LA, for AYKABANT02 I — " Of the year 
 One" of Otho's reign, viz. a.d. 69. 
 
 The brief and troubled reign of Otho explains the parcity of his coins. 
 Two hundred years ago it was denied by some numismatists that any coins 
 of this Prince were extant. But Patin, whose researches into all classes 
 of monumental evidences of the period were systematic and thorough, and 
 
COINS OF OTHO 
 
 39 
 
 whose investigations, particularly in the science of coins, appear to excel 
 those of other men, gives indubitable evidence to the contrary. He points 
 out coins of Otho in all the great Numismatic collections of that period — 
 in the extraordinary museum of Queen Christina, of Sweden, formed at 
 Rome; in the cabinet of Leopold, Prince Medici; in that of Francis, Gott- 
 fried ("a royal thesaurus, and a man by whose words antiquarians are 
 accustomed to swear!"); in the large gathering of the great Duke of 
 Etruria; in that of Seguin, almost the father of numismatical science, and 
 others. 
 
 So clear was the proof collected by the enthusiastic Dr. Patin, that 
 since his day the controversy under this head has not been renewed. 
 Doubtless other debates concerning coin-history now in progress will be 
 closed by discoveries that are making under the cant name of "finds." 
 
 Very common on the coins struck in Egypt is that singular shape of the 
 human head placed on a kind of pitcher. This deified pitcher is said to 
 refer to a contest between some Persian and Egyptian priests as to which 
 of their deitieB had superiority. The Egyptians declared that [a single 
 vase, sacred to Serapis, would extinguish the whole power of the Persian 
 deity of fire. The experiment was tried, and the wily Egyptian boring 
 holes in the side of the vase and stopping them with wax, afterward filled 
 the vessel with water, which, gushing through the holes as the wax melted, 
 extinguished the Persian deity. Hence the vase was deified ! 
 
 The title of Pontifex Maximus, " High Priest." is often seen upon the 
 imperial coins. The abbreviations are, P M, PONTIF MAX, P MAX; 
 sometimes only PONT, or PONTIF, etc., the word Maximus being under- 
 stood. 
 
 The existence of some four hundred religious temples at Rome devoted 
 to the various gods of the Pantheon, demanded very numerous corps of 
 priests (Sacerdotes). The priests of each temple or deity were usually 
 collected into corporations (collegia), many of which were instituted very 
 early in the history of the nation. These were the Luperci, Curiones, 
 Haruspices; priests assigned to particular gods (flamines), as the Vestal 
 Virgins, the Salii, Augurs, Feciales, etc. During the republic the person 
 in charge of these numerous bodies was called Bex Sacrorum. 
 
 The first rank of priests was the Pontifices, of which Numa himself 
 (B.C. 700) was Pontifex Maximus, High Priest, or Supreme Pontiff. All 
 the others, even the Vestal Virgins, were under control of the P. M. He 
 had the superintendence of all religious matters, the arrangement of the 
 calendar, the regulation of the festivals, and of the sacred rights connected 
 with them. It was as P. M. that Julius Caesar reformed the calendar by 
 adding ninety days to the year, and thus correcting the immense error 
 into which chronologists were falling. And it is worthy of note that the 
 Pope, Gregory XIII, who made the next reformation in the calendar, a.d, 
 1582, did it in his capacity as Pontifex Maximus. 
 
 The Pontifex Maximus could not be cited before any tribunal, and held 
 his office for life. His dress was a robe bordered with purple (roba prae- 
 texta) ; a woolen cap of a conical shape (tutulus vel galerus) with a tasBel 
 (apex) on the top, a small rod wrapped around with wool. He lived in 
 public buildings on the Sacra Via. 
 
 Now we understand why the Emperors desiderated this office to which 
 were attached so many prerogatives. Augustus first undertook it as 
 Emperor, and his successors followed his example until Gratian (a.d. 367) 
 abrogated the office itself. With the control of all the colleges of priests 
 of every name and rite as Pontifex Maximus; with the whole popular 
 representation vested in him as TR P; with the great immunities and 
 privileges attached to him as Consul; with the prerogatives of Censor; 
 with the authority as IMP, which admitted of no appeal, it is not to be 
 wondered at that even such infamous wretches as Tiberius, Caligula and 
 Domitian could sit safely upon their thrones, subject to no chances save 
 those of domestic cabals. 
 
 Gibbon says the Pontiffs were chosen among the most illustrious of 
 the Senators, and the office of Supreme Pontiff (Pontifex Maximus) was 
 constantly exercised by the Emperors themselves. They knew and valued 
 the advantages of religion, as it is connected with civil government. They 
 encouraged the public festivals which humanize the manners of the peo- 
 ple. They managed the art of divination as a convenient instrument of 
 policy, and they respected, as the firmest bond of society, the useful per- 
 suasion that either in this or in a future life, the crime of perjury is most 
 assuredly punished by the avenging gods. 
 
 This scarcity of coins of Otho is not alone due to the brevity of his 
 reign. Others after him, whose government was limited to periods equally 
 brief, were honored by such an outpouring of money from all the mints, 
 metropolitan and provincial,— such a deluge of bronze coinage that there 
 is no difficulty in making up cabinets rich and full. Neither does the fact 
 that so many contestants sought the throne during the period, explain 
 the parcity of Otho's coinage. The true reason strikes in a monetary 
 law of the Empire, that while the Emperor controlled the mintage in gold 
 and silver, no bronze coinage could lawfully be struck without an order from 
 the Senate; and as Otho was never on good terms with that body in all his 
 brief career, the supply of "the people's money," the cheap money in 
 
 bronze, was cut short. We shall see that as soon as Vespasian sat him- 
 self squarely on the throne of the Empire, this class of coinage became 
 abundant. 
 
 We have space here for an account of the organization of that vast 
 manufactory of coins, the Mint of the Romau Empire. 
 
 At the capital city of each province there was an Argentaria, or local 
 mint, with the offices, treasure, machinery, guards and appliances as at 
 Rome, but on a smaller scale. These received their dies, or at least the 
 obverses, directly from Rome; the dies for the reverses were often of 
 domestic manufacture. This explains what all coin-students have noticed, 
 that often the style of art seen in the latter is inferior to that in the 
 former. They called the officers of the mint the Monetaria Duumviri, or 
 moneyers. This include, in a general sense, all classes of workmen em- 
 ployed in and about the mint. So numerous were these that, in an insur- 
 rection which occurred in the Central Mint at Rome, during the reign of 
 Aurelian (a.d. 270-275), it cost the lives of seven thousand soldiers to re- 
 press it. The coin-emblems of the mint are the Dea-e Pecuniae usually seen, 
 three on a coin, standing, heads to the left, with overflowing cornucopiae 
 on left arm, a pair of scales in righ't hand, and (sometimes) a heap of ore 
 at the foot of each. The number three represents the three standard 
 metals used in the mint, viz., gold, silver and copper, of which the com- 
 pound metal bronze was made. 
 
 Ou the coins of Julius Caesar, Augustus and Tiberius, we find the 
 names of the moneyers designated. This office of Master of the Mint was 
 continued to a late period, but disappears from the coins. At Rome he is 
 called Magistrates of the three moneyers. His business was to procure 
 gold, silver and copper of improved material and just weight, of which 
 money shall be cut and stamped. As the name denotes, there were always 
 three at a time, but how selected, when changed, what rewards and honors 
 were rendered, etc., we are not informed. 
 
 At first the coins of gold and silver were as pure as the art of the 
 assayer could devise. Lacking the improved processes of modern times, 
 his skill is yet seen in the high condition of his gold and silver, 940-1000ths 
 pure. The first money made at Rome was under Serrius Tullius, about 
 B.C. 573. This was bronze; many of the pieces being so large as to weigh 
 . 4,000 grains=9 oz. nearly. Three hundred and four years later, Fabius 
 Pictor coined the first silver; sixty-tree years later (viz. 206), the first gold 
 was coined by that people. Previous to those periods, Greek coins were 
 used by the Romans. The term Moneta (money) originated in the fact 
 that the coinage waB done in the temple of Juno Moneta (Juno the Ad- 
 monisher). The method of stamping was primitive enough. One of the 
 dies was fixed firmly, face upward, in a wooden block. The other die 
 was attached to a hand-punch. The planchet (or button), at a soft heat, 
 was laid square upon the fixed die. The other was held firmly upon the 
 planchet, and a sinewy slave with sledge-hammer beat strong and repeated 
 blows upon the hand-punch, until the impression was made. The con- 
 trast between this and the American mint in full blast is not merely in the 
 quantity of the work, but also the quality; for whereas a million coins may 
 be turned out in a modern mint with no appreciable difference in the 
 depth of impression and sharpness of the work, in an ancient mint no two 
 coins have the same finish; very few have good impressions; with the 
 majority the punch has slipped from its place, or being a little canted over, 
 one edge of the coin is more deeply impressed than the other. 
 
 As to relative values of metals, Julius Caesar, as the head of the mint, 
 exchanged gold for silver at nine for one. A little later the ratio was 
 twelve for one. In the time of Constantine the Great, about a.d. 325. 
 fourteen for one. In modern times, since the destruction of the Asiatic 
 mines, the proportion is fourteen and seventeen to one. 
 
 The engravings occupying the lower half of the coin-sheet of Otho are: 
 1. A sepulchral monument of the Romans. 2. The Moles Hadriani at 
 Rome. 3. The Columna Rostrata Duilii. 4. Various patterns of head- 
 dresses of Roman ladies. 5. The arrangement of s Roman Legion in order 
 of battle. 5. The formation of the Roman forces styled a Testudo. 7. 
 Roman chariot races. These serve to explain mumismatic references 
 throughout this series. 
 
 The Rostra-column named in the last paragraph was erected b.c. 336, 
 iu honor of a victory achieved by C. Maenius over the Antiates. The 
 modern word rostrum, applied to the platform from which a public speaker 
 addresses his audience, is derived from it. The victorious Maenius, sur- 
 named Antiaticus, attached the brazen beaks {rostra) of the captured ships 
 to the forum from which popular harangues were made, and a pillar was 
 erected (Oolumna Maenia) in his honor, as is denoted in our engraving. 
 We have coins of this C. Maenius but spelled Maianius, by which name 
 the old numismatist Patin has distinguished the Gens (Maiania Gens). 
 
 The Moles Hadnani ("Hadrian's Sepulcher") was erected by that 
 monarch about a.d. 125. It exceeded in size and solidity all regal tombs 
 in Rome. It stood at the foot of the Vatican Mount, near the Tiber. It 
 was encased in marble, and elevated by numerous stories. Previous to 
 this reign, the bodies of emperors were usually deposited in the sepulcher 
 built by Augustus about a.d. 10, in the Campus Martins. 
 
COINS OF OTHO. 
 
America® Ass&oJGiti&m ei NamismatistSt 
 
 VITELLIUS. 
 
 [Of the twelve Caesars who exercised imperial authority at Rome from 
 B.C. 47 to a.d. 96, Vitellius, a.d. 69, was the ninth. The eight who pre- 
 ceded him under this title, were: Julius Causae, b.c. 47-44; Augustus, b.c. 
 31-a.d. 14; Tiberius. 14-37; Caligula, 37-41; Claudius, 41-54; Nero, 
 54-U8; Galba, 68-69; and Otho, 69. The three who succeeded him: Ves- 
 tasian, 69-79; Titus, 79-81, and Domitian, 81-96.] 
 
 Aulus Vitellius, ninth of the Caesars, Emperor of Rome from January 
 3 to Decemher 21, a.d. 69, was born (place unknown) September 24, a.d. 15. 
 The reigning Emperor was Tiberius. The name of his father was Lucius 
 Vitellius, who, by the arts of flattery, gained considerable promotion. He 
 was Consul a.d. 34, and twice afterward; also governor of Syria. At his 
 death he was honored by a public funeral and statue, with the fulsome 
 epitaph: PIETATIS IMMOBILIS ERGA PRINCIPEM ("To the man of 
 unflinching conscientiousness!"). His mother's name is not preserved. 
 His brother. Lucius, was Consul a.d. 48. and lost his life in 68. 
 
 The subject of our sketch possessed some knowledge of letters and 
 eloquence. According to Suetonius he had few graces of person, being 
 "a man of enormous stature, rubicund countenance, obeBC stomach, and 
 of such voracious appetite (scrrdida gula) that neither in the sacred rites 
 nor upon a journey could lie temper it, but would even snatch from the 
 altars the consecrated bread and flesh, and around the cook-shops by the 
 roads would devour the fish, burnt, old and half-eaten." It was particu- 
 larly observed that he was fond of oysters. Pleasant details, those of the 
 court-gossips of the first century! His best qualities consisted in skill at 
 gaming and chariot-driving. The greater part of the youth of this hopeful 
 " whip and sharper " was spent in the court of Tiberius at Caprea, an 
 island off the coast of Campania, chiefly known in history as the abode of 
 that, imperial monster, and the scene of his infamous debauchery. The 
 present writer passed Caprea February, 1868, on his way to the Orient. 
 It was occupied as a place of exile by the illustrious Garibaldi. In that, 
 stew of iniquity the Seraglio of Tiberius, the subject of our sketch, signal- 
 ized himself as a flatterer, in imitation of his father, and upon the murder 
 of Tiberius ingratiated himself successively with Caligula (who admired 
 his skill as a charioteer); with Claudius (who coveted his knowledge of 
 gaming), and with Nero (who found use for his proficiency in music). 
 A.D. 48 he was Consul with his brother Lucius; then Pro-Consul in 
 Africa for a year, and the next year Legatus there under his brother 
 Lucius, in which two stations he is said to have behaved with in- 
 tegrity. 
 
 The death of Nero and the elevation of Galba led to further advance- 
 ments, for, to the surprise of many. Galba gave him command of the 
 legions in Germany. He left Rome with his affairs so embarrassed that 
 he was compelled to put his wile Galeria Fundana and his children in 
 lodgings, and to rent out his house. The importunity of his creditors was 
 met by giving security to some and instituting unjust proceedings against 
 others. When he became Emperor he compelled his creditors to give up 
 their securities, comforting them with the remark that they should be 
 content to have their lives spared! 
 
 Vitellius was made Emperor by his soldiers January 3, a.d. 69. Otho, 
 who assumed the purple at Rome on the death of Galba, January 15, wrote 
 to Vitellius, upon hearing the intelligence from Germany, and offered to 
 share the government with him. This proposition, however, was declined. 
 The armies of the two contestants met on the Po about the 12th of April, 
 69, and after a terrible contest the forces of Otho gave way with the loss 
 of forty thousand men. The two armies then joined in fealty to Vitellius, 
 and on the 15th of the same month Otho committed suicide. Vitellius 
 proceeded slowly to Rome, which he entered in July. 
 
 The praefect of the city, Sabinus, brother of Vespasian, took the oath 
 of allegiance to Vitellius, in which he was followed by the soldiery there; 
 and the Senate, as a matter of course, decreed to him all the honors which 
 previous Emperors had enjoyed,— honors represented by PM, TRP, CENS, 
 COS, etc., initials that concealed all the prerogatives of despotism. All 
 the Empire submitted to him ; even Muciaous, governor of Syria, and Ves- 
 pasian, who was conducting the Jewish war, made their legions take the 
 oath of fidelity to Vitellius. 
 
 The rule of Vitellius opened well. He pardoned hjs opponents, with but 
 few exceptions. He conferred the title of Germanicus upon his young 
 son, with the insignia of imperial dignity. He conferred the title of Au- 
 gusta upon his mother. On the 18th of July he assumed the office of 
 Pontifex Maximus. He even paid honors to the memory of the dishonored 
 
 Nero. He confiscated no man's property, neither disturbed any persons in 
 the enjoyment of the gifts they had received from his predecessors. 
 
 The crying fault of Vitellius has already been shown up, — he was an epi- 
 cure, a glutton. His chief amusement was the table, on which he spent 
 enormous sums of money, and this made him one of those spendthrifts 
 particularly obnoxious to the Roman people. His end was fast approach- 
 ing. 
 
 Although, as above stated, the soldiers of Syria, Palestine and Egypt 
 had taken the oath of fidelity to Vitellius, this was only upon the command 
 of their generals. The forces in the east were plotting to make an Imper- 
 ator among themselves, and on the 1st of July those at Alexandria, in 
 Egypt, set the example by proclaiming Vespasian. Thus, within a little 
 more than a year, the Roman Empire witnessed the death of Nero, the 
 accession and death of Galba and Otho, the accession of Vitellius and the 
 proclamation of Vespasian. 
 
 The new Emperor was speedily recognized by all the East. Then the 
 Illyrian legions entered northern Italy and declared for Vespasian. The 
 fleet was treacherously delivered up to that general by their admiral, and 
 the first commanders sent against him all proved unfaithful to their trust. 
 
 About the 26th of October the armies joined battle near Bedriacum, 
 and those of Vitellius were defeated. On the 18th of December the Em- 
 peror left the palace in the dress of mourning with his infant son, and 
 declared before all the people, with tears, that he renounced the Empire. 
 Receiving some encouragement from the bystanders he made one more 
 rally, and a contest ensued in the heart of the city. The Capitol was 
 burnt, and Sabinus, brother of Vespasian, was killed. He attempted to 
 arm the slaves and the populace. Rome was filled with tumult and blood- 
 shed. 
 
 The Emperor was taken in an obscure part of the palace, having gorged 
 himself at his last meal. He was led through the streets with every cir- 
 cumstance of ignominy, and dragged to the Geinoniac Scalae, where the 
 body of Sabinus had been exposed. There he wa6 killed with repeated 
 blows. His head was carried about the city and his body cast into the 
 Tiber. But it was afterward interred by his wife, lie was fifty-seven 
 years of age. and reigned a year lacking ten or twelve days. His brother 
 and infant son were put to death. 
 
 In examining the attributions and legends that mark the reverses of the 
 coins of Vitellius, the eye falls with surprise upon that of Pax (Peace). 
 With what joyful surprise must it have met the eyes of the millions who 
 struggled with each other to examine the coins of the new Emperor, as 
 one in these times would look at a public proclamation. For coins were 
 made by the Senate and the Emperor, mediums of intelligence of current 
 news. True, the information thus communicated was such as " the powers 
 that, be " chose to impart. The Church of Jesus which was in the iron 
 grasp of the heathen, and whose blood cried aloud to God daily for ven- 
 geance, found nothing upon coins to console them. The down-trodden 
 nations oppressed with the yoke of Rome looked in vain for any comfort 
 to them. Yet to the freemen of the Empire, the numismatic intelligence 
 of Pax missa per orbem sent a thrill of joy, and we may imagine one uni- 
 versal shout of gladness go up as these peace-coins were distributed 
 throughout the vast Empire. 
 
 In mythology we learn that Pax was honored with an altar at Athens. 
 At Rome Claudius began a magnificent temple to this deity in the Forum, 
 which was completed and dedicated by Vespasian. This was consumed by 
 Are under the wretched Commodus (a.d. 180-192). The statue of Pax 
 represents her as a matron holding forth ears of wheat in her hands and 
 crowned with olive, laurel, sometimes roses. Her particular symbol was 
 the Caducaeus. 
 
 Since the reign of Augustus we vainly search the coins for the legend 
 so common upon his, expressed in these abbreviations — III VIR AAAFF. 
 What a puzzle to young numismatists! ''Triumvirs for melting and strik- 
 ing gold, silver and bronze " (Triumviri auro argento acre flando feriundo). 
 Save upon Colonial coins and notedly the Imperial Greek, it is rare to see 
 the name of a mint-master or Praetor upon coins as late as this. 
 
 The rapidity with which Vitellius degenerated from a brave and active 
 soldier to the glutton who made a god of his ruling lust (sua cuique deus 
 fit dira cupido, — Virgil) is one of the mysteries of our lower nature. 
 Elagabalus, one hundred and fifty years later, exhibits the same in- 
 famous degeneracy. Even Alexander behaved more like a lunatic than a 
 sensible man after his conquests were ended. Had he survived for a long 
 
-+ 
 
 42 
 
 COINS OF VITELLIUS. 
 
 life he would probably have been an implacable tyrant. Examining the 
 dignified, grave and massive features of Vitellius, we ask ourselves into 
 what kind of a demon he would have been transformed, had his rule ex- 
 tended tor a term of years! The record of his brutal atrocities, confined 
 to the few months of his empire, would serve one oriental despot of the 
 present day for half a lifetime. 
 
 The attributions of Neptune upon coins of this period excited peculiar 
 interest in the minds of those Roman people who resided in the inner 
 provinces, far from the sea. For Rome by this time had become a mari- 
 time power, able by the number of her ships to transport the largest 
 armies to any scene of war in the briefest period. This fact was commu- 
 nicated to the people by the figure and attributions of the marine deity, 
 Neptune. lie was the son of Saturn and Rhea, the brother of Jupiter and 
 Juno, and one of the most ancient divinities of Greece. Like Jupiter, he 
 is represented of a serene and majestic aspect, with strong and muscular 
 form, bearing in his hand the three-prong trident, symbol of his power. 
 Dolphins and other marine objects accompany his images. At Rome the 
 temple of Neptune stood in the Campus Martina, not far from the Septa. 
 In his festival the people formed umbrae (tents) of the branches of trees 
 and sat under them. When a Roman commander sailed out with a fleet, 
 he first offered up a sacrifice to Neptune, which was thrown into the sea. 
 And all this was well understood by the people into whose hands a coin of 
 Vitellius came impressed with one or more of the attributions of Neptune. 
 
 A brief estimate of the coins of the Roman Emperors that were pre- 
 served in the cabinets of Europe as far back as 1784, will fitly close this 
 theme. The figures are furnished by the author of '• Essay on Medals " of 
 that date: Of aurei (golden coins), 3,000; silver, 6,000; bronze. 30,000. The 
 Abbe Rothelin had secured for his own cabinet no less than 1,800 coins of 
 Probus (A.D. 276-282), no two having the same reverse. 
 
 WHAT THE COINS TEACH CONCERNING VITELLIUS. 
 READINGS 
 
 Of thirteen coins, silver and bronze, of the Emperor Vitellius, from 
 
 the illustrations on the fourth page. 
 
 [The student will observe in these Readings: First, that the size of a 
 Coin does not always agree with the size of the picture. Second, that the 
 metal is distinguished by an abbreviation,— -AV (aurum) standing for gold; 
 AR (argentum) for silver; AE (aes) for copper, bronze or brass, words in- 
 discriminately used in Numismatics. Third, that there are few punctuation 
 points on Coins, though sometimes introduced by engravers to facilitate 
 Readings. Fourth, that we do not reproduce the old forms of Greek 
 letters here, but substitute modern type; and, Fifth, that these Readings 
 are prepared as well for the use of Learners as experts.] 
 
 No. 1, AR. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Vitellius to the right; beardless; features 
 rugged, heavy, aged. He is about fifty-three years old. Inscription 
 (abbreviated): A VITELLIVS AVG IMP GERMAN; (supplied)— Aulus 
 Vitellius Augustus Imperator Germanicus — ■' Aulus Vitellius Augustus 
 Emperor Germanicus." 
 
 Reverse. Jupiter, chief of the gods, seated in his temple to the left. 
 Inscription (abbreviated): I O MAX CAPITOLINVS; (supplied)-Jupiter 
 Optimus Maximus Capitolinus,— "The Capitoline Jupiter; the Be6t; the 
 Greatest." 
 
 The history of this coin expresses the peculiar feeling of worship enter- 
 tained by the Romans. The soldiers had burned the temple of the Capi- 
 toline Jupiter while besieging the brother of Vespasian (Sabinus) in the 
 citadel. Vitellius commanded a representation of the temple to be struck 
 on coins, as if he intended shortly to rebuild it; reasoning that this most 
 mournful and detestable crime happened not through any fault of the 
 Roman people or of himself. 
 
 No. 2, AE. 
 
 Obverse. The laureate head of Vitellius to the right. The massive 
 features are distinctly marked; beardless; bust undraped. Inscription 
 (abbreviated): A VITELLIVS GERMA IMP AVG PM TR P; (supplied) 
 —Aulus Vitellius Germanicus Imperator Augustus Pontifcx Maximus 
 Tribunitia Potestate. The last two expressions are " High Priest, Exer- 
 cising the Tribunitian Power." 
 
 No. 3, AR. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Vitellius to the right. Inscription as in 
 No. 2. 
 
 Reverse. WiDged figure of Victory to the left, taking branches from 
 the palm-tree, to which two shields are attached; behind her is a piece of 
 armor. Legend: VICTORIA AVGVSTI— " The Victory of the Augus- 
 tus " (or " The goddess Victory, tutelar of the Augustus "). 
 
 As it was an ancient maxim of the Roman law that from the sentence 
 of a general in actual service there was no appeal, the Emperors, who 
 assumed the whole military power of the nation, were fond of stamping 
 IMP, for Imperator (" Emperor") upon their coins. 
 
 No. 4, AE. This may be studied in connection with the next nine, for 
 all have the same Obverse. 
 
 Reverse. Joined hands. This type is the ancient token of fidelity. 
 Legend: FIDES EXERCITVM— " The fidelity of the Armies; "' S. C, for 
 Senatus Cousulto— " By Decree of the Senate." The Joined Hands refer 
 to the same event as the figure in No. 5, which see. Read also 2 Kings 
 x, 15. 
 
 The expression Senatus Consulto (having " Senatus " in the genitive 
 case) has the same meaning as Senatus Decreto— " By Decree of the 
 Senate." 
 
 No. 5, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The Emperor Vitellius in the habit of Mars advancing to the 
 left; on his left shoulder is a trophy affixed to a spear; in his right hand 
 is a gloriola, or image of Roman glory. Legend: CONSENSVS EXER- 
 CITVVM— -The agreement of the Armies." This, as well as the term 
 •'Fidelity of the Armies," in No. 4, refers to the harmony that pxisted 
 among the different forces stationed in Gaul, in relation to the choice of 
 Vitellius to be their Emperor. 
 
 No. 6, AE. 
 
 Reverse. Victory, with her usual attributes, moving gracefully to the 
 left, holding out a circular shield on which is inscribed S P Q. R, for 
 Senatus Populusque Romanus— "The Senate and Roman People." Leg- 
 end: VICTORIA AVGVSTI-" The Victory of Augustus;" B.C., for 
 Senatus Consulto—" By Decree of the Senate." This figure has the same 
 reference as that in No. 7. 
 
 No. 7, AE. See remarks upon No. 3. 
 
 Reverse. A Victory, with usual attributes, to the left, assisting to 
 raise a heavy trophy of shield and body-armor affixed to a po6t. A man, 
 sitting upon a globe is aiding in the work. Legend, the same as No. 6. 
 The reference is to the victory obtained by Vitellius at Bebriacum, where 
 the forces of Otho were defeated" and Otho took his own life. 
 
 No. 8, AE. 
 
 Reverse. A soldier and a citizen joining hands. An expressive 
 group. Legend: PAX AVGVSTI— " The Peace of the Augustus" (or 
 "The goddess Peace, tutelar of the Augustus"); S. C, for Senatus Con- 
 sulto—" By Decree of the Senate." 
 
 The reference, doubtless, is to the reconciliation between Vitellius and 
 the Senate, who speedily transferred their allegiance after the death of 
 Otho. 
 
 No. 9, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The figure of Concord seated to the left, holding the patera 
 over an altar, on which fire is burning. On her left arm is a full cornu- 
 copia. Legend: CONCORDIA AVGVSTI—" The Concord of Augustus " 
 (or " The goddess Concord, tutelar of the Augustus "); S. C, for Senatus 
 Consulto— "By Decree of the Senate." Vitellius received the title Con- 
 cordia from the Senate for his efforts to restore that neglected virtue to 
 afflicted Rome. 
 
 No. 10, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The goddess Ceres seated to the left; in her left hand is the 
 long torch, her well-known and mournful attribute; in her right hand, two 
 spicae (wheat-ears), the token of her gift to the human race. Legend 
 (partly mutilated): CERES AVG (usti)— " The Ceres of the Augustus" 
 (or "The goddess Ceres, tutelar of the Augustus"); S. C, for Senatus 
 Consulto — " By Decree of the Senate." 
 
 This coin was struck to laud the efforts of Vitellius in providing an 
 abundance of grain from Sicily, Egypt and other grain-producing prov- 
 inces, for the use of the people of Rome. 
 
 No. 11, AE. 
 
 Reverse. Figure of Security seated to the left. The body nude to the 
 hips; the right hand upon the head; the left arm resting upon the arm of 
 the throne. Iler long torch lies transversely over the top of her basket, 
 from which is emerging a serpent. The whole group is admirably sugges- 
 tive of security. Legend (abbreviated): SECVRITAS P ROMANI; (sup- 
 plied)— Securitas Populi Romani— "The Security of the Roman People" 
 (that is, "The goddess Security, tutelar of the Roman People"); S. C, for 
 Senatus Consulto — " By Decree of the Senate." 
 
 No. 12, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The figure of Equity standing to the left; her left hand sup- 
 ported by an armed spear; in her right hand a pair of scales. Legend: 
 AEQVITAS AVGVSTI— "The Equity CJustice) of Augustus" (that is, 
 "The goddess Equity, tutelar of the Augustus"); S. C, for Senatus Con- 
 sulto— "By Decree of the Senate." 
 
 This specimen commemorates the equity of Vitellius in the decision 
 of controverted public questions, as in the government of his own affairs 
 as Emperor. 
 
 No. 13. AE. 
 
 Reverse. A large square altar with home corresponding with the 
 number of corners. Below is the word PROVIDENT (ia)— "The Provi- 
 dence" of Augustus (that is, "The goddess Provision, tutelar of the 
 Augustus"); S. C, for Senatus Consulto— "By Decree of the Senate." 
 
COINS OF VITELLIUS 
 
 43 
 
 Besides the thirteen coins figured on the fourth page there are others 
 hearing various attributions, struck by Vitellius. Oue is a denarius with 
 the laureate head of Vitellius on the Obverse, and A VITELLIVS IMP 
 GERMAN AVG; and on the Reverse a seated figure representing Clem- 
 ency bearing in her right hand a branch. The Legend is CLEMENT1A 
 AVG GERMAN— " The Clemency of the Emperor Germanicus." The 
 title "Germanicus" was bestowed upon our subject by the legions of 
 Upper Germany. Otho being dead, Vitellius spared the life of his son, 
 contrary to the Roman custom in similar cases, which was the same as 
 the Oriental practice of the present day. " On account of his Clemency 
 he spared him." Other cases of the same class are on record, so that 
 Tacitus is constrained to acknowledge that " the victorious Vitellius took 
 the glory of Clemency." There is also a gold coin (aureus) somewhat like 
 our No. 9, save that the sitting figure has a branch in her hand. The Leg- 
 end is CONCORDIA PR— "The Concord of the Roman People." When 
 the death of Otho was known at Rome, the people applauded Vitellius. In 
 the Senate, all things being properly arranged immediately, due honors 
 were decreed to him, and upon the coin the fact of their unanimity is im- 
 pressed. 
 
 A very rare denarius of Vitellius is in existence with Legend, CONCOR- 
 DIA PRAETORIANORVM— "The Concord of the Praetorian Guards." 
 It has the figure of a woman standing; in her right hand, a branch; in her 
 left, a cornucopia. When the death of Otho was made known, these veteran 
 and princely forces called Praetorians, took the oath of fidelity (sacra- 
 meutum) to Vitellius. Thus he was received as Emperor by "the Agree- 
 ment of the Pretorians." 
 
 This far-famed band of soldiers, of which so much appears in Roman 
 history and upon our coins, appears as early as Scipio Al'ricanus, B.C. 200. 
 It was then a Cohort (the tenth of a Legion) of select soldiers entitled, 
 Cohors Praetoria, who attended the General and served as his body-guard. 
 Augustus organized from these the Imperial Guard, upon which Napoleon's 
 "Guard "was modeled. The Imperial Praetorians consisted, at first, of 
 nine cohorts, each being a thousand men, horse and foot. They were en- 
 listed in Italy alone. Under Vitellius sixteen Praetorian cohorts were 
 enlisted, and four to guard the city. Severus (a.d. 193-211) remodeled 
 them and increased their number by four times their ancient strength. 
 They were finally suppressed by Constantine, and their camp, a strongly 
 fortified post between the Porta Viminalis of the city and Esquilina, with- 
 out the wall of Rome, was destroyed. They are often denominated Milites 
 Praeloriard. 
 
 This favored corps of troops indulged in great pay, leisure and luxury, 
 became extremely corrupt, made and unmade Emperors, and were far 
 more a standing terror to the city than a garrison. 
 
 Another coin, found both in gold and silver (aurei and denarii), presents 
 the figure of Mars gradient; in his right hand a spear; on his left shoulder 
 a trophy. These were struck before the self-murder of Otho occurred. 
 Mars gradient suggests the destruction of the enemy in fight, which Vitel- 
 lius exhibited as an omen of success. He had taken the sword of Julius 
 Caesar from the temple of Mars, says Tacitus, after which, by the consent 
 of the two German armies, he was proclaimed Emperor. The Legend on 
 this coin expresses the fact, CONSENSVS EXERCITVM— " The Consent 
 of the Armies." 
 
 In the first coin of our series we present the figure of the Capitoline 
 Jupiter. There is another, an extremely rare denarius, with the Legend, 
 IVPITER VICTOR. In this device we see Jove seated; in his right hand 
 a Victoriola; in his left, a spear. Hete Jupiter is styled Victor, because 
 "he is thought to conquer all things." His temple as seen in our No. 1, 
 was situated on the Palatine Hill, because on his festal day, on the ides of 
 April, Vitellius defeated the forces of Otho at Bebriacum. 
 
 Another coin found, both in gold and silver, presents the head of L. 
 Vitellius, father of the Emperor, who was Consul three times, and Censor. 
 The head of L. Vitellius is given. Before it is an ivory scipio, on which is 
 perched an eagle. The Legend is, L VITELLIVS COS III CENSOR — 
 "Lucius Vitellius, Consul the third time; Censor." Another die of the 
 same coin has the togated figure of a man sitting in a curule chair, his 
 right hand extended; an ivory scipio in his left. It was a worthy desire 
 in Vitellius to have the merits of his father thus published. As all gold 
 and silver coinage was made under personal direction of the Emperor (not 
 the Senate), he gave these directions to the moneyer as we read to-day 
 upon the coin. Plutarch says the office of Censor was the apex of all 
 honors. The ivory scipio was the badge of Consulship. 
 
 Another coin, in both gold and silver, gives the children of Vitellius. 
 They are seen facing each other with the Legend, LIBERI IMP GERM 
 AVG — " The Children of the Emperor Germanicus Augustus." We do not 
 know the names of these children whose honors were 60 exalted and so brief. 
 Tacitus speaks of one of them who perished with his father and grandfather. 
 A denarius has the device of our No. 4, viz.: Two Right Hands Joined, 
 and the Legend. "The Concord of the Praetorians." The twelve cohorts 
 of this elegant corps at first proclaimed Otho. but when that prince was 
 dead, went ever, with unanimity, to Vitellius; hence the Legend. 
 
 A coin, both in silver and gold, presents a crown of oak leaves, Corona 
 civilis, inclosing the Legend, S P Q R OB C S — Senatus Populusque 
 Romauus ob Cives Servatos— "The Senate and Roman People for saving 
 the lives of Citizens." 
 
 "The civic crown was composed of oak leaves and bestowed upon him 
 who had saved the life of a citizen. The mural crown was made of gold, 
 and presented to those who, in assaults, were the first that forced their 
 way into the towns. The camp crown was of gold and given to the man 
 who mounted the rampart of an enemy's camp. The obsidional crown 
 was composed of grass and presented, by the troops relieved from a siege, 
 to the commander who succored them." But none of these was so honor- 
 able as the civic crown. 
 
 Vaillunt observes in relation to the coin last named that it was struck 
 at the commencement of the government of Vitellius. The soldiers who 
 nominated him had dragged him in his night-clothes from his bed to do 
 so. That he was not likely to save the lives of citizens was seen in the 
 fact that as he passed the battle-field, which had won for him the purple, 
 instead of being offended by the stench of the cadavera there unburied, he 
 declared it was delightful to smell the carrion of a dead foe, especially if 
 he was a citizen. This brutal remark was repeated by the author of the 
 St. Bartholomew massacre fifteen centuries later. 
 
 Another coin, in both gold and silver, has the figure of Vesta sitting; 
 in her right hand the patera or sacred dish; in her left, a flaming torch. 
 The Legend is VESTA P R QVIRITIVM — Vesta Populi Roman! Quir- 
 itium— " Vesta of the plebeians of the Roman People." This denotes that 
 Vitellius was Pontifex Maximus (High Priest), and as such had the control 
 of the Vestals, or priestesses of Vesta. He afterward sent them as am- 
 bassadors to meet Vespasian and solicit peace. 
 
 Another coin, in gold and silver, is much like our No. 3, a Victory gra- 
 dient, having a shield in her right hand on which is written S-P-Q-R. The 
 Legend is VICTORIA AVGVSTI. This refers to the victory over Otho 
 obtained between Cremona and Verona, where Otho, who yet was not 
 present at the battle, rather by treason than by the courage of his enemy, 
 was overcome and committed 6uicide. 
 
 The last coin which we present in this series is an aureus, having a 
 Tripod (tripus) on which is placed a dolphin, and beneath it a raven. The 
 historian Suetonius avers that Vitellius was adorned with the honors of 
 the priesthood, even before he assumed the purple, and this coin implies 
 that he was one of the Qnindecimvirl who had charge of the Sibylline 
 Leaves and the general government of the state religion. The Legend 
 is XVVIR SACR FAC— " Quindecimviri for performing sacred rites." 
 The tripod was U6ed in the ceremonies of worship of Apollo, as the god 
 himself had taught. The Raven was sacred to Apollo among all the birds. 
 The Dolphin among fishes bore the same relation to him, for, as we learn 
 in Homer, Apollo upon one occasion was transformed into a dolphin. As 
 a coin-emblem the tripod pertains to the island of Gaulos. 
 
 The four engravings occupying the lower half of the coin-sheet are thus 
 named: 1. The Pantheon at Rome; 2. Head of Julius Caesar; 3. A Roman 
 war-galley; 4. The various classes of Roman soldiers, viz.. the Triarius. 
 Princeps, Hastatus, Velites, Funditores, Jaculatores. They will serve to 
 illustrate various subjects throughout, this series. 
 
 When the general, after consulting the auspices, decided to give battle, 
 he displayed a red flag (rexillum) at his headquarters (praetarivm). The 
 assembly was then called by sound of trumpet (tuba condone advocata) and 
 the commander made an address to the soldiers, who gave assent by rais- 
 ing the right hand, shouting and beating their shields with spears. Then 
 all the trumpets sounded (signa canebant) and the soldiers cried out " to 
 arms " (ad arma conclamatum est). The eagles were drawn up from the 
 ground, the watchword was given, and the soldiers made nuncupative wills 
 while preparing for battle. 
 
 The forces having advanced near the enemy, the general rode through 
 the ranks, exhorted them to courage, and gave the signal for attack. The 
 Velites began by harassing the foe with light javelins and other missiles, 
 in which they were aided by the Funditores (slingers) and Jaculatores 
 (javelin-men). As the hostile lines drew nearer, these light troops retired 
 through the intervals or by the flanks, and the Hastati (heavy spearmen) 
 came up and launched their steel-pointed darts upon the enemy. If they 
 failed to check the onset, they also retired, and gave way to the Principes, 
 who formed the second line. If they in turn were compelled to retire. 
 the Triarii (men of the third line), who thus far had stood in stooping 
 posture, rose up and took the matter in hand. Hence the expression " it 
 has come to the triarii " (ad triarios vent um est). These veteran reserves 
 were so conscious of their skill and valor and the weight of their respon- 
 sibility that they often stood the shock of cavalry as well as infantry. 
 
 The combat being thus brought to close quarters, the three orders of 
 soldiers united with closed ranks (compressis ordinibvs) and in one com- 
 pact body (uno continents agmirie). and the result was rarely to its disad- 
 vantage. For the enemy, after suffering from the light troops, must needs 
 overcome, in three separate encounters, the Hastati, the Principes, and 
 finally the Triarii reinforced by both the others. 
 
COINS OF VITELLIUS. 
 
 ,M1— M 
 
QQincS&hgets, 
 
 AmesiQUlV AsSQOiSttiQXl o$ Numismatists. 
 
 VESPASIAN. 
 
 [Of the twelve Cresars who exercised imperial authority at Rome from 
 B.C. 4T to a.d. 9G Vespasian was the tenth. The nine who preceded him 
 were Julius Cesar, who ruled B.C. 47^4; Augustus, b.c. 31-a.d. 14; 
 Tiberius, a.d. 14-37; Caligula, 37-41; Claudius, 41-54; Nero, 54-08; 
 Galba, 68-69; Otho, 69, and Vitellius, 69. Those who succeeded Ves 
 pasian are Titus, 79-81, and Domitian, 81-96.] 
 
 Titus Flavius Sabiuus Vespasianus, tenth of the Caesars, Emperor of 
 Rome a.d. 69 to 79, was born at Reate, in the Sabine country, fifty miles 
 northeast of Rome, November 17, a.d. 9; a.u.c. 762. The reigning Em- 
 peror was Augustus. The terrible defeat of the Roman legions in Ger- 
 many, under Varus, occurred a few weeks before. The name of his father 
 is unknown; his mother was Vespasian Polla, daughter of a prafechis 
 castrorvm (commander of the camps) and sister of a Senator. Left a 
 widow with two sons, Flavius and Vespasian, the latter, at her request, 
 upon laying off the toga virilis (garment worn by young men from fifteen 
 years) became a soldier. His career was steadily upward. In Thrace he 
 was made tribunus militum (commander of the forces), in Crete and 
 Cyrene, quasstor (revenues collector). He acted atdile (magistrate) and 
 prailor (chief magistrate), and in the various posts of honor, from Britain 
 to Arabia, fought the enemies of Rome for twoscore years with unvarying 
 success. During the reign of Claudius (41-54) he was legatus legioriis 
 (lieutenant-general) in the German wars and in Britain, where he con- 
 quered the Isle of Wight. He was made Consul the first time during the 
 latter part of a.d. 51; the second time, with his son Titus, a.d. 70; third, 
 a.d. 71; fourth, with Nerva (afterward Emperor), a.d. 72; eighth, with his 
 son Titue, a.d. 77, being the sixth time that Titus enjoyed this honor. 
 These data serve to establish dates to the coins of his reign. 
 
 Under Nero (54-68) Vespasian acted as pro-consul (that is, an ex-consul 
 in command of a province). Here was developed that greed of money 
 which stained the character of thiB distinguished soldier, and he was 
 charged with gross extortion and outrage upon the people. This vice, 
 however, was not calculated to forfeit the esteem of soldiers. His army 
 loved him with rare devotion, and in their rude way petted him and 
 bestowed nicknames upon him. In his habits Vespasian was singularly 
 abstemious and frugal. He possessed a strong and healthy body, and was 
 known to fast one day each month as a hygienic exercise. He seems 
 never to have been actuated by hatred or revenge. 
 
 When the Jewish outbreak began, a.d. 65, the Emperor Nero selected 
 Vespasian to quell it. There was a standing grudge between the Emperor 
 and the General ; for Vespasian had a contempt for Nero's musical abili- 
 ties, and boldly expressed it; but this did not bliud the royal fiddler to 
 military merit, and he unhesitatingly entrusted Vespasian with an army, 
 large, well officered and well equipped for the work, which proved to be 
 protracted and severe. Vespasian appointed his son Titus, then twenty- 
 six years of age, as his lieutenant. 
 
 Commencing in Syria and northern Palestine, Vespasian made two 
 campaigns, and had brought the war to the very gates of Jerusalem when 
 events occurred that threw the empire itself into his hands. The Emperor 
 Nero committed suicide a.d. 68. Three contestants for the throne fol- 
 lowed in rapid succession. Gulba was slain January a. i>. 69; Otho com- 
 mitted suicide April 15; Vitellius was murdered December 20 of the same 
 year. 
 
 In this turmoil the armies of Vespasian took prerogative with the rest, 
 and proclaimed him Emperor at Alexandria, Egypt, July 1, a.d. 69, and at 
 the gates of Jerusalem July 3. This proclamation was indorsed by the 
 other armies in the East, and early in a.d. 70 he went to Rome to be 
 crowned. His reigu is properly reckoned from July 1, a.d. 69. Titus com- 
 pleted the unfinished work in Judea, capturing Jerusalem September 8, 
 a.d. 70. 
 
 The reign of Vespasian was one of the most prosperous in the annals 
 of Rome. He accomplished the rebuilding of the city, burnt in the reign 
 of Nero, a.d. 64. Collecting copies of the public records lost in that dis- 
 aster, he presented the State with the three thousand brazen tablets on 
 which he had had them engraved, ne built the Coliseum, whose very 
 ruins excite the wonder of visitors. He labored with untiring assiduity to 
 restore social order, shaken in the recent changes of rulers, and disbanded 
 mutinous corps of soldiers. As censor (magistrate of morals) he purged 
 
 the Senate and the Eqves (the Order of Knights) of unworthy members 
 He was affable and easy of access, and his example of piety and frugality 
 effected more in reforming public morals than all laws. He often visited 
 Reate, the place of his birth, and was never ashamed of the lowness of his 
 origin. At the close of the Jewish war he shut the gates of the temple of 
 Janus, and built a temple to peace. As censor he made an enumeration of 
 the citizens of Rome a.d. 74, the last that ever was made. During his 
 reign Pliny completed his great work upon Natural History, which is so 
 honorably associated with his name, and inscribed it, a.d. 70, to Titus. 
 
 On the 24th of June, a.d. 79, VeBpasian died at his birthplace, Reate, 
 aged sixty-nine years seven months and seven days, having reigned ten 
 years lacking six days. In his last moments he conceived the idea that 
 an Emperor should meet the last enemy in the attitude of a soldier; so, 
 commanding his attendants to lift him from his couch, he died standing 
 erect. As Vespasian was the only Emperor since Augustus, a.d. 14, who 
 met a natural death, — Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galbo, Otho, 
 Vitellius, all suffering from violence, — perhaps the weakening mind was 
 overcast with the shadow that had beclouded his predecessors, and he 
 could not endure the thought of meeting death upon a bed. 
 
 His wife, Flavia Domitilla, the daughter of an tques (Knight), had borne 
 him two sons, Titus and Domitian, also a daughter named after herself. 
 Her husband and each of her sons attained to imperial greatness, but both 
 the Domitillas died before Vespasian became Emperor. 
 
 According to custom, a series of Apotheosis Coins were struck in honor 
 of Vespasian after his decease. Upon some appears the inscription, diws 
 avgvstvs vespasianvs, " the Divine Augustus Vespasian." It recalls an 
 expression of his own, made with reference to his approaching decease, 
 Ut puto Deusfio, " I consider that I am made a god;" no arrogant expres- 
 sion for a Ponlifex Maxim us (High Priest) about to be deified in the Roman 
 manner. Upon some coins the inscriptions proved that they were struck 
 by Titus in memory of this good parent. 
 
 Such was the character of the tenth Ciesar, whose rugged features and 
 healthy frame, whose victories, honors and civil merits, are 60 minutely 
 detailed upon the coins, of which, in all the mint-metals, gold, silver and 
 bronze, and in all the standard sizes (except third bronze), there is an 
 immense number extant, and new ones coming to light daily in the 
 numismatic "finds" of Europe, Asia and Africa. The annals of his 
 reign are honestly recorded upon these metalic tablets even as the records 
 of the ages that preceded him were recorded upon the 3,f 00 bronze plates 
 which he deposited in the archives of Rome. The " good Vespasian " thus 
 became known, face to face, to every member of his extended empire, and 
 when the announcement of his death went out, June, a.d. 79, the natioual 
 grief was intensified in the fact that all knew his face so well. 
 what the coins teach concerning VESPASIAN. 
 
 Besides the historical matter expressed in the readings of the eighteen 
 coins, upon the next page we find additional facts upon the coins of Ves- 
 pasian, which are the life of the period. The civic crown (the oak wreath) 
 ordered him by the Senate, ob cices servatos, " for preserving the lives of 
 citizens," appears upon his money. The unanimity with which the 
 armies proclaimed him Emperor, a.d. G9, is expressed upon coins in 
 emblems and legends like these: fides exercitum, "the fidelity of the 
 armies;" consensus exercitum, "the harmony of the forces," etc. His 
 reestablishment of the liberties of the nation is acknowledged upon coins 
 under these expressions: adstrtori liberiaiis publico?, "to the restorer of 
 public liberty;" liberta* publico, "the public liberty," etc. His great 
 labors in rebuilding the burnt city and embellishing it with splendid edi- 
 fices are admitted in these coin passages: Romaresvrges. "Rome rising 
 again;" forhtnee re.dvci, "to him who brings back fortune." The un- 
 counted benefits accruing to the Empire in restoring general peace is 
 immortalized in coins in these epigraphs: pads eventus, "the coming of 
 peace;" jxix populi fiomani, "the peace of the Roman people;" pax 
 Augvsti, "the peace of the Emperor;" pax orbis terra/rum, " the peace of 
 the entire world;" salas Augitsti, "the surety of the Emperor," etc. nis 
 stern integrity is marked upon coins by ccguitas Angnsti, " the equity of 
 the Emperor," etc. His bounty to those provinces desolated by earth- 
 quakes is perpetuated in their coins by making an era of his reign, and 
 styling it " the sacred year" of Vespasian. 
 
46 
 
 COINS OF VESPASIAN. 
 
 READINGS, 
 
 Of eighteen coins, gold, silver and bronze, of the Emperor Vespasian, 
 
 from the illustrations on the fourth page. 
 
 [The reader will observe in these Readings, First, that the size of the 
 coins does not always agree with that of the illustrations. Second, that 
 the metal is distinguished by an abbreviation, AY (aurum) standing for 
 gold; Alt (argentum) for silver; AE (aes) for copper, bronze or brass, 
 words indiscriminately used in numismatics. Third, that there are no 
 punctuation-points on coins, though sometimes introduced by engravers 
 to facilitate readings. Fourth, that we do not reproduce the old forms of 
 Greek letters here but substitute modern type, and Fifth, that these Read- 
 ings are prepared for the use of learners as well as experts.] 
 
 No. 1. A gold coin (the aureus) struck at Rome. The value of this 
 coin was estimated at 20 denarii, but they run from $3 to $4.44. The artis- 
 tic execution of the aureus is usually good. 
 
 Obverse. The head of Vespasian, crowned with laurel; face to right; 
 bust nude; features grave; nose prominent. His age was 63. Inscription 
 (abbreviated). IMP CAES VESP AVQ PM COS IIII. (Supplied,) Im- 
 perator Ctesar Vespasianus Augustus Pontifex Maximus, Consul 4: "High 
 Priest; Consul for the 4th time." This fixes the date of the coin to a.d 
 72, when he was Consul with Nerva. 
 
 Reverse. A captive female to the right, sitting under a palm tree, as in 
 Lamentations ii, 10: " She, being desolate, shall sit upon the ground." On 
 the opposite side of the tree stands Vespasian in military costume, his 
 left foot upon a helmet; in his right hand a hastapura (headless spear); in 
 his left, a parazoninm (small sword given by Emperor to tribune). 
 
 No. 2. A bronze medal (medallion), struck at Rome. The value can 
 not be estimated, as this class of numismata were not reckoned as coins. 
 
 Obverse. Head of Vespasian, crowned with laurel; face to right; bust 
 nude; features rugged and healthy, recalling the' account of an old writer: 
 "his face was that of a corpulent man, very prosperous in health, which 
 he maintained by abstinence and friction." The great national feature of 
 the Roman, the nose, here vindicates itself superbly. Inscription (abbre- 
 viated). IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM TRP PP COS III. 
 (Supplied,) Imperator Caesar Vespasianus Augustus Pontifex Maximus 
 Tribunitia Potestato Pater Patriae, Consul 3: " High Priest, exercising the 
 Tribunitian power; Father of the country; Consul for the 3d time." This 
 fixes the date a.d. 71. 
 
 Reverse. An Allocution 6ccne; Vespasian delivering an address to 
 the soldiers, as the word ADLOCVTIO demonstrates. The picture is fine- 
 ly drawn, and will repay close examination. The Emperor is in military 
 garb, bareheaded save the decoration of laurel. He stands upon a low, 
 square platform, and throws forward hie right arm and left foot, in the at- 
 titude of an orator. The three soldiers to whom he is speaking bear mili- 
 tary standards in their right hand. Their arms may be examined piece by 
 piece; open helmet with lofty crest; breast-plate, or coat of mail; greaves 
 to protect the legs, and an ample buckler on the left arm, of an oblong and 
 concave figure, four feet in length, two and a half in breadth, framed of 
 light wood, covered with bull's hide and strongly guarded with plates of 
 brass. 
 
 No. 3. A silver coin (denarius) struck at Rome. Value about 15 cents. 
 
 Obverse. Head of Vespasian, as in No. 1, but the expression is not so 
 care-worn. Inscription as in Nos. 1 and 2. 
 
 Reverse. A captive female ("the daughter of Zion") to the left; 
 back to the palm tree. Hands spread in attitude of supplication. In- 
 scription. IVDEA DEVICTA, " the land of Judea subdued." There is 
 no class of coins that excite more interest in Christian instruction of 
 the present than these "Captivity coins," begun by Vespasian and con- 
 tinued by Titus and Domitian. 
 
 No. 4. A bronze coin struck in the mint of the Island of Cyprus. The 
 letters are Greek of the old type; the style of mintage differs materially 
 from that of Rome. 
 
 Obverse. Omitted to economize space. It has the laureated head of 
 Vespasian and the inscription. 
 
 0YE1UA1IAN0S IZBAITOS, 
 
 "The Emperor Vespasian." (There being no V in Latin, OU are substi- 
 tuted; in English W, or Ouespasian, Wespasian). 
 
 Reverse. The Temple of Venus, at Paphns (or Paphos), in CypruB. 
 Remains of this ancient and splendid edifice have recently been exhumed 
 and brought to the United States by General Cesnola. The oracle of this 
 temple anaonnced to Vespasian upon his visit that not only was there a 
 safe journey before him but a sure hope of the Empire. From her wor- 
 ship here Venus is styled "the Paphian goddess." Inscription, 
 
 K0IN0N KYT1PIQN ETOYE IJ, 
 
 " The common society of the Cyprian people: (a coin) of the year 8." This 
 sets the date at a.d. 76, the 8th year of Vespasian's reign. 
 
 ETOYZ 
 
 (" of the year") being in the genitive, the words to be supplied may be 
 "a coin," "an act," "a courtly token," etc. etc., but we prefer the first. 
 In some coins of this class we find 
 
 ETOYE NEOY IEPOY H, 
 
 " of the new sacred year 8." The goddess Venus is seen in the center of 
 the temple under the form ofa meta(acone). It is known that the inhabi- 
 tants of the Cyprus, also the Syrians and Phoenicians, dedicated their 
 Paphian coins to Vespasian because after an earthquake had desolated 
 those parts he presented them with large sums of money for purposes of 
 reparation. 
 
 No. 5. A bronze coin struck at Thessalonica, a city in Macedonia, now 
 termed Salonica, where the Turks perpetrated the horrid massacre of the 
 Christians in 1876. The letters are Greek, the style of mintage resembles 
 No. 4. 
 
 Obverse, as in No. 4. 
 
 Reverse. A wreath of olive-leaves (?) and fruit, within which an eagle 
 looking to the right, supporting a palm branch. Inscription, 
 
 OEZZAAONIKEQN, 
 
 "of the Thessalonians." The form of the letters differs from the last. 
 The words to be supplied are as in No. 4, "A coin," etc. 
 
 No. 6. A bronze coin. This and the two following are to be studied 
 in connection. They display the glory of the Flavian family, the father 
 and his two princely sons. 
 
 Obverse. The head of Vespasian with the inscription (translated), 
 "The Emperor Caesar Vespasian Augustus, Consul 3." The date, there- 
 fore, is A.D. 71. 
 
 Reverse. The deity adored by the Flavian family, their Tutelary 
 goddess represented nude to the waist, sitting on a square seat to the left, 
 and cherishing the two sous of Vespasian, — Titus and Domitian, — who 
 stand as boys at either haud. The artistic execution is poor. Inscrip- 
 tion. TVTELA AVGVSTI, "tutelary genius of the Emperor." There 
 is something affecting in this desire of the monarch to accustom his sub- 
 jects to their future rulers. But had he foreseen the character of his 
 younger son, Domitian, our coin would have shown only one face on the 
 reverse. 
 
 No. 7. A bronze coin; companion to Nos. 6 and 8. 
 
 Obverse. As No. 6. 
 
 Reverse. Heads of the sons of Vespasian, — Titus and Domitian,— 
 facing each other. Their appearance is youthful, Titus being about thirty- 
 two years of age, Domitian twelve years younger. The lost figures con- 
 tained the date. The artist has given to Titus the more frank and 
 ingenuous countenance. Inscription (abbreviated). T VESP COS - - - 
 
 D CAESAR AVG F COS DESIG IMP. "Titus Vespasian, Consul 
 
 Domitian Caesar, sous of Augustus, Consul, designated Emperors." 
 
 No. 8. A bronze coin ; companion to Nos. 6 and 7. 
 
 Obverse. As No. 7. 
 
 Reverse. The two heirs of the crown, Titus and Domitian, on horse- 
 back to right. The attitude of steeds and riders is artistic, every attribu- 
 tion being well conceived. No saddles are used, which recalls Csesar's 
 note of a century earlier concerning the Suevii, that " nothing is deemed 
 more shameful by them than the use of saddles." The two are bareheaded, 
 their cloaks and the tails of their horses fly in the wind. They look and 
 point forward earnestly, as if to an enemy. Inscription (abbreviated): 
 T ET DOMITIAN CAES ARES PRIN IVVENT; (supplied) TITVS ET 
 DOMITIANVS CAESARES PRINCIPES IVVENTATIS. "Titus and 
 Domitian, Caesars, Princes of the young men." This title, "Prince of 
 Youth," was often applied to the heirs of the crown. 
 
 No. 9. A bronze coin struck either at Nicomedia or Nicaea. The lan- 
 guage is Greek. So much is erased that the reading is difficult. 
 
 Obverse. The laureated head of Vespasian to the right; bust nude. 
 Inscription (abbreviated) : 
 
 AYTOhPATOPI KAIEAPI SEBAITQ OYEIII AEIAXQ 
 
 NEIK ; 
 
 (supplied) Autokratori Caesari Sebasto Vespasiano Neik, etc. (for Nico- 
 media, or Nicaea), " To the Emperor Cajsar Augustus Vespasian (a coin) of 
 the Nicomedians." 
 
 Reverse. A tiger to the left keeping watch over an urn, or depositing 
 something in it. Inscription (abbreviated): 
 
 K0YUAANKI0Y 0YAP0Y; 
 
 (supplied). . . Kou Plancion Varou; "of Plancius Varus." The missing 
 letters perhaps give the name of the city of which Plancius Varus was 
 prefect and which struck this elegant coin in honor of Vespasian. 
 
 No. 10. A bronze coin struck at Rome. This may be studied in con- 
 nection with the next three. 
 
COINS OF VESPASIAN. 
 
 47 
 
 Obverse. Face of Vespasian to the right. General appearance as in 
 the preceding coins, a rugged soldierly face, pinched with the frosts of 
 Britain, bronzed with the suns of Africa. Inscription (abbreviated), IMP 
 CAES VESPASIAN AVG COS III., "the Emperor Ciesar Vespasian 
 Augustus Consul 3." This sets the date a.d. 71. 
 
 Reverse. As No. 11. 
 
 No. 11. A bronze coin struck at Rome. 
 
 Obverse. As No. 10. 
 
 Reverse. The weeping " daughter of Zion," seated to the left, under 
 a palm tree, upon a confused heap of Roman shields, a helmet in the rear. 
 The luxuriance of the tree in foliage and fruit is notable. The mourner 
 rests her forehead upon her right hand iu a pathetic attitude, her veil 
 floating behind her. Her left arm droops in graceful wilduess. Inscrip- 
 tion (abbreviated), IVDEA CAPTA S. C; (supplied) Judea Capta. Sen- 
 ates Consnlto: "Judea being conquered (this coin is struck) by decree of 
 the Senate." The old numismatists read this attribution thus, Pi-ovincia 
 lugens inter arma juxta palmam, "the province weeping, among arms, 
 near a palm tree," so terse and expressive is the Latin tongue. 
 
 No. 12. A bronze coin struck at Rome. 
 
 Obverse. Like that of No. 10. The inscription reads, "The Emperor 
 C'sesar Vespasian Augustus Consul 8, father of the country." This sets 
 the date a.d. 77. 
 
 Reverse. The "sorrowing female," as in No 10, seated to the left 
 upon the ground, her back to palm tree, which displays foliage only. 
 Her forehead is supported by left hand. In the rear is an assemblage of 
 Roman arms and banners. Inscription (abbreviated), VICISTI CAES 
 S. C: (supplied) Vicisti Ca?sari: Senatus Consulto, "to the conquering 
 Cwsar; by decree of the Senate." 
 
 No. 13. A bronze coin struck at Rome. 
 
 Obverse. As No. 10. 
 
 Reverse. The "symbol of Judea" to the right, seated upon a helmet, 
 back to palm tree, shields and other arms near by. The attitude is even 
 more pathetic than the preceding. The tree yields leaves and fruit (dates). 
 Inscription as in No. 11, save that the S. C. is in the Exergue (space 
 below and " out of" the field of the coin). 
 
 No. 14. A gold coin (aureus) struck at Rome. Value and weight as in 
 No. 1. 
 
 Obverse. Laureated head of Vespasian to right, bust nude. Inscrip- 
 tion, IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG, "the Emperor Oiesar Ves- 
 pasian Augustus." 
 
 Reverse. The "Jewish mourner" sitting to right on the ground, at 
 her back a Roman trophy. Inscription, IVDJSA, the word being spelled 
 with the diphthong, which is not the case in the preceding. 
 
 The Roman trophy was a collection of spoils taken from an enemy, and 
 fixed upon something as signs or monuments of victory, erected usually 
 at the place where the success was gained, and consecrated with appro- 
 priate inscription to some deity. They were not much used by the 
 Romans, who were sparing of insults to the vanquished. 
 
 No. 15. A silver coin (denarius) struck at Rome. Value as No. 3. 
 
 Obverse. As No. 14. 
 
 Reverse. The "symbolical mourner" to the right, seated upon the 
 ground, at the foot of a fruitful palm. Her hands tied. Her attitude 
 indicative of utter distress. Inscription as No. 14. 
 
 No. 16. A gold coin (aureus) struck at Rome. Value and weight as in 
 No. 1. 
 
 Obverse. Laureated head of Vespasian to the right, bust nude. Hair 
 is notably thinned away from the forehead, and the profile sharp. In- 
 bcription: IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG TR P, " the Emperor 
 Csesar Vespasian Augustus, exercising the Tribunitian power." 
 
 Reverse. A triumphal chariot to the right (quadriga;, four-horsed). 
 In it stands Vespasian. Victory crowning him from the rear. Iu his left 
 hand he bears an olive branch.(?) Trumpeter sounds a triumph. Two 
 captives with hands bound behind their backs walk before. Inscription 
 (abbreviated): TRIVMP AVG: (supplied) TRIVMPHVS AVGVSTI; 
 " the triumph of the Emperor." 
 
 These captives are two of the seventy leaders in the Jewish war, viz., 
 Simon Gioras and John of Gischala, who, after gracing the triumph 
 decreed by the Roman Senate to Vespasian and Titus, were put to death 
 in the Mamertine prison, according to the custom on such occasions. 
 (Writers, however, differ aB to the fate of John.) 
 
 No. 17. A bronze coin struck at Rome. The peculiar beauty is due 
 not to the art of the moneyer, but the modern engraver. 
 
 Obverse. The laureated head of Vespasian to the right, as in preced- 
 ing specimens. The massive set of the features is strikingly marked. 
 Inscription (abbreviated): IMP CAES VESPASIAN AVG PM TRP 
 PP COS VII. " The Emperor Caesar Vespasian Augustus Pontifcx Maxi- 
 
 mus (exercising) Tribunitian Power, Father of the Country, Consul the 
 seventh time." This sets the date a.d. 76. 
 
 Reverse. The front of a hexastyle (six-columned) temple approached 
 by steps ranging the whole front of the building. Five statues appear,— 
 three of deities in as many apartments, two at the wings. The seated 
 figure in the center is probably Jupiter; that on the right, Minerva; 
 on the left, Juno. On the sloping lines of the roof are many sculptured 
 figures; and in the tympanum an assemblage of such, the central one 
 being seated. The two on the left are probably smiths working at an 
 anvil. Everything connected with this Reverse is artistic and beautiful. 
 The building itself is probably the Capitol rebuilt by Vespasian, though 
 some writers account it as his Temple of Peace. Inscription: S. C; 
 Senatus consulto; " by decree of the Senate." 
 
 No. 18. A bronze coin struck in honor of Flavia Domitilla, the wife of 
 Vespasian and mother of Titus and Domitian and their sister Domitilla. 
 The letters are Greek. It is of the class entitled " Consecration Coins." 
 
 Obverse. Face of Domitilla to the right, hair elegantly arranged, bu6t 
 draped. The features are mild and maternal, the general expression 
 pleasing. Inscription: 
 
 (PAA0YIA AOMITIAAA, 
 
 "Flavia Domitilla." 
 
 Reverse. A serpent upon the back of a horse which is galloping to 
 the right. This is an ancient Greek symbol suggesting the brevity of 
 human life. Domitilla died before her husband reached the royal station, 
 so the swiftness of time is here expressed by the serpent which runs into 
 itself, and the galloping steed. The letters 
 
 yiJare for A YliABAI 6, 
 " the sixth year of Vespasian," or a.d. 75. 
 
 Numismatists are divided in opinion upon this and other coins of 
 Domitilla, some deeming them honors paid to the daughter of Domitilla, 
 who bore the same name with herself. We base our conclusion, however, 
 upon the mature and matronly expression of the face, and the term 
 Augusta, " Empress." They arc, of course, Apotheosis, or Consecration 
 Coins, struck after the decease of the person whom they commemorate. 
 There are at least four others to our knowledge of this class whose 
 Obverses have the head of Domitilla and inscriptions, DIVA DOMIT- 
 ILLA AVGVSTA, "the deified Empress Domitilla." The Reverses are: 
 1. The radiated head of Vespasian with "the Divine Augustus Vespasian," 
 proving that this was coined after Vespasian's death; 2. The goddess 
 Fortune standing with temo (carriage pole), cornucopia:, and " the fortune 
 of the Empress;" 3. The stolatccl (lady's robe) figure of a woman standing, 
 holding iu her right hand a flower, in her left a garment with " to the 
 peace of the Empress;" A. The figure of a woman sitting, with a boy at 
 her feet, and " the piety of the Empress." This last refers to the fact that 
 upon the apotheosis of this lady, temples were erected to her worship, and 
 a special order of priests appointed, entitled Sacerdos Diva? Domitilla?, 
 " the Priesthood of the deified Domitilla." 
 
 PRINCEPS JTTVENTUTIS. 
 
 The title, "Chief of the Young Men," applied in these illustrations to 
 the sons of the Emperor, was a frequent appellation upon coins. It has 
 ever been the custom of hereditary rulers to honor their sons, especially 
 oldest sons, with such titles as would give dignity to the royal heir, and 
 ingratiate him in the favor of those over whom he might be called to 
 reign. In the republican history of Rome, the expression meant simply 
 " one of the most noble among tne knights," but under the empire it was 
 applied, exclusively, to the heir of the throne. 
 
 We find it upon many coins in our cabinet. Commodus, son of the em- 
 peror Marcus Aurelius, received this title at the conclusion of the first 
 German war. His coin has the olive branch, the symbol of peace. Diad- 
 umenianus, the "beautiful boy," sou of I he emperor Macrinus, received it at 
 the age of nine years. Maximus C.fsar, the "haughty lad," son of Maxim- 
 ums I, bore it during his brief period. Saloninus, son of the emperor 
 Gallienus, enjoyed the title during his little stay upon earth, and he is seen, 
 invested with the title, upon a denarius, wearing the paludamentum (gen- 
 eral's military cloak), and having a standard in his right hand. Philip, 
 Junior, son of the emperor Philip Arabian, bore it during his term of five 
 years, and exhibits it upon a gold coin (aureus), standing paludated. aglobe 
 in his right hand, a scipio (official staff) in his left, and two standards be- 
 hind him. Herennius, son of the good emperor Trajan Decius, bore the 
 title during his ephemeral stay of two years. 
 
 It is a sad story, that of these Principes Jurevtvtis. Their elevation 
 was a prelude to their fall. A succession of bright, beautiful boys upon 
 a coin-series, from Antiochus VI (slain by his guardian Tryphon), down 
 through all the centuries of coin-annals, is as sad a picture of humanity 
 as history presents. 
 
COINS OF VESPASIAN. 
 
 14 
 
 16 
 
 17 
 
CQim-Bheets> 
 
 American AssQOiatioa ©i ^ummmatlstB, 
 
 TITUS 
 
 [Of the twelve Caesars who exercised imperial authority at Rome from 
 B.C. 47 to a.d. 96, Titus, a.d. 70-81, wus the eleventh. The ten who pre- 
 ceded him, under this title were: Julius Caesar, b.c. 47-44; Augustus, 
 b.c. 31-a.d. 14; Tiberius, 14-37; Caligula, a.d. 37-41; Claudius, 41-54; 
 Nero, 54-68; Galba, 68-69; Otho, 69; Vitellius, 69, and Vespasian, 
 69-19. The one who succeeded him was his brother, Domitian, 81-96.] 
 
 Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus, eleventh of the Caesars, Emperor of 
 Rome, a.d. 69 to 71, was born at Rome December 30, a.d. 40, about three 
 weeks prior to the murder of Caligula. The reigning Emperor was Ca- 
 ligula. "The mean house with the small chamber " in whjch this good 
 prince ilrst saw the light, was shown, as an object of popular curiosity, as 
 late as the time of Suetonius, about a.d. 90. His father having precisely 
 the same name, was the tenth of the Roman Emperors, and his immediate 
 predecessor. His mother, Flavia Domitilla, was a lady of good family, 
 and all that is recorded of her is favorable. His only brother, Domitian, 
 succeeded him as Emperor. 
 
 From childhood Titus manifested a good disposition. His figure was 
 well modeled, save that his stomach was somewhat protuberant; he was 
 active and expert in all bodily exercises, possessed a great aptitude for 
 learning, was an accomplished musician and a most expert short-hand 
 writer, an accomplishment in which the Romans of that period excelled. 
 
 The youth of Titus was passed in the imperial household of Claudius, 
 and in the same manner and with the same instructors as Britannicus, 
 then heir-apparent to the throne. Upon the accession of Nero he received 
 similar favors from the new Emperor, and was a guest at Nero's table 
 when Britannicus drank from the envenomed cup and died. 
 
 While yet a young man Titus acted as tribunus militum, both in Britain 
 and Germany, and with much credit. Following this he was promoted 
 quaestor. He then applied himself to the labors of the forum. He was 
 twice married, first to Arricidia, a lady of good family, and upon her 
 death, to Marcia Furnina, a woman of high rank, by whom he had a daugh- 
 ter, Julia Sabina, to whose unhappy fate we refer in our sketch of Domi- 
 tian. The frequency of divorces among the Romans of the period was so 
 marked that it is useless to inquire why he divorced Marcia after the birth 
 of her daughter. 
 
 But it was in the Jewish war of a.d. 66 to 70 that Titus acquired his 
 principal renown. Having command of a legion lie was made lieutenant- 
 general by his father, Vespasian, and as such was chiefly instrumental in 
 the siege and capture of the cities of Tarichaea and Gamala, described 
 by Josephus. When Galba was proclaimed Emperor, a.d. 68, Titus was 
 sent by his father to pay his respects to the new monarch, and probably 
 to ask for that promotion to which his services entitled him. But arriving 
 at Corinth he learned of the death of Galba and went no further. 
 
 He returned to Vespasian, who was already dreaming of the higher des- 
 tiny before him. Titus reconciled Mucianus, governor of Syria, with his 
 father, and thus contributed greatly to the result that followed. Vespasian 
 was proclaimed Emperor by his soldiers, first at Alexandria, Egypt, July 
 1, 69, and two days later at the gates of Jerusalem. Titus accompanied his 
 father as far as to Egypt, on the way to Rome, and then returned to Pales- 
 tine to complete the work in progress there. All writers acknowledge that 
 he displayed the talents of a general with the daring of a soldier. More 
 than once his person was placed in imminent peril by the fury of the 
 Jews, and rarely had the Roman legions encountered a people whose con- 
 quest cost them so dearly. 
 
 September 8, a.d. 70, Jerusalem was taken by storm, and Titus received 
 from his soldiers the title of Imperator. During the next eight months he 
 occupied himself in a conference at Zeugma, on the Euphrates, with the 
 Parthian ambassadors, and in a visit to Egypt, where he assisted at the 
 consecration of the bull Apis at Memphis. On his journey to Italy he had 
 an interview with Apollonius, of Tyana, who gave him excellent counsel. 
 
 In the Judaean Triumph Titus was associated with his father and with 
 his brother Domitian, the latter riding a horse in the procession. He also 
 received the title of Caesar, and was associated with Vespasian in the 
 government. They acted together as Censors, and Titus was made Prae- 
 fectus Pretorio, an office which had hitherto only been held by Roman 
 Knights. 
 
 Upon the death of Vespasian, June 24, 79, Titus succeeded peaceably to 
 the throne, and has left a record truly enviable. During his brief reign of 
 two years he displayed a sincere desire for the happiness of his people, and 
 did all he could to relieve them in times of distress. Upon one occasion 
 
 remembering at the close of an evening that he had made no charitable 
 gifts since he arose, he cried out to his friends, "I have lost a day!" 
 Various conspiracies were formed against him, but Titus pardoned the 
 plotters and endeavored to win them to him by kindness. Even his bro- 
 ther Domitian entertained designs against him, but was forgiven and taken 
 into renewed confidence. He checked all prosecutions for laesa majestas, 
 which, from the time of Tiberius had been a fruitful source of false accu- 
 sation, and severely punished informers. 
 
 At the close of 79 Titus repaired one of the great Roman aqueducts. 
 The success of Agricola in Britain justified the Emperor in assuming the 
 title of Imperator for the second time. This year is memorable for the 
 great eruption of Vesuvius, in which the elder Pliny lost his life, and Her- 
 culaneum and Pompeii were destroyed. Titus endeavored to repair the 
 losses by sending two consulars with money to restore the ruined cities. 
 He visited in person the site of the catastrophe. While absent a great fire 
 occurred in Rome, destroying the Capitol, the Library of Augustus and 
 other edifices and treasures. To repair and rebuild, the Emperor sold even 
 the decorations of the royal residences. The eruption of Vesuviu was 
 followed by a terrible pestilence, which called for fresh exertions on the 
 part of the benevolent Emperor. 
 
 A.D. 80 he completed the Coliseum began by his father; also the 
 "Baths of Titus"; repaired several aqueducts, and paved the road to 
 Rimini. A.D. 81 Agricola was employed in a campaign against the Scots. 
 
 This amiable monarch died September 13, a.d. 81, in the same villa in 
 which his father had breathed his last but two years before. He was forty- 
 one years of age and had reigned two years two months and twenty days. 
 Whispers were indulged in at the time that his brother Domitian was in- 
 strumental iu hastening his end. 
 
 In the coin-sheet of Caligula, near the lower left-hand corner, will be 
 seen an engraving of the Arch of Titus at Rome, as it appears at the pres- 
 ent day. This is the oldest triumphal arch now existing in that city, if 
 we except the doubtful monument of Drusus; and as a proof and an illus- 
 tration of the most important event in the Jewish History, there is not, 
 perhaps, a more interesting monument of antiquity in the world. It was 
 completed a.d. 80. Trajan erected one a.d. 114, and Constantine a.d. 
 312, which was made a pattern by the British in building their Marble 
 Arch iu Hyde Park, London. The view of this monument of Titus cor- 
 roborates the opinion offered more than once in these sheets, that the 
 Roman government set an extraordinary value upon their conquests in 
 Judaea. Why this was 60 will demand some knowledge of the people and 
 the history of the Jews. It was not that the fanaticism and desperate 
 bravery of the people prolonged the war and cost their conquerors some 
 adverses. This had occurred to even a greater extent in the subjugation 
 of other countries scarcely named upon coins. But here we see the con- 
 quest of a small territory, insignificant in wealth, an agricultural and 
 pastoral people, who had never come into competition, either in arts or 
 arms, with Rome; we see their conquests recorded successively upon the 
 coins of the father (Vespasian), who began the war of subjugation; of the 
 son, Titus, who completed it in a manner almost unprecedented in Roman 
 warfare, viz., by the utter destruction of the towns and general deporta- 
 tion of the people; and, finally, of his brother (Domitian), who had no 
 share in the war. Not only was the conquest of Judaea stamped upon 
 millions of the people's coinage (the bronze) for twenty-six years, so that 
 every person in the Empire was impressed with the importance of the 
 event, but Titus gave still greater eclat to the Jews by erecting the Arch at 
 Rome, to which reference has already been had. No wonder that Jose- 
 phus, residing at Rome for thirty years after these events occurred, and at 
 a period when some of the best historians of Rome were at work, was 
 importuned to relate, for the benefit of the learned, the history and char- 
 acter of a people whose subjugation gave such honor to the world's con- 
 querors. 
 
 The goddess Concord makes a striking appearance upon the coins of 
 Titus. This benign deity, together with Eirane (Pax) Victoria and others 
 of the class, gave much pleasure to the people in the distribution of his 
 money from hand to hand. One can imagine that in making a payment with 
 money stamped with the attributions of Concordia, the parties would 
 shake hands! Her symbols were two right hands joined, and a pome- 
 granate. She was devoutly worshiped by the Romans. In her right hand 
 appears the bowl, or sacred platter (patera), or sometimes the olive-branch; 
 in her left, the Horn of Plenty. Several temples to Concord adorned and 
 
50 
 
 ' COINS OF TITUS. 
 
 honored the Queen City; one built as early as the time of Furius Camillus 
 to commemorate the reconciliation between the plebeians and patricians. 
 The Senate held meetings in that temple until Livia repaired and her son 
 Tiberius consecrated it, a.d. 9. In the time of Constantine aud Maxcntlus 
 (a.d. 312) this temple was burnt, but again restored. Several other temples 
 to Concord are known to have existed at Rome. 
 
 Of Victoria (Victory), whoso attributions appear so frequently upon the 
 coins of Titus, but little need be said. She was one of the deities of 
 Rome, as well she might be, considering the warlike character of that 
 people. The Greeks called her NIKA, and it is a common ascription 
 upon Byzantine coins, IS KS NIKA, in Greek characters. She was reck- 
 oned the sister of Strength and Valor, and one of the attendants of Jupi- 
 ter. Sylla raised a temple to her in Rome and instituted festivals in 
 her honor. She was represented with wings, crowned with laurel and 
 holding the branch of a palm tree in her hand. A golden statue of this 
 goddess, weighing 330 pounds, was presented to the Romans by Hiero, 
 King of the Syracusans, about B.C. 400, and deposited in the temple of 
 Jupiter on the Capitolinc Hill. 
 
 The arms of the Roman soldiers, so often seen upon these coins, 
 were of two classes, offensive and defensive. The latter consisted of 
 four pieces, viz. : 1. The Helmet (galea). This was of brass or iron, 
 with projections at the base to protect the neck aud shoulders, with a 
 chin-piece, covered with scales of brass. 2. The Cuirass (thorax vH 
 pectorale). A hollow plate of brass one foot square, adapted to the 
 form of the chest and fastened with thongs of leather, protected by metal- 
 lic scales. 3. The Greave (ocrea). A species of boot, fortified with iron, 
 worn on the right leg to protect the right foot, which was always set 
 foremost in a fight with swords. 4. The Shield or Buckler (scutum) 
 attached to the left arm, in form a demi-cylindor, four by two and a 
 half feet, of iron plates covered with bull hide. 
 
 The offensive armor consisted of four pieces: 1. The Sword (glad- 
 iiim)\ a straight, broad blade for cut and thrust, fastened by girdle (tin- 
 gnlum). 2. Javelin or Spear (hasta vel lancea). This was peculiar to 
 the light infantry. It was a dart throe feet long, shod with iron and 
 furnished with a thong (ausea). 3. Heavy dart (pilum), six or seven 
 feet long. The point was barbed like a fishhook, and each soldier had 
 two. 4. Pike. This was the weapon of the triarii, or veterans of the 
 third rank. It was longer and more solid than the pilum. 
 
