Product Details

Tetrarch era, emperor facing left. The most uncommon obverse die is where the emperor faces left. The Roman word for left is “sinister” and leaders almost without exception portrayed themselves facing right, aligned with the direction of the rising sun. Usually signifying periods of martial uncertainties and conflict some emperors used this as a message to the public of a new direction under their leadership. This well worn coin is unique as it was holed in antiquity. This is most certainly due to the reverse portraying Jupiter holding a lightning bolt. As Jupiter was the supreme god in the pagan pantheon and the inscription is IOVI CONSERVATORI - “Jupiter the protector” and the type/uniformity of wear on the coin its very likely this was worn as a talisman by a practicing pagan as it is not precious metal. Due to the level of wear it most likely had many owners over the centuries and survived destruction making this a unique and special artififact Bronze 3rd century 2.72 g 16.9 mm