Decimius Flavus Gens Decimia AR Denarius Roman Republic 150 BC Silver Coin Luna in Biga on Reverse Museum Reproduction CSRD0098

The gens Decimia was a plebeian family of which there appears to be only this denarius known.

Most ancient cities had a goddess who watched over them and was often named for the city. In the case of Rome, this goddess was Roma. She seems to have first appeared as a derivation of Minerva, whom the Romans had borrowed from the Etruscans and associated with the Greek goddess Athena. Even though they started as one and the same, Roma soon was viewed distinct from Minerva and both continued to be worshipped. On Republican period coins, only her helmeted bust is usually shown. Under the Empire coins, often show Roma as a standing warrior figure. Occasionally, especially on late gold solidii, she is depicted seated on a throne, but by then Rome had adopted Christianity and she was only a symbol of the Empire, not a deity.

Luna, the Roman goddess of the moon. She was a minor Roman goddess who was recognized in three aspects as part of a triad of goddesses consisting of Luna, Hekate, the underworld goddess of magic and witchcraft and as Diana the goddess of the hunt. Her name is derived from the Latin word ‘lucere’ meaning to shine. Her temple in Rome was situated on the Aventine Hill and was erected in the 6th century BC but was destroyed by the great fire during the reign of the Emperor Nero. The Greek counterpart of the ancient Roman goddess Luna was Selene.

DESIGN:
Obverse side
Helmeted head of Roma right; denomination mark behind
Legend:
X

Reverse side
Luna in galloping biga right, holding reins in left hand and whip in right hand; Moneyer mark in field below horses
Legend:
FLAVS / ROMA in ex.

A perfect choice for Numismatists, Historians, Military Veterans, Collectors.