 "WHAT THE COINS TEACH CONCERNING TITUS. 
 READINGS 
 
 Of twenty-seven coins, silver and bronze, of the Emperor Titus, from 
 
 the illustrations on the fourth page. 
 
 [The student will observe in these Readings: First, that the size of a 
 Coin does not always agree with the size of the picture. Second, that the 
 metal is distinguished by an abbreviation,— AV (aurum) standing for gold; 
 AR (argentum) for silver; AE (am) for copper, bronze or brass, words 
 indiscriminately used in Numismatics. Third, that there are few punctua- 
 tion points on coins, though sometimes introduced by engravers to facili- 
 tate Readings. Fourth, that we do not reproduce the old forms of Greek 
 letters here, but substitute modern type; and, Fifth, that these Readings 
 are prepared as well for the use of Learners as experts.] 
 
 No. 1, AE. 
 
 To preserve the symmetry of the page the two faces of this cut are 
 separated. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Titus to the right. Resemblance between 
 him and his father, like that of their names, is very close. Beardless; 
 bust undraped. Inscription (abbreviated): IMP T CAES VESP AVG 
 P M TR P P P COS VIII; (supplied) — Imperator Titus Caesar Vespas- 
 ianus Augustus Pontifex Maximus Tribunitia Potcstate Pater Patriae 
 Consul 8— "nigh Priest; Exercising the Tribunitian Power; Father of 
 the Country; Consul the eighth time.'' This sets the date of the coin 
 at a.d. 80. (An error of the engraver has made the IMP to read IMV.) 
 The letters PP, in the time of Julius Caesar, were read Parens Patriae, 
 but afterward Pater Patriae. 
 
 Reverse. A palm tree, rich in foliage and fruit. "The daughter 
 of Sion" at the base, on the right, weeping. A Roman soldier on the 
 left, as if keeping guard. His right hand is supported by the hasta pura ; 
 in his left is a parazoniam. His left foot is supported upon a low object; 
 attitude graceful and commanding. Legend: IVDAEA CAPTA— " Judea 
 Subdued." S. C. for Senatus Consulto— "By decree of the Senate." 
 
 As we have already remarked, it proves how highly the Roman gov- 
 ernment valued the conquest of this little territory of Palestine, to see 
 these ascriptions of "Judea Captured," not only on the coins of Ves- 
 pasian, under whose rule it was subdued, but also of Titus, who was the 
 acting general in its conquest, and of Wb brother Domitian after him, 
 
 who had no more to do with it than to take n part in the triumph 
 decreed by the Senate to Vespasian. Yet for twenty-six years this device 
 was occasionally stamped upon the current money of Rome. 
 
 No. 2, AR. 
 
 The two faces of the cut are separated on the sheet to give propor- 
 tion to the group. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Titus to the right; beardless; bust un- 
 draped. Inscription: "Titus Caesar Vespasian." The reading of this 
 passage is from right to left, as in some earlier coins. 
 
 Reverse. The Emperor paludatcd, under guise of a horseman, gal- 
 loping to the right, with a long spear vibrating in his right hand. Atti- 
 tudes of steed and rider life-like. Legend: PONT MAX, for Pontifex 
 Maximus— "High Priest." 
 
 The Emperors transferred to themselves this dignity of High Priest 
 as perpetual; that is the P. M., unlike those of Consul and Tribunitian 
 Power, were not renewable but ad vilam. Titus, wearing a general's 
 cloak, refers to his preparation for that expedition into Britain for which 
 be offereu sacred rites as High Priest. 
 
 No. 3, AR. 
 
 Obverse. The laureate head of Titus to the right, as in preceding 
 numbers. Inscription: "Titus Caesar Imperator Vespasian." 
 
 Reverse. The Emperor as High Priest, seated to the right; right 
 hand supported by a stuff; in the left, an olive branch. Legend: PON- 
 TIF MAXIM, for Pontifex Maximus —"The High Priest." See remarks 
 upon the Reverse of No. 2. 
 
 No. 4, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 This coin may be studied in connection with the nine following, as 
 they all have the same Obverse, with the head of Titus and inscription 
 (Anglici): " Titus Emperor Caesar Augustus Vespasian." 
 
 Reverse. A palm tree. Victory, on the left side, holds a shield 
 against the body of the tree, as if about to inscribe upon it the Judaean 
 conquest. Her left foot is supported by a globe. Legend: IOYAAIAE 
 EAAOKYIA2— Judaea Devicta— " Judea Subdued." This is the same 
 group as upon the Reverse of No. 1, but less elaborate. 
 
 No. 5, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Reverse. A Roman Trophy. Upon a strong post, or trunk of tree, 
 are fixed the spoils of victory,— shields, helmet, body-armor, etc. At 
 the foot, on the left, a miserable captive seated; his arms bound behind 
 him; his attitude dejected in the extreme. On the right of the tree a 
 shield. Legend as No. 4. These Judaean spoils arranged as a trophy 
 show the avidity with which the Romans sought fame in the conquest 
 of foreign peoples. 
 
 No. 6, AE. 
 
 Reverse. A laurel wreath, within which is the Inscription (sup- 
 plied): 4>AAOYIEQN NEAnOAITON SAMAPEIA2— " Of the people of 
 Neapolis Flavia, of Samaria." The city of Neapolis, formerly Sichem, 
 now Nablous, is in that beautiful locality between Mounts Ebal and 
 Gerizim, where the great drama of "The Reading the Law" was en- 
 acted by Moses, as in Joshua viii, 30-35. The name Flavia, a family 
 name of Titus, was given to the city in his honor. The crown denotes 
 the one presented him by the Samaritans after his conquest of Judaea, 
 accomplished September, a.d. 70, in the destruction of Jerusalem. A 
 coin with the same inscription was afterward struck by Domitian. The 
 hereditary hatred entertained by the Jews against the Samaritans doubt- 
 less had something to do with these transactions. 
 
 No. 7, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The figure of Sol (the sun) standing to the left, on the prow 
 of a vessel; right hand supported by hasta pura; on left arm a long branch; 
 on another branch that springs from the ground behind is perched a dove; 
 in front of the figure an altar. Legend (mutilated): A2KAAO— "Of the 
 people of Askalon." This was struck in honor of Titus at the close of his 
 Judaean war, a.d. 70, by the citizens of Askalon, then a great city, now a 
 pile of ruins. The execution of this coin displays a low state of art. 
 
 No.8,AE. 
 
 Reverse. The head of a female to the right; bust closely draped; her 
 head decorated by an elephant's proboscis. Legend: "To Flavia, by the 
 Cyreneans." This coin was struck in honor of Titus by the people of 
 Cyrene, in Africa, at the close of the Jndaean war, a.d. 70. Many Jews 
 were slain here, after the destruction of Jerusalem, by Catulus, the gover- 
 nor, as Josephus painfully relates. The elephant's head is a common 
 emblem upon coins struck in the various mints of northern Africa. 
 
 Cyrene was the locality so famous for its production of laserpitium, or 
 laserwort, formerly called Bilphium. Professor Wood defines it as " the 
 ancient name of some resinous plant;" order compositae, and names nine 
 species, but says nothing of the qualities of the gum in medicine. So im- 
 portant was the trade in this plant to the interests of the Cyreneans that 
 they placed a figure of it upon their coins. '-.'■■ 
 
 No. 9, AE. 
 
 Reverse. Victory gradient the left, with her usual attributes; wings, 
 palm-branch in left hand, and crown of success in right. No legend. 
 
COINS OF TITUS. 
 
 51 
 
 No. 10, AE. 
 
 Reverse. Victory, with the same attributions as in No. 9; gradient to 
 the right. Legend (supplied): ETOY2 Kr BA2IAEY2 ArmiIIA2 — 
 "Of the 23d year of King Agrippa." This coin refers to the aid com- 
 municated by King Agrippa to Titus iu the Jewish war, of which Josephtis 
 testifies. The wife of Agrippa, Berenice, had a liaison with Tims, and he 
 would have married her but for the detestation of the Romans against the 
 whole Jewish race. For some time she assumed publicly the part of a 
 wife, aud excited such feeling against the prince that finally he repudiated 
 her. The date 23d year refers of course to the reign of Agrippa. 
 No. 11, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The goddess of Peace to the left, standing in graceful atti- 
 tude; her stola reaches to her feet; on left arm is the caducaeus; in right 
 hand are three heads of wheat. Legend: EIPHNH— "Peace." After the 
 triumphs of Vespasian, and his firm establishment upon the throne of the 
 Empire, he decreed the erection of a temple to Peace. Joscphus affirms 
 (Wars of the Jews, book vii, ch. 5,) that " Vespasian resolved to build a 
 temple to Peace, which he finished in so short a time, and in so glorious a 
 manner, as was beyond all human expectation and opinion. For he, 
 having won, by Providence, a vast quantity of wealth, besides what he had 
 formerly gained in his other exploits, had this temple adorned with pic- 
 tures and statues. In this temple were collected and deposited all such 
 rareties as men aforetime used to wander all over the habitable world to see 
 one after another. He also laid up therein, as ensigns of his glory, those 
 golden vessels and instruments that were taken out of the Jewish temple." 
 No. 12, AE. 
 
 Reverse. Image of Diana, the huntress, goddess of the woods and Ihe 
 chase, to the right; her bow is hanging upon her left arm; with her right 
 haud she draws an arrow from the quiver. But her attributes of the stag, 
 attendant nymph, etc., are absent. No legend. 
 No. 18, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The laureate head of Titus to the right. Legend (Anglice): 
 "Domitiau Caesar; of the Samians." This coin was struck at Samos, a 
 fertile island in the Aegean Sea, off the lower part of the coast of Ionia. 
 The temple and worship of Juno contributed much to its fame and afflu- 
 ence, and the attributes of Juno are often seen upon Samian coins. Py- 
 thagoras was born here about B.C. 550. The Samiaus placed the brother 
 of Titus upon this coin, thinking to please them both. 
 No. 14, AE. 
 
 The Obverse has the head of Titus, with the inscription: "The Em- 
 peror Titus Caesar Vespasian Augustus, the High Priest; Exercising the 
 Tribunitian Power; Consul the 8th time." This gives the date a.d. 80. 
 
 Reverse. A Meta (Metula) or Boundary Post, such as was used in 
 public games, commonly in form of a cone or pyramid, as the one here 
 figured. The pyramidal column at each end of the circus at Rome, around 
 which the charioteers turned seven times, was particularly known by the 
 term Meta. There are many of these yet standing in Rome, constructed 
 at various periods. Upon a medal of Pope Innocent X (1644) is a Meta. 
 The letters S. C. are for Senatus Consulto— " By Decree of the Senate," 
 as often explained in our series. 
 No. 15, AE. 
 
 The Obverse has the head of Titus, with the Inscription: "Titus 
 Caesar, Emperor, Exercising the Tribunitian Power." 
 
 Reverse. The symbol of Antioch in Syria, viz., a female head to the 
 right, wearing a turreted crown; bust draped; hair elaborately dressed in 
 ringlets; ANTIOXIA— " Antioch." 
 No. 16, AE. 
 
 This may be studied in connection with the two succeeding. The 
 Obverse of each has the head of Julia to the right, with the Inscrip- 
 tion, "Julia Augusta, daughter of the Emperor Titus Augustus." 
 
 Reverse. The goddess Vesta seated to the left, her left foot upon 
 a low block; draped to the feet; in left hand a long, armed spear; in 
 right, a gloriola. Legend: VESTA. S. C. is for Senatus Consulto — 
 "By Decree of the Senate." 
 
 The fate of this unhappy woman is sad enough. She married Flavins 
 Sabinus, nephew of her grandfather, Vespasian, lived in criminal inter- 
 course with her uncle, Domitian, and died of abortion produced by the 
 orders of that brutal and savage prince. 
 No. 17, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The goddess Ceres, standing, in graceful attitude, to the 
 left; left hand supported by hasta pura; in right, a parcel of wheat ears. 
 Legend: CERES AVGVSTA— "The Augustan Ceres " (or "Ceres, tute- 
 lar of the Empress.".) S. C. for Senatus Consulto— "By Decree of the 
 Senate." All the hopes <>f bread among the people whose coins we arc 
 describing, were associated with Ceres, deity of the cornfield. The 
 island of Sicily was styled- by the ancients "The abode of Ceres," for 
 its extraordinary abundance of grain. 
 No. 18, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The goddess of Concord seated to the left; her left foot 
 raised upon a low block; draped to the feet; on left arm an overflowing 
 
 cornucopiae; right hand holds out the patera. Legend: Concordia Au- 
 gusta— "Concord, the Empress." S. C, for Senatus Consulto— "By 
 Decree of the Senate." 
 
 No. 19, AE. A Hreek Imperial. 
 
 This may be studied in connection with the three following, all 
 struck in Egypt. The Obverse of each has the head of Titus, with the 
 Inscription, "Of Titus, Emperor, Caesar, Augustus, Vespasian." 
 
 Reverse. A Harpy. These fabulous birds were rapacious monsters, 
 half birds, half women, derived from a Greek word, " the Snatchers," 
 " the Swift Robbers," etc. In Homer they seem only to be personified 
 storm-winds. Their names were Aello and Oeypete, sisters of Isis. They 
 had heads of maidens; long claws on their hands; their faces pale with 
 hunger. Virgil describes them powerfully in the Aeneid. The Greek 
 letters Ar are for "Of the third year" of Titus, viz. a.d. 81. 
 
 No. 20, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The goddess Isis, the most famed of Egyptian deities. 
 Before her head is the Lotus, mystic emblem of the Nile. The Greek 
 letters are read: AYKABANT02 4— "Of the fourth year." 
 
 The Egyptians exhibited peculiar respect to Titus. It was in their 
 city of Alexandria that his father was first nominated Emperor of Rome 
 by the legions, July 1, a.d. 69. 
 
 No. 21, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The head of Serapis, prime god of Egypt, whose worship 
 extended throughout the Roman Empire. Abounding hair; bushy beard; 
 venerable features. On his head a modius (grain measure), an Egyptian 
 emblem of fertility. The Greek letters are read "Of the year 6," but 
 as the reign of Titus extended only with the third year, the figures must 
 refer to some other epoch. 
 
 No. 22, AE. 
 
 Reverse. As No. 21, Serapis standing to the left; right hand rests 
 upon a long, unarmed spear; undraped to the hips; upon his head the 
 modius; right haud points to the Clava (club) of Hercules below. 
 
 This club is also attached to the legend of Perseus. He was first 
 attacked by Periphetes, in Epidauria, whose weapon was a club, and 
 who, on that account, was called Corynetes, or the club-bearer. He 
 engaged with him and slew him. Delighted with this club, he took it 
 for his weapon, and used it as Hercules did the lion's skin. 
 
 No. 23, AE. 
 
 This may be studied in connection with Nos. 24 and 26. The Obverse 
 of each is No. 24. 
 
 Reverse. A Triumph scene. Titus, with his father, Vespasian, en- 
 joyed a memorable triumph after the destruction of Jerusalem. Titus 
 driving a quadriga (four-horse chariot) to the right. No Legend. S. C. 
 is for Senatus Consulto — "By Decree of the Senate." 
 
 No. 24, AE. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Titus to the right; beardless; bust un- 
 draped. Inscription (abbreviated): T CAES IMP PONT TR P COS II 
 CENS; (supplied) — Titus Caesar; Imperator; Pontifcx; Tribunitia Potes- 
 tate; Consul 2; Censor— "Titus Caesar: Emperor; Priest; Exercising 
 Tribunitian Power; Consul the second time; Censor. 
 
 As early as B.C. 441, two magistrates, entitled Censores, were appointed 
 for taking an account ot the number of the people and the value of their 
 fortunes (censm agendo). At first the office was conferred for five years, 
 afterward for only one year and a half; but no one could be elected a 
 second lime. They had all the ensigns of Consuls except the lictors. 
 The last Censors were Paulus and Plancus, under Augustus, when the 
 office was abolished, and the chief duties of it were exercised by the 
 ' Emperors themselves or by other magistrates. 
 
 One would think, seeing how willing the Emperors were to bear 
 the honors of the Tribunate, the Consulate, etc., that this office of 
 Censor would have had greater attractions. Not only were the duties 
 weighty, such as taking the national census, reforming the Senate, 
 inspecting the morals and estimating the fortunes of the people; but the 
 honors and privileges of the post, like those of the other offices men- 
 *tioned, were very great. Iu the coins we find the office indicated by the 
 terms CENS, CENS II, CENS PERP, etc. 
 
 No. 25, AE. 
 
 Reverse. Victory gradient, to the right, with her accustomed attri- 
 butes, viz., palm-brauch on left arm; wreath extended in her right. 
 Beneath her is a vessel's prow, denoting that the victory was a naval 
 one. Legend: VICTORIA NAVALIS —"Naval Victory." This victory 
 upon the waters of the Sea of Galilee is fully described by Josephtis. 
 
 No. 26, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The same group as upon the Reverse of No. 1, with slight 
 differences. 
 
 No. 27, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Obverse. The head of Julia, daughter of the Emperor Titus, to the 
 right; hair elaborately worked; bust modestly draped. Inscription: 
 IOYAIA 5EBA5TH— "Julia Augusta." 
 
 Reverse. A Tripod (tripus), or three-footed seat. 
 
COINS OF TITUS. 
 
 22 
 
GQin,-- Sheets. 
 
 AmeviQau Mm@QiatiQm o>i ^umisBsatMtsii 
 
 DOMITIAN. 
 
 [Of the twelve Caesars who exercised imperial authority at Rome from 
 B.C. 47 to a.d. 96, Domitian, a.d. 81-96, was the last. The eleven who 
 preceded him under this title were: Julius Caesar, b.c. 47-44; Augustus, 
 b.c. 31-a.d. 14, Tiberius, 14-37; Caligula, 37-11; Claudius, 41-54; Neho, 
 54-68; Galba, 6S-69; Otho, 69; Vitellius, 09; Vespasian, 69-79; and 
 Titus, 79-81.] 
 
 Titus Flavius Domitianus Augustus, twelfth and last of the Caesars, 
 Emperor of Rome a.d. 81 to 96, was born at Rome, October 24, a.d. 52. The 
 reigning Emperor was Claudius. His father was Vespasian, tenth of the 
 Roman Emperors; his brother Titus was his immediate predecessor upon 
 the throne; his mother, Flavia Domitilla, was a lady of good family and 
 worthy behavior. Like his brother Titus, Domitian had a taste for poetry, 
 and spent much time in composing, and reading his productions to others. 
 Pliny and Quintilian nattered him by placing his verses in the front rank 
 of masters; and he proved his fondness for literature by establishing the 
 five-years' contest in honor of Jupiter Capitolinus, one feature of which 
 was a Musical Contest. He also instituted a pension for distinguished 
 rhetoricians. Yet he was addicted to excessive licentiousness, seen in the 
 seduction of Roman matrons, and the crowd of mistresses among whom 
 he lived. 
 
 After the fall of Vitellius, December 18, a.d. 69, Domitian was pro- 
 claimed Caesar, and obtained the city-praetorship, with consular power. 
 As his father did not arrive at Rome until January, a.d. 70, Domitian 
 undertook, with Mucianus, to administer the government of Italy until 
 his arrival, but so badly, that he pretended to his father that he had been 
 insane. Prom that time forward Vespasian shut him out as much as pos- 
 sible from public affairs. 
 
 At the great Judaean triumph, Domitian followed his father and brother, 
 riding a white war-steed, as Augustus had followed Julius upon a similar 
 occasion a century before. Upon his father's death, June 24, 79, Domi- 
 tian publicly declared that he had been deprived by Titus of his share in 
 the government by a forgery in his father's will, for that it had been the 
 wish of the latter that the two brothers should reign jointly. 
 
 The death of Titus, September, a.d. 81, after a brief reign of two years, 
 excited popular suspicion againBt Domitian, and some writers plainly 
 assert that he murdered his brother. Nevertheless he was proclaimed 
 Emperor by the soldiers, and wore the purple for fifteen years with little 
 opposition. 
 
 In the first period of his reign he manifested an equal mixture of vices 
 and virtues. He kept a strict superintendence over the governors of the 
 provinces; enacted various useful laws; endeavored to correct the frivolous 
 and licentious conduct of the higher classes, — corrupted, we may conjec- 
 ture, by his own pernicious example,— and showed great liberality and 
 moderation upon many occasions. 
 
 But this was only for a ruse. Later, he became one of the most cruel 
 tyrants that had disgraced the throne. " His very virtues," says a his- 
 torian, "were turned to vices," and his name is indissolubly linked with 
 those of Tiberius, Caligula and Nero. 
 
 A.D. 84 he undertook an expedition against the Chatti, and drove back 
 those barbarians to their own country. Returning to Rome, he celebrated 
 a triumph, and assumed the name of Germanicus, so popular with his 
 predecessors. Wars were also carried on during his reign with the Dacians, 
 Macromanni and Quadi. Various outbreaks and insurrections occurred, 
 frequent in all the history of the Roman Empire. 
 
 From a.d. 90 the mind of Domitian seems to have been even more 
 beclouded. He baniBhed all philosophers from Rome, and the most dis- 
 tinguished men of the time, especially among the Senators, bled for their 
 excellence. He tried to win the military and populace by donations of 
 money, and the exhibition of the circus and amphitheatre, in which he 
 himself took great delight. 
 
 In the year 88 he celebrated the Secular Games, corresponding to the 
 modern idea of Centennials. We touched upon these under heads of 
 Augustus and Claudius. In our coins of Domitian several will be found 
 struck in commemoration of these. 
 
 Records concerning the Saeculares are scanty. Historians, even, differ 
 as to the frequency with which such important celebrations were kept up. 
 The following data are perhaps as reliable as any: 
 
 The first Saeculares were held B.C. 508 or 505. 
 
 The second Saeculares were held B.C. 448 or 345. 
 
 The third Saeculares were held B.c, 235. 
 
 The fourth Saeculares were held b.o. 148 or 145. 
 
 The fifth Saeculares were held b.c 17, by Augustus. 
 
 The sixth Saeculares were held a.d. 47, by Claudius. 
 
 The seventh Saeculares were held a.d. 86, by Domitian. 
 
 The eighth Saeculares were held a.d. 204, by Septimus Severus. 
 
 The ninth (and last) Saeculares were held a.d. 248, by Philip. 
 
 " After a war of forty years," sayB Gibbon, "undertaken by the most 
 stupid (Claudius), maintained by the most dissolute (Nero), and termi- 
 nated by the most timid of all the Emperors (Domitian), the far greater 
 part of Britain submitted to the Roman yoke." 
 
 The death of Domitian was a fit ending to such a life. A conspiracy 
 was formed against him in his own palace, his wife, Domitia, being con- 
 cerned in it, and he was assassinated in his bedchamber, September 18, 
 96, with seven wounds, being forty-four years of age. 
 
 We shall vainly look upon the coins of this imperial villain for evi- 
 dences of his depravity. The head of the church, of the army, perpetual 
 censor, having the tribnnitian and proconsulate powers for life, — there 
 was no dariug in a mint-master to tell the world that the prince was a 
 monster of villainy. On the contrary, we read upon the coins only the 
 better hopes and aspirations of the nation. 
 
 The attributions of the Ephesian Diana upon the monuments of Domi- 
 tian cannot fail to remind us that it was under the edict of Domitian that 
 the old bishop of Ephesus, and the other six Christian churches of Asia 
 Minor (St. John the Evangelist), was' banished to the island of Patmos. 
 Who shall say that the weird shapes of this image of Diana and other 
 deities, of which that region was full, do not enter (but under a higher 
 and nobler meaning) into the strange Imagery of the Apocalypse! 
 
 Writers claim that Diana was an original Italian divinity, identified by 
 the Romans with the Greek Artemis, by which name she is styled in 
 Acts xix, 35 (Greek version). As early as b.c. 550, Servius Tullius dedicated 
 a temple 1o her on the Aventine. She was the protectress of slaves; and 
 the day of that temple's dedication was afterward celebrated annually by 
 slaves, and styled dies servorum (" slaves' day"). She was said to dwell 
 in groves, and in the neighborhood of wells. She was goddess of the 
 Moon, as her twin brother, Apollo, was of the Sun; so that sudden deaths 
 from sun-stroke and dementia from moonstroke were ascribed to them. 
 
 At Ephesus, she was identified with the goddess of nature, whose sym- 
 bolical figure, as in many of the coins we are studying, was hung about 
 with the heads of animals, and presented a multitude of breasts, denoting 
 the fecundity of nature. Upon coins struck at Rome she is usually repre- 
 sented as a healthy, strong, active maiden, handsome, but with no gentle- 
 ness of expression. She wears the Cretan hunting-shoes Uudmmides), 
 and has her garment tucked up for speed. On her back she bears a quiver, 
 and in her hand a bow or hunting-spear. Her Greek name, Artemis, 
 refers to her pepetual virginity. Her chief joy was to speed, like a Dorian 
 maid, over the hills, followed by a train of nymphs, in pursuit of flying 
 game. 
 
 It is pleasant to imagine a father, who has sold his package of fodder 
 in the nearest town, and received payment in a new coinage, with the 
 attributions of Diana on the obverse, upon his arrival home calling his 
 children together, and giving them for their evening lesson the whole story 
 of Diana with that earnestness which faith in the goddess and in her 
 legends, and in her divine power, could impart! 
 
 The music of the Romans, as illustrated upon the coins of Domitian, 
 was made both by stringed and wind instrum 3nts. In the army they used 
 only the latter. The tuba was a straight brass instrument, like our trum- 
 pet; the cornu was bent almost round; the buccina, much like the horn; 
 the lituus (clarion), bent a little at the end, like the lituus of the augur. Of 
 these, the tuba was used for signals to the infantry; the lituus for the cav- 
 alry. In civil celebrations, domestic festivals and the like, the double 
 pipe, as in the coins just cited, and the cithara, or lyre, were employed; 
 but we know very little of the quality of music made by such a combina- 
 tion. Judging it by the music of the Orientals at the present day, which 
 is probably changed but little from the earliest, it consisted of a few notes 
 played in octaves upon different instruments, and with little regard to 
 time or any sound rule of musical science. 
 
 The image of Minerva, finely drawn upon the denarius of Domitian, 
 demands a few remarks concerning that warlike goddess, so great a favorite 
 with Romans. To pay the legionaries their "penny a day" in coins pre- 
 senting their own chosen deity was as good as doubling the stipend. 
 
54 
 
 COINS OF DOMITIAN 
 
 Homer's theory of Minerva (or Pallas-Athene) is finely expressed upon 
 the coin. She was one of the great Roman divinities— the thinking, cal- 
 culating and inventive power personified. Those who desired to excel in 
 any art or craft implored her aid. She guided men through the dangers 
 of war, where victory is gained by cunning, prudence, courage and perse- 
 verance. Hence she is represented with shield, helmet, coat of mail, etc., 
 and the booty made in war was frequently dedicated to her. Her annual 
 festival lasted five days— from the 19th to the 23d of March; for the num- 
 ber live was sacred to Minerva. Another festival was celebrated in June. 
 She had several temples at Rome, one on the Capitoline, one on the 
 Aventine Hills. As she was a perpetual virgin, her sacrifices consisted 
 of calves that had not borne the yoke or felt the goad. Her festivals were 
 styled Minervalia, She was the inventor of the pipe, made first from the 
 bone of a stag. Her favorite plant was the olive, of which she was the 
 author; the animals consecrated to her were the owl and the serpent. 
 
 Minerva is represented with a serious, thoughtful countenance; her 
 eyes large and steady, like the owl's; her hair in ringlets, loose, flying over 
 her shoulders. She wears a long tunic or mautle, and bears the aegis on 
 her breast or on her arm, with the head of the Corgon in the center, yhe 
 waB also the goddess of memory. Her attributions upon the early coins 
 of Attica were the owl, the moon and the olive-branch. Her nicknames in 
 Greek were three: by the farmers she was styled ox-yoker; by the citizens, 
 worker; by the soldiers, front-fighter. 
 
 At the close of this sketch it will not be amiss to indulge our im- 
 agination and call up a scene, say of the time of Nerva (a.d. 96-98), when 
 our first twelve Caesars were dead, and the most searching criticism upon 
 their lives was safe. The scene is that of a pedagogus (schoolmaster) sur- 
 rounded by his pupils. He is teaching history, the only history worth 
 teaching, the history of the Roman nation. He is teaching it by objects, 
 viz., coins. From a handful of these elear-tongued monuments he expati- 
 ates upon the generalship of Julius Caesar; the statesmanship of Augus- 
 tus; the bigotry of Tiberius; the profligacy of Caligula; the cruelty of 
 Claudius; the ephemeral but evil reigns of Galba, Otho and Vilellius; the 
 excellent rule of Vespasian ; the short but glorious career of Titus; the 
 unmatched and crowning infamy of Domitian. What subjects! What 
 aids in teaching! Nothing germane to the history, the religion, the pro- 
 gress of the Roman nation was wanting to the old pedagogue, skilled to 
 interpret the coins! 
 
 WHAT THE COINS TEACH CONCERNING DOMITIAN. 
 
 READINGS 
 
 Of eighteen coins, silver and bronze, of the Emperor Domitian, from 
 
 the illustrations on the fourth page. 
 
 [The student will observe in these Readings : First, that the size of a 
 Coin does not always agree with the size of the picture. Second, that the 
 metal is distinguished by an abbreviation, — AV (aurum) standing for gold, 
 AR (argentum) for silver, AE (aes) for copper, bronze or brass, words in- 
 discriminately used in Numismatics. Third, that there are few punctua- 
 tion points on Coins, though sometimes introduced by engravers to facili- 
 tate Readings. Fourth, that we do not reproduce the old forms of Greek 
 letters here, but substitute modern type; and, Fifth, that these Readings 
 are prepared as well for the use of Learners as experts.] 
 
 No. 1, AE. A medallion. The two faces are separated to give a better 
 appearance to the page. 
 
 Obverse. The laureate head of Domitian to the right. Features strong 
 and commanding; artistic execution the very best; beardless; shoulders 
 undraped. Inscription (abbreviated): IMP CAES DOMIT AVG GERM 
 COS XV CENS PERP PP; (resolved) — Imperator Caesar Domitianus; 
 Augustus; Germanicus; Consul 15; Censor Perpetuus; Pater Patriae,— 
 "The Emperor Caesar Domitian ; Augustus; Germanicus; Consul the fif- 
 teenth time; Perpetual Censor; Father of the Country." 
 
 Reverse. Jove, King of Heaven, seated, to the left, naked to the hips; 
 his feet upon a swppedaneiis (low block or support for the feet; foot-rest); 
 his left hand is supported by the hasta pura; his right holds up a Victo- 
 rlola, winged and with a crown. Legend: IOVI VICTORI— " To Jupiter 
 the Victor." 
 
 The appearance of Jove upon the Roman money had nothing to shock 
 the reverence of a people whose religious ideas were so strangely made up. 
 Indeed when we see the Italian painters at the present day introducing 
 representations of God the Father, and the divine Nazarene in their works, 
 the offense on the part of heathen-artists appears venial. 
 
 No. 2, AR. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Domitian to the right. Features as in 
 No. 1; beardless; bust not draped. Inscription (supplied): "Domitian 
 Augustus Germanicus." 
 
 Reverse. A hexastyle (six-columned) Temple; order of architecture, 
 Corinthian; approached by six steps; full front. There are three standing 
 
 figures in front representing Vespasian, Titus and Domitian. Legend: 
 IMP CAESAR, for "The Emperor Caesar." 
 
 This is the Temple which Titus erected to Vespasian, after his father's 
 apotheosis, and in which the remains of the good old prince were depos- 
 ited. Titus himself was deified by command of his brother, Domitian, and 
 he has stationed himself as a god with the others. For he writes in one 
 epistle: " Our lord and god commands it so to be done! " 
 
 No. 3, AR. 
 
 Obverse. The laureate head of Domitian to the right. Hair thick and 
 curly; beardless; bust unclothed. Inscription (supplied): Imperator Cae- 
 sar Domitianus Augustus Germanicus Pontifex Maximus Tribunitia 
 Potestate 14—" The High Priest; exereising the Tribunitian Power the 
 fourteenth time." 
 
