What is the most iconic reverse of every emperor?

[ComicMan]

Obviously this is very subjective, but this is all just for fun. Which reverse do you think best captures an emperor's times, and character in the reverse? Hadrian's travels? The Zoo coins by Gallienus? Julian's bull?

For me, this Aurelian was one of the first that I got and I am very happy about it, because Restorer of the World is the coin that encapsulates him for me the most.

So which are your most iconic reverses?

[Orange Julius]

For Claudius II, VICTORIAE GOTHIC

[Jay GT4]

Over the past few years I've sold most of my later Roman coins, but I kept this one for the incredibly dynamic reverse.  I love how it takes up the entire reverse flan and it's an iconic reverse for Probus...

 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=98391

Probus Silvered Antoninianus

IMP C M AVR PROBVS P AVG
Radiate, mantled bust left holding eagle tipped scepter

SOL INVICTO
Sol in spread Quadriga holding whip KAΓ in ex

Serdica 277 AD
RIC 864 Bust type H
3.84g
Scarce
This coin published on Probuscoins.fr

 

 

[Valentinian]

For Maximinus Thrax (235-238), I nominate



Late style.
VICTORIA GERM
Struck late 236-237 [BMC] for victories over the Germans
BMC 186
Sear 8318 (photo in this late style--the only style for this reverse)

[ambr0zie]

For Trajan the most iconic reverse is, in my opinion, the Column

[Limes]

Well, its an interesting question, but I think impossible to give the most iconic reverse for all emperors. For one, emperors who reigned long enough struck coins commemorating various highlights of their reign, thus stating which of those was the most iconic would become a subjective matter. And second, some emperors struck various reverses commemorating the same event. Which of those is most iconic?

For some of the earlier emperors, I can give you my personal view. And even then, its quite difficult for me to say without a doubt which reverse I think is the most iconic. Below is my go at it. I stopped at Commodus. Do note, most of these issues are not in my collection unfortunately.....

- Augustus: denarius commemorating the victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at Actium. I think its after that desicive battle outcome, where the principate started. E.g. the denarius showing Apollo on the reverse (IMP X ACT). 
- Tiberius: not many choices obviously. The Livia reverse is most available and referred to the tribute penny of the bible, many want and will add that to their collection. But personally, I think a DIVVS AVGVSTVS coin is more fitting, honoring his predecessor and the continuation of the dynasty. (E.g.  https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=187296) 
- Caligula: I'd say the sestertius with his sisters Agrippina, Drusilla and Julia. (See e.g. https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=3359299) (dont want to know what happened there...)
- Claudius: in doubt whether it should be a IMPER RECEPT issue (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=3594740), or the issue commemorating his victory over Britain (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=247822)
- Nero: I personally think the artistic highlight of coinage of the Julio Claudio dynasty was under Nero. And what coin would be better suitable then him on the reverse playing the lyre, as reference to the story of him burning down Rome... (e.g. https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=604444) 
- Galba: (im skipping vindex and macer here) The sestertius showing Galba on the reverse giving his speech in Carthago Nova, accepting the leadership of the revolt against Nero (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=139417) is quite iconic
- Otho: none are interesting in my opinion, but a coin of him is a must have for the 12 C's set
- Vitellius: difficult, but I'd say the issue with his children on the reverse, hoping to establish a new dynasty, but failing ultimately (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=2663938). 
- Vespasian: obviously one of the various coins commemorating his victory in Judaea. 
- Titus: in my opinion, one of the two most iconic of all Roman coins, is his sestertius with the Colosseum reverse (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=7385258). The other iconic issue is of course the EID MAR issue of Brutus.
- Domitian: not quite sure, either an issue referring to the Secular Games in 88 AD, or an issue with Minerva on the reverse? Maybe a flavian collector might add his opinion. 
- Nerva: unlike many, I don't think coinage of Nerva is boring. His very short reign was special, because somehow a civil war was avoided, after the death of Domitian and the end of the Flavian dynasty. He had to be able to manouvre between many factions, knowing that a misstep would cost him his life. I don't think there's an issue commemoration the adoption of Trajan, although there are very rare issues of Trajan commemorating Nerva. An option would be to go for an issue of Nerva, seeking the support of the people, the military, or the praetorians e.g. https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=2951868 or https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=366642. Other interesting issues are commemorating his social programm, with which he gained popularity amongst the people.
- Trajan: known for his military campaigns and expanding the borders of the empire to its largest extent, I think his column, or another conquest issue would fit (e.g Dacian captive issue). 
- Hadrian: famous for travelling, a travel issue would do. There are many to chose from. 
- Antoninius Pius: many interesting issues, but difficult to say which one is iconic. Maybe his issue with the temple for Faustina on the reverse, struck for Faustina after her death in 141. This temple still stands in the forum today.
- Marcus Aurelius: despite him being known as the philosopher emperor, his reign was marked by more action packed activity of continous battles against invasions of the empire by Germanic tribes, and, earlier, tackling troubles in the east. Especially the campaign in the east would prove to be devestating for the empire, as the troops brought back the plague to Rome. So, I think an Parthian of Germanic issue would be fitting (e.g. https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=5532180) A germanic issue would also be interesting, because of the Hollywood blockbuster movie.... 😉
- Commodus: an issue of him as Hercules (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=718649 or more affordable https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=2122853) 

