Architectural Types
Roman coins feature many things, from gladiatorial scenes and piles of weapons to lion-drawn chariots and sea monsters. Especially prominent as a theme is architecture, and I’ve selected a handful of interesting examples (with buildings you might know) to show you in this photo-based exploration. There are some relevant links included for each, if you’d like to learn more about any of these monuments.
The Flavian Amphitheatre (Colosseum)
Divus Titus. Sestertius 81-82, Æ 26.13 g. Aerial view of the Flavian Amphitheatre (the Colosseum); on l., Meta Sudans and on r., porticoed building. Rev. DIVO AVG T DIVI VE-SP F VESPASIAN Titus seated l. on curule chair, holding branch and roll; around, arms; below, S – C. C 399. BMC 191 note. RIC Domitian 131. CBN Domitian 543. Elkin, NC 2006, p. 217, 8c (this coin).
The Harbour of Ostia
Nero, Sestertius circa 64, Æ 22.85 g. NERO CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG GER P M TR P IMP P P Laureate head r., with aegis. Rev. AVG – VST Bird’s eye view of Ostia’s harbour. At the top, pharos surmounted by statue of Neptune, holding sceptre; at bottom, reclining figure of Tiber l., holding rudder and dolphin; below, PORT OST. To l. crescent shaped pier with portico. To r., crescent-shaped row of breakwaters. In the centre, seven ships. In upper field, S – C. C 37. BMC 134. RIC 181. CBN –.
The Circus Maximus
Caracalla, Sestertius 213, Æ 27.45 g. M AVREL ANTONINVS AVG GERM Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust r. Rev. P M TR P XVI IMP II View of the Circus maximus as seen from the Forum Boarium: arcade of fourteen arches with a large triumphal arch at either end, above which are shrines at the far side; down the center extends the spina with its central obelisk; on the l. of the spina , a fountain and an unidentified object and on the r., a trophy, a fountain and an another unidentified object (a rider on a prancing horse ?). In exergue, COS IIII P P / S S. C 236 var. (PIVS AVG BRIT). BMC 251 var. (ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT). RIC 500a var. (ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT).
wikipedia, uchicago, collectingancientcoins
Trajan’s Column
Trajan. Silver Denarius (3.31 g), AD 98-117. Rome, ca. AD 113/4. IM[P TR]AIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, laureate and draped bust of Trajan right. Reverse S P Q R OPTI-MO PRINCIPI, Trajan's Column: tall column with diagonal bands representing friezes surmounted by statue of Trajan holding patera and long scepter; base with entrance and two eagles, one on either side of column. RIC 292; Woytek 425a; BMC 452; RSC 558.
And if that’s piqued your interest, do check out this extremely informative video: