Greek coin from Poseidonia / Paestum

Obverse (front face of the coin): Poseidon with a trident, Inscription: ΠΟΣEΙΔΑ/ΝΙΑΤΑΣ (Poseidonia / perhaps a name?)

Reverse (back face of the coin): Bull, Inscription: ΠΟΣΕΙΔΑ (Poseidonia)

445 - 420 BCE

An 8 cm gold coin featuring Chandragupta II (r. c. 375 or 380 – c. 415 CE) astride a caparisoned horse with a bow in his left hand Chandragupta II (r. c. 375–415 CE), also known as Vikramaditya, was one of the most powerful rulers of the Gupta Empire and is often identified with King Chandra of the Delhi Iron Pillar inscription.

Continuing the expansionist policies of his father, Samudragupta, he greatly enlarged the empire through military conquests and strategic marriage alliances. His victories included the defeat of the Sassanids, the conquest of the Western Kshatrapas, and the subjugation of the Hunas. At its height under his rule, the empire stretched from the Oxus River in the west to Bengal in the east, and from the Himalayas to the Narmada River. Through alliances—particularly with the Kadambas and the Vakatakas (during his daughter Prabhavatigupta’s regency)—he further extended Gupta influence in central and southern India.

Denarius (diameter=17 mm; weight=4.04 g) minted by L. Mussidius Longus at Rome in 42 BCE. Mussidius Longus was one of four men appointed by the Second Triumvirate of Octavian, Antony, and Lepidus to oversee coinage.

On the obverse, the veiled and diademed bust of Concordia (Concord), symbolizing the accord among the three triumvirs. Beneath Concordia's chin is a star, associated with the divinization of Julius Caesar two years before.

On the reverse, a depiction of the Shrine of Venus Cloacina in the Roman Forum. On a platform with a balustrade stand two statues of the goddess. Venus Cloacina ("Purifier") had the unenviable job of overseeing the Cloaca Maxima, Rome's chief sewer. Her presence here may reflect the triumvirs' interest in winning support among the Roman plebs by refurbishing the city.

Two rare medieval coins minted to seek divine protection against Viking raids have been found in Denmark, where Vikings once wore them as jewellery.

Denarius with head of M. Junius Brutus (obverse) and pileus between two daggers with inscription "Ides of March" (reverse)

Roman, Republican Period, 43-42 B.C.

silver

~ Head of Pan to the left (Coin).

Date: ca. 350 B.C

Mint: Pantikapaion