Please feel free to add your own opinion!

[shanxi]

Constantine and his favorite god Sol ?

Constantinus I. (306-337)
Obv: : IMP CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, Bust of Constantine I, laureate, draped, cuirassed, right
-Rev: SOLI INV- I -CTO COMITI, Sol, chlamys hanging behind, standing left, raising right hand and holding up globe in left hand-
AE, 3.27g, 19.6mm
Ref.: VI Rome 323a, p.388

 

Pupienus and the  clasped hands ?

 

Pupienus
AR Antoninianus, AD 238
Obv.: IMP CAES PVPIEN MAXIMVS AVG, Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev.: PATRES SENATVS, clasped hands
Ag, 4.84g, 21.6mm
Ref.: RIC 11b, RSC 21

[mc9]

For Salonina is this one my favorite :

SALONINA AVG

bust diad. r. on cresent

IOVI REGINA / star in l. field

Juno stg. l, holding patera and sceptre; at foot, peacock

A.D. 253 – 258, 4.10 gr, 20.67 mm, Asia mint

Antoninianus; RIC Va 92 p. 200

 

Allectus

 

IMP C ALLECTUS P AVG

bust rad., cuir. R

VIRTUS AVG // QC

Gally l., with 5 rowers, steerman stg. aft.

A.D.293 – 296, 1.97 gr, 17.99 mm, Camulodunum mint

Quinarius; RIC Vb 130 p.569

 

 

Edited December 9, 2022 by mc9

[ComicMan]

2 hours ago, shanxi said:

Constantine and his favorite god Sol ?

Well, I would say that today Constantine is a bit more famous for liking a certain other god 😅

3 hours ago, Limes said:

Well, its an interesting question, but I think impossible to give the most iconic reverse for all emperors. For one, emperors who reigned long enough struck coins commemorating various highlights of their reign, thus stating which of those was the most iconic would become a subjective matter. And second, some emperors struck various reverses commemorating the same event. Which of those is most iconic?

For some of the earlier emperors, I can give you my personal view. And even then, its quite difficult for me to say without a doubt which reverse I think is the most iconic. Below is my go at it. I stopped at Commodus. Do note, most of these issues are not in my collection unfortunately.....