 Reverse. The figure of Minerva Jaculatrix standing, to the right, upon 
 the prow of a vessel. On her left arm a circular shield; her right hand 
 raised as if to cast a dart; at. her feet an urn. Legend (abbreviated): IMP 
 XXII COS XVII CENS P P P; (supplied)— Imperator 22; Consul 17; 
 Censor Perpetuus; Pater Patriae— "Imperator for the twenty-second 
 time; Consul for the seventeenth time; Perpetual CenBOr; Father of the 
 Country." 
 
 No. 4, AE. This may be studied in connection with the four following. 
 The five were struck to commemorate the Lvdos Saeculares, or secular 
 games,— one of the Centennials of Rome of which mention is made 
 under Augustus and Claudius. The Obverse of each contains the head 
 and titles of Domitian. The legend upon the Reverse is the same 
 throughout the five. 
 
 Reverse. The Emperor, togated, stands on the right of the field look- 
 ing to the left. Before him is an ornamented square altar, on which fire is 
 burning. He holds in his right hand the patera, from which he is pouring 
 an oblation upon the altar. Two musicians, one playing on the double 
 pipes, a third upon the lyre, are making loud acclaim. A goat, prepared 
 for sacrifice, is on the right of the scene, having an attendant upon one 
 side and a dog upon the other. There is no Victimarius, or sacrificer. 
 Legend, see No. 5. 
 
 No. 5, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The Emperor, stolated, on the right of the field, looking to 
 the left; before him a round altar, on which fire is burning. He holds in 
 his right hand the patera, from which he is pouring an oblation upon the 
 altar; two musicians play before him on harp and double pipe; an ox to 
 the left, his head held down by an attendant, and the Victimarius (sacred 
 butcher) is aiming the covp-de-grace with a heavy mallet upon the fore- 
 head. Legend (abbreviated): COS XIIII LVD SAEC FEC — Consnl 14: 
 Ludos Saeculares Fecit — "Being Consul for the fourteenth time he accom- 
 plished the Secular Games"; S. C— Senatus Consulto— " By Decree of 
 the Senate." This fourteenth Consulate, wc know, began New Year's 
 day, a.d. 88, and this sets the year in which the Centennial was observed. 
 
 No. 6, AE. 
 
 Reverse. The grouping as the last, save that the altar is larger and 
 more ornamented. There are three musicians, two playing the double 
 pipe, the third, seated in the foreground, the lyre. Legend as in No. 5. 
 There is neither victim norVictimariuB. 
 
 No. 7, AE. 
 
 Reverse. Much the same as the last. The altar is smaller and not 
 ornate; there are two musicians with the double pipe and lyre; no victim 
 or Victimarius. Legend, the same as No. 6. 
 
 No. 8, AE. 
 
 Reverse. Much the same as the last. The altar is large and is orna- 
 mented. Legend, the same as No. 7. 
 
 In the background of each of these Secular Coins (Nummi Saeculares) 
 is a Temple. Each presents a shade of difference, but that in No. 6 offers 
 a more elaborate front than the others. 
 
 The fact that the poet Horace wrote the Secular Hymn {Carmen Saeoi- 
 lare), has given more interest to the celebration of b.c. 17, under Augus- 
 tus, than to any prior or subsequent proceeding of the sort. The city then 
 had stood 737 years from its foundation. Heralds (feciales) were sent out 
 to invite all people to a festival "which they never had seen and never 
 could sec again." Torches, barley, beans and fumigating stuffs were 
 freely distributed to all the people. The jurist Ateius Capito was made 
 " chairman of the Committee of Arrangements." 
 
 Three summer days and nights were given to worship and festivity, 
 when the hymn of Horace wound up the great occasion. 
 
 No. 9, AE. . •. 
 
 Obverse is common to Nos. 9 and 13. ' - 
 
 Reverse. An elegant collection of Roman arms fastened to the pole 
 of a vexillnm, surmounted by a laurel wreath. S. C..— Senatugi Consul to 
 — " By Decree of the Senate." 
 
 No. 10, AE. " ". : '.' 
 
 Reverse. A collection of standards. In the' center the legionary eagle, 
 with extended wings, standing oh fulmina (thunderbolts); on each side of 
 the eagle a vexillum; below, the letters XXII refer to the 22d Legion, 
 
COINS OF DOMITIAN. 
 
 55 
 
 whose soldiers had formed the Colony Patrons, in Achaia, under Augus- 
 tus, a century before. Legend (abbreviated): COL A A PATE; (sup- 
 plied)— Colonia Augusta Aroc (Vcl Aroa) Patrcnsis— "The Colony Au- 
 gusta Aroa at Patrons, Achaia. 1 ' 
 
 "The22d Legion," says the historian, "first enlisted by Augustus lu 
 Egypt, was led to Patras, or Patrons, in Achaia, and colonized there." 
 
 No. 11, AE. 
 
 This may be studied in connection with No. 12, having the same 
 Obverse. 
 
 Reverse. Two youths to the left standing upon a suggestura, on 
 which is seen the words DIWS AVG(ustus)— "The deified Augustus." 
 Each has his right hand raised and legs crossed; left hand rests on hip. 
 Legend: "Colonia Augusta Philippi." Domitian founded numerous 
 colonies during his fifteen years' reign, to which he showed great favors, 
 acknowledged by their recipients in. compliments like this. The two 
 youths represent Titus and Domitian. 
 
 No. 12, AE. 
 
 For Obverse, see No. 11. 
 
 Reverse. A Colony-symbol, viz., a Colonist driving a yoke of oxen 
 to the right; they arc not yoked or fastened to the plow. Legend 
 (abraded): COL IVL — Colonia Julia— "The Julian Colony." Sec No. 8 
 in the coin-sheet of Claudius for cut and description of this coin. 
 
 No. 13, AE. 
 
 For Obverse, see No. 0. 
 
 Reverse. Domitian triumphing in a quadriga (four-horse chariot) to 
 the right. In his right hand, which also holds the reins, he bears a legion- 
 ary eagle; in his left, a helmet upon a spear. The action of the horses is 
 superb, and gives evidence of the highest style of art. S. C— Senatus 
 Consulto— " By Decree of the Senate." 
 
 We have described the occasion for which the Emperor claimed this 
 public triumph. 
 
 No. 14, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Reverse. A Canopus to the right; upon his head a lotus-flower. The 
 Lotus, like wheat-cars, is the type of abundance, and found as well upon 
 coins of Sicily and Mauretania as Egypt. Its head is similar to that of 
 the paper-plant, from which the flower springs. In the mysteries of the 
 Egyptians-it frequently appears and is seen upon a great number of their 
 coins. 
 
 Canopus was a god of Egypt, named from CANE, referring to the 
 measuring-rod of the Nile. In another sheet we have given the ancient 
 story of the origin of this creature, whose body in a basket, and hideous 
 face, excite the wonder of the beholder. It involved the inquiry, Which 
 was more powerful, fire or water? — the corresponding objects of worship 
 of Chaldea and Egypt. 
 
 No. 15. AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Obverse. The heads of Domitian and his wife, Domitia, facing each 
 other. His head is laureate; hers is wrought by the art of the hairdresser, 
 in marvelous faBhion. Her bust is neatly draped; his face is beardless and 
 bust undraped. Inscription (abbreviated): AOMITIANOS K.U2 2EB 
 TEPMANIK02 AOMITIA 2EBA2TH — " Domitian Caesar Augustus Ger- 
 manicus; Domitia Augusta." 
 
 Reverse. The figure of Hercules to the left. In his right hand an 
 urceola; in his left, his club and lion-skin. Legend (abraded): Em 
 AIM02TPATOY 2TPATHrOY - - - 2MYP— "By Dimostrates, Praefect of 
 the people of Smyrna." 
 
 This is the lady whose hand aesisted in closing the career of her 
 wretched husband. The coin was struck at Smyrna, where Hercules was 
 a favored object of worship. 
 
 The exploits of Hercules form a charming series of types upon Greek 
 and Roman Coins. This son of Jupiter and Alcmena being promised, as 
 the reward of a faithful life, a place among the gods, resolved to bear with 
 fortitude whatever the gods and men should impose upon him. His ex- 
 ploits arc known as "the twelve labors of Hercules." The first, the de- 
 struction of the Nemean lion with his massive and knotty club, is that 
 which is most frequently illustrated upon coins; where either the club 
 alone is given, or, as in the present specimen, the figure itself. He carried 
 the dead lion to Mycenae, and ever after clothed himself in the skin. 
 
 His second labor was to destroy the Lernaean hydra, a frequent coin 
 illustration; the third, to bring alive a stag incredible for its swiftness 
 and golden horns; the fourth, to kill the Erymanthian boar; the fifth, to 
 cleanse the Augean stables. In many of his exploits the club and lion's 
 skin play a part. 
 
 The frequency with which Hercules enters into the mythology of the 
 ancients is seen in this passage from the poet Nonnius: "He is the same 
 god whom different nations adore under a multitude of different names — 
 Belus, on the banks of the Euphrates ; Amman, in Libya ; Apis, at Memphis ; 
 Saturn, in Arabia; Jupiter,in Assyria; Serapis, in Egypt; Helios, among 
 the Babylonians; Apollo^ at Delphi; Esculapius, throughout Greece." 
 The Orphic Hymn calls' Hercules "the god who produced time, whose 
 forms vary, the father of all things, and destroyer of all." His head is 
 
 represented as old, heavily bearded and covered with the lion's scalp. His 
 limbs ore figured as extraordinarily large; his constitution is robust; his 
 body full of vigor. 
 
 Some of the numismatic titles applied to this demi-god arc: To the 
 Roman Hercules (Herculi Romano); To the health-giving god Hercules 
 (Herculi Deo Salutari); To Hercules of Augustus; To Hercules, Pounder 
 of Rome (ncrc. Horn. Cond.); To Hercules the Victor; To Hercules the 
 Conservator of Augustus, etc. 
 
 No. 16, AE. A Greek Imperial. 
 
 Obverse. The head of Domitia to the right. Bust modestly draped; 
 hair wonderfully wrought. Inscription: "Domitia Augusta." 
 
 Reverse. Diana of the Ephesiaus. Her body marked with numer- 
 ous breasts, which gave her the appellation of Polymamma (the many 
 breasted). Legend: OMONOIA AN0YKAI2ENIIAITOY 2MYP E*E — 
 "The Covenant between the Ephesians and Smyrneans." 
 
 This coin was struck under joint authority of these two cities, neigh- 
 bors within twenty-five miles, having much in common, and united for a 
 long time by the strongest covenant (Omonoia). 
 
 No. 17, AE. A medallion. The two faces are separated on the sheet to 
 give symmetry to the page. 
 
 Obverse. The laureate head of Domitian to the right. Beardless; bust 
 undraped. In the point of the bust is a countermark, a theatrical mask. 
 Inscription: Imperator Caesar Domitianus Augustus Germanicus Consul 
 11; Censor Perpetuus; Pater Patriae — "The Emperor Caesar Domitian 
 Augustus Germanicus; Consul for the eleventh time; Perpetual Censor." 
 This eleventh Consulship sets the date of the coin as a.d. 85. 
 
 Reverse. A trophy of arms captured in the successful campaigns 
 which gave Domitian his favorite appellation of Germanicus. Upon a 
 strong post or the trunk of a tree the shields, etc., are fastened; on the 
 right a man is leaning upon a shield; on the left a woman with face cov- 
 ered sits on a pile of shields. Legend: GERMANIA CAPTA— " Germany 
 subdued." S. C. in the exergue is for Senatus ConBulto— "By Decree of 
 the Senate." 
 
 No. 18, AE. This coin may be studied in connection with Nos. 4, 5, 6, 
 7 and 8. 
 
 Obverse. Laureate head of Domitian to the right. Inscription (sup" 
 plied): Imperator Caesar Domitianus Augustus Germanicus Pontifex Max- 
 imus Tribunitia Potestatc 8; Censor Perpetuus; Pater Patriae— "The 
 Emperor Caesar," etc. 
 
 Reverse. The robed figure of the Emperor to the right, seated on a 
 low tribunal (suggestum) supported by four balls. From two large vases in 
 front he is dispensing donations to two men; upon the platform below 
 him are the words FRVG(es) AVG(usti)— "The food-offerings of the 
 Augustus." In the rear is a tetrastyle temple. Legend (Anglice): "Con- 
 sul the fourteenth time; the Secular Games of the People." S. C. in the 
 exergue — Senatus Consulto — " By Decree of the Senate." This fourteenth 
 consulate settles the date at a.d. 88. 
 
 Besides the seventeen coins figured upon the fourth page of this sheet 
 we bring to our illustrations the testimony of a number of silver and 
 bronze specimens. The French writers claim that Domitian imitated the 
 example of his father and brother in striking a conquest-coin of Judaea, 
 whose type is a Jewess seated on the ground, a soldier standing, and a 
 Roman trophy near by. The legend is IVDAEA CAPTA SC, which we 
 have described in the coins of Vespasian. (See Madden's Jewish Coinage, 
 p. 197.) 
 
 Among the existing denarii of Domitian, which are very numerous,— 
 for this class of coins was under the Emperor's direct control, and he 
 could multiply them to any extent he chose,— we instance the following: 
 
 1. Type, Salius (Sains), the personification of health, prosperity and 
 the public welfare among the Romans. A temple to Salus stood on one 
 of the points of the Mount Quirinalis in Rome. In the coin she is 
 depictured gradient to the left; her head helmeted; in her right hand the 
 lictor's wand (bacilhtm) with its thick kDOts; in her left, a shield, in 
 which is the head of Pallas, worshiped by Domitian above the other 
 deities. Legend: "Consul the fourteenth time; he celebrated the Secu- 
 lar Games." 
 
 2. Type, an infant sitting on a globe, surrounded with seven stars. 
 Legend: Divus Caesar, Imperatoris Domitiani Filius — "The deified 
 Caesar, son of the Emperor Domitian." This affecting monument of 
 parental grief was struck in honor of the son of the Emperor, who died 
 at the age of eight or nine years. His name is not given upon coins. He 
 was the first child deified (Divvs Caesar). Great importance was attached 
 at the time both to his birth and death. The seven stars are those of 
 Arctos or Ursa Major, which were considered an emblem of eternity." 
 
 3. Type, the head of Domitia, the Empress. When she gave him a son 
 he honored her with the title of Augusta (Empress). 
 
 4. Type, a shield under which are two wheat-stalks crossed. This is 
 the votive shield which Domitian vowed on account of the war carried on 
 by Titus against the Jews, and when the war was ended hung up in the 
 temple of Jupiter Capitoline. 
 
COINS OF DOMITIAN. 
 
The American Association of Numismatists. 
 
 This Society was originally a branch organization of the American Holy Land Exploration, 
 established in 1869, and had the same regnlations, officers, etc., as the parent stem. In 1877 the 
 Society was placed upon an independent footing, and a formal application is now (May, 1877,) ready 
 to be made to the Legislature of Kentucky for an act of incorporation under the name in the caption. 
 
 In the meantime, all persons interested in numismatic pursuits are welcome, without fee, to member- 
 ship with the society and to the issues, gratuitously, of. our organ, the Numismatic Pilot, published 
 semi-monthly. The specific aims of the American Association of Numismatists are: 
 
 1. To collect in foreign countries, import, describe and distribute ancient coins, illustrating the 
 history, religions and manners of ancient peoples. 
 
 2. To publish numismatic works, and to aid in a larger dissemination of such literature among 
 our private and public libraries. 
 
 3. To supply colleges, public institutions and individuals with full collections of historical coins, 
 arranged and described under the full light of the science. 
 
 4. To reproduce rare coins and medals of historic interest, of which the originals are unique and 
 cannot be obtained in this country. 
 
 PROVISIONAL OFFICERS: 
 
 ROLLA FLOYD, Esq., Joppa, Syria, President. 
 
 Hon. E. T. ROGERS, H. B. M. Consul, Cairo, Egypt (now Financial Agent of the Khedive, at 
 
 London), Vice-President. 
 
 H. J. GOODRICH, Esq., Chicago, Ills., Treasurer. 
 
 ROBERT MORRIS, LL.D., La Grange, Ky., Secretary, ^s 
 
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