- Augustus: denarius commemorating the victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at Actium. I think its after that desicive battle outcome, where the principate started. E.g. the denarius showing Apollo on the reverse (IMP X ACT). 
- Tiberius: not many choices obviously. The Livia reverse is most available and referred to the tribute penny of the bible, many want and will add that to their collection. But personally, I think a DIVVS AVGVSTVS coin is more fitting, honoring his predecessor and the continuation of the dynasty. (E.g.  https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=187296) 
- Caligula: I'd say the sestertius with his sisters Agrippina, Drusilla and Julia. (See e.g. https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=3359299) (dont want to know what happened there...)
- Claudius: in doubt whether it should be a IMPER RECEPT issue (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=3594740), or the issue commemorating his victory over Britain (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=247822)
- Nero: I personally think the artistic highlight of coinage of the Julio Claudio dynasty was under Nero. And what coin would be better suitable then him on the reverse playing the lyre, as reference to the story of him burning down Rome... (e.g. https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=604444) 
- Galba: (im skipping vindex and macer here) The sestertius showing Galba on the reverse giving his speech in Carthago Nova, accepting the leadership of the revolt against Nero (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=139417) is quite iconic
- Otho: none are interesting in my opinion, but a coin of him is a must have for the 12 C's set
- Vitellius: difficult, but I'd say the issue with his children on the reverse, hoping to establish a new dynasty, but failing ultimately (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=2663938). 
- Vespasian: obviously one of the various coins commemorating his victory in Judaea. 
- Titus: in my opinion, one of the two most iconic of all Roman coins, is his sestertius with the Colosseum reverse (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=7385258). The other iconic issue is of course the EID MAR issue of Brutus.
- Domitian: not quite sure, either an issue referring to the Secular Games in 88 AD, or an issue with Minerva on the reverse? Maybe a flavian collector might add his opinion. 
- Nerva: unlike many, I don't think coinage of Nerva is boring. His very short reign was special, because somehow a civil war was avoided, after the death of Domitian and the end of the Flavian dynasty. He had to be able to manouvre between many factions, knowing that a misstep would cost him his life. I don't think there's an issue commemoration the adoption of Trajan, although there are very rare issues of Trajan commemorating Nerva. An option would be to go for an issue of Nerva, seeking the support of the people, the military, or the praetorians e.g. https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=2951868 or https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=366642. Other interesting issues are commemorating his social programm, with which he gained popularity amongst the people.
- Trajan: known for his military campaigns and expanding the borders of the empire to its largest extent, I think his column, or another conquest issue would fit (e.g Dacian captive issue). 
- Hadrian: famous for travelling, a travel issue would do. There are many to chose from. 
- Antoninius Pius: many interesting issues, but difficult to say which one is iconic. Maybe his issue with the temple for Faustina on the reverse, struck for Faustina after her death in 141. This temple still stands in the forum today.
- Marcus Aurelius: despite him being known as the philosopher emperor, his reign was marked by more action packed activity of continous battles against invasions of the empire by Germanic tribes, and, earlier, tackling troubles in the east. Especially the campaign in the east would prove to be devestating for the empire, as the troops brought back the plague to Rome. So, I think an Parthian of Germanic issue would be fitting (e.g. https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=5532180) A germanic issue would also be interesting, because of the Hollywood blockbuster movie.... 😉
- Commodus: an issue of him as Hercules (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=718649 or more affordable https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=2122853) 

Please feel free to add your own opinion!

Yeah, this is all just personal view, truth be told I just wanted to see what kind of reverses people like for different emperors. And obviously it is very hard to encapsulate an entire reign into just one coin.

I like your choices! Though you did forget about Lucius Verus as one tends to do, poor guy is playing second fiddle to all the other elective emperors and Commodus 2000 years later.

Ironically for Lucius Verus I would say that his most iconic coins are the ones where the 2 emperors are shaking hands since that was the first time that two emperors shared power. Well, that or the ones commemorating his victories.

For both Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius I would say that their coins with their successors as heirs are also pretty iconic, but you are also right on the money with the ones that you mention.

This is my Marcus 😁

[ComicMan]

11 hours ago, Orange Julius said:

For Claudius II, VICTORIAE GOTHIC

Great choice, his namesake is probably as iconic as it gets!

8 hours ago, Jay GT4 said:

Over the past few years I've sold most of my later Roman coins, but I kept this one for the incredibly dynamic reverse.  I love how it takes up the entire reverse flan and it's an iconic reverse for Probus...

 

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=98391

Probus Silvered Antoninianus

IMP C M AVR PROBVS P AVG
Radiate, mantled bust left holding eagle tipped scepter

SOL INVICTO
Sol in spread Quadriga holding whip KAΓ in ex

Serdica 277 AD
RIC 864 Bust type H
3.84g
Scarce
This coin published on Probuscoins.fr

 

 

Love it, I have to admit I have a bias for Sol coins 😁

8 hours ago, Valentinian said:

For Maximinus Thrax (235-238), I nominate



Late style.
VICTORIA GERM
Struck late 236-237 [BMC] for victories over the Germans
BMC 186
Sear 8318 (photo in this late style--the only style for this reverse)

I have to respectfully disagree on this one, too little chin for this guy 😆

4 hours ago, ambr0zie said:

For Trajan the most iconic reverse is, in my opinion, the Column

This would also be my choice! My other choice would be Alimentia for him, the help that he gave to orphans. Trajan was a great emperor but he was also a skilled builder and administrator. But yeah, hard to argue with the column on a coin that says SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI.

12 minutes ago, mc9 said:

For Salonina is this one my favorite :

SALONINA AVG

bust diad. r. on cresent

IOVI REGINA / star in l. field

Juno stg. lL, holding patera and sceptre; at foot, peacock

A.D. 253 – 258, 4.10 gr, 20.67 mm, Asia mint

Antoninianus; RIC Va 92 p. 200

 

Allectus

 

IMP C ALLECTUS P AVG

bust rad., cuir. R

VIRTUS AVG // QC

Gally l., with 5 rowers, steerman stg. aft.

A.D.293 – 296, 1.97 gr, 17.99 mm, Camulodunum mint

Quinarius; RIC Vb 130 p.569

 

 

 

I actually do not know a lot about these 2, would you care to explain?

[Limes]

41 minutes ago, ComicMan said:

I like your choices! Though you did forget about Lucius Verus as one tends to do, poor guy is playing second fiddle to all the other elective emperors and Commodus 2000 years later.

 

Yes, good observation. Some of the coinage of Verus and Marcus Aurelius share the same reverse design. In their early joint reign, I imagine Marcus Aurelius working hard to opposse the rebellion in the east, and contemplating life as a philosopher, while Lucius Verus is dining, gambling and enjoying life with his mistress in Antioch. An iconic issue could be the two shaking hands as well (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=5978010 but also a more afforable sestertius)

Since I dont have that type, therefore, from my collection, two with shared reverse design (with a particular strict looking Lucius Verus):

[Valentinian]

It is difficult to pick a single reverse type for Philip I, 244-249. However, his coins are famous for celebrating the saecular games and the lion is the most famous animal at games, so I propose this type:

SEACVLARES AVGG
Lion right, officina number "I" below, so they, too, thought it was the main type of the series. 
22-20 mm. 4.41 grams.
RIC 12. Foss 21 "247-8"
 

[AncientJoe]

14 hours ago, Limes said:

Well, its an interesting question, but I think impossible to give the most iconic reverse for all emperors. For one, emperors who reigned long enough struck coins commemorating various highlights of their reign, thus stating which of those was the most iconic would become a subjective matter. And second, some emperors struck various reverses commemorating the same event. Which of those is most iconic?

For some of the earlier emperors, I can give you my personal view. And even then, its quite difficult for me to say without a doubt which reverse I think is the most iconic. Below is my go at it. I stopped at Commodus. Do note, most of these issues are not in my collection unfortunately.....

- Augustus: denarius commemorating the victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at Actium. I think its after that desicive battle outcome, where the principate started. E.g. the denarius showing Apollo on the reverse (IMP X ACT). 
- Tiberius: not many choices obviously. The Livia reverse is most available and referred to the tribute penny of the bible, many want and will add that to their collection. But personally, I think a DIVVS AVGVSTVS coin is more fitting, honoring his predecessor and the continuation of the dynasty. (E.g.  https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=187296) 
- Caligula: I'd say the sestertius with his sisters Agrippina, Drusilla and Julia. (See e.g. https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=3359299) (dont want to know what happened there...)
- Claudius: in doubt whether it should be a IMPER RECEPT issue (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=3594740), or the issue commemorating his victory over Britain (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=247822)
- Nero: I personally think the artistic highlight of coinage of the Julio Claudio dynasty was under Nero. And what coin would be better suitable then him on the reverse playing the lyre, as reference to the story of him burning down Rome... (e.g. https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=604444) 
- Galba: (im skipping vindex and macer here) The sestertius showing Galba on the reverse giving his speech in Carthago Nova, accepting the leadership of the revolt against Nero (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=139417) is quite iconic
- Otho: none are interesting in my opinion, but a coin of him is a must have for the 12 C's set
- Vitellius: difficult, but I'd say the issue with his children on the reverse, hoping to establish a new dynasty, but failing ultimately (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=2663938). 
- Vespasian: obviously one of the various coins commemorating his victory in Judaea. 
- Titus: in my opinion, one of the two most iconic of all Roman coins, is his sestertius with the Colosseum reverse (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=7385258). The other iconic issue is of course the EID MAR issue of Brutus.
- Domitian: not quite sure, either an issue referring to the Secular Games in 88 AD, or an issue with Minerva on the reverse? Maybe a flavian collector might add his opinion. 
- Nerva: unlike many, I don't think coinage of Nerva is boring. His very short reign was special, because somehow a civil war was avoided, after the death of Domitian and the end of the Flavian dynasty. He had to be able to manouvre between many factions, knowing that a misstep would cost him his life. I don't think there's an issue commemoration the adoption of Trajan, although there are very rare issues of Trajan commemorating Nerva. An option would be to go for an issue of Nerva, seeking the support of the people, the military, or the praetorians e.g. https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=2951868 or https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=366642. Other interesting issues are commemorating his social programm, with which he gained popularity amongst the people.
- Trajan: known for his military campaigns and expanding the borders of the empire to its largest extent, I think his column, or another conquest issue would fit (e.g Dacian captive issue). 
- Hadrian: famous for travelling, a travel issue would do. There are many to chose from. 
- Antoninius Pius: many interesting issues, but difficult to say which one is iconic. Maybe his issue with the temple for Faustina on the reverse, struck for Faustina after her death in 141. This temple still stands in the forum today.
- Marcus Aurelius: despite him being known as the philosopher emperor, his reign was marked by more action packed activity of continous battles against invasions of the empire by Germanic tribes, and, earlier, tackling troubles in the east. Especially the campaign in the east would prove to be devestating for the empire, as the troops brought back the plague to Rome. So, I think an Parthian of Germanic issue would be fitting (e.g. https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=5532180) A germanic issue would also be interesting, because of the Hollywood blockbuster movie.... 😉
- Commodus: an issue of him as Hercules (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=718649 or more affordable https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=2122853) 

Please feel free to add your own opinion!

Great idea for a thread! I agree almost 100% with all of what @Limes wrote (i.e. perhaps Nero's Port of Ostia but I can certainly see the argument for the lyre reverse). But all-in-all, a great list.

[Octavius]

For Nero, I would choose this As of him playing the lyre - supposedly him fiddling while Rome burned...

[Octavius]

  For Caligula, I would pick this sestertius depicting his three sisters...

 

[Octavius]

For Vespasian, has to be Judaea  Capta...

[Octavius]

 For Augustus, I think there are several possibilities , but I choose this denarius commemorating his conquest of Egypt and defeat of Antony and Cleopatra...

[Octavius]

 For Claudius, it has to be the Praetorian Camp. According to Suetonius, he was discovered cowering behind a curtain by the Praetorians after Caligula's assassination...

[Orange Julius]

For Valerian, it has to be the ironic RESTITVT ORIENTIS minted in preparation for his campaign to become imperial footstool of the East in 260. Mine is ugly.

For Constantius II, everyone’s first coin… the fallen horseman.

Fausta and her kids that she may have wanted to promote over Crispus

Florian and his great relationship with the military… that killed him

This coin broadcasting that peace had been founded during Gallienus’ reign… (PAX FVNDATA)

The great hope of the people, Saloninus 

…some of my choices may be more ironic than iconic.

Edited December 10, 2022 by Orange Julius

[rvk]

For Domitian, though Minerva and the Secular games are the most popular and well-known types my vote would certainly be for the germania capta types where he earned the title Germanicus (GERM) for his battles and eventual victory against the Chatti.

Edited December 10, 2022 by rvk

[Hughie Dwyer]

On 12/10/2022 at 1:42 AM, Orange Julius said:

For Constantius II, everyone’s first coin… the fallen horseman.

You are absolutely right. Although ugly, this was my first ever purchase (only made about half a year ago as I am new to collecting).

[Victor_Clark]

1 hour ago, Hughie Dwyer said:

You are absolutely right. Although ugly, this was my first ever purchase (only made about half a year ago as I am new to collecting).

 

Your coin is Constantius Gallus, cousin of Constantius II, with an obverse legend of D N CONSTANTIVS IVN NOB C

[Valentinian]

For Aeilus, designated heir of Hadrian (117-138), I nominate the PANNONIA reverse.

Aelius was governor of Pannonia when chosen to be Caesar, but he predeceased Hadrian. 
Sestertius. 30 mm. 
TR POT COS II, struck 137 at Rome.
PANNONIA and SC across the field.
Sear II 3981. RIC (Hadrian) 1059.

 

[Steppenfool]

Elagabalus is obvious. The one with the deity "ELAGAB" referred to on the reverse. No other emperor has their nickname alluded to on a coin. Here we see Elagabalus sacrificing to the Emesan solar god Elagab, whom he tried elevate to the top of the Roman pantheon and caused some mischief for the cause.

My example was cheap and a bit worse for wear. The reverse dies on these examples tend to have been quite worn.

SACERD DEI SOLIS ELAGAB

 

These examples also have the famous Horn of Elagabalus on the portrait. Presumably some kind of Emesan ritual attire, some speculate it is a bull's phallus.

[Curtisimo]

For Hadrian I would nominate any of the personified province types of the travel series.

I nominate the Bull for Julian.

For Diocletian, I know there is a case to be made for either the genius or Jupiter type but for me it is the tetrarchs sacrificing.