Moneta
Registered: August 2005
Location: Arizona USA
Posts: 2,365
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Issue of the Roman Republic (205 - 195 B.C.) during the later part of the 2nd Punic War (218 - 201 B.C.). OB: helmeted head of Bellona facing left with one pellet behind (Uncia). Rx: galley prow right with ROMA above and pellet below.
In the Roman pantheon Bellona was either the wife, sister, or daughter of Mars, the god of war. The image is often confused with that of Minerva , however that goddess is associated with denomination 'Triens', represented by four pellets. Bellona first appears on cast AES GRAVE uncia of the early 2nd Punic war [222- 205 B.C]. It is curious, and perhaps more than coincidental, that Bellona [and the uncia denomination] fade from coinage about the same time that the personification of ROMA appears on the denarius, a new denomination [187 - 155 B.C]. With the defeat of the Carthaginians and the Macedonians perhaps this morphing represented an attempt to present a kinder and gentler empire now that Rome had left the homeland and controlled territories beyond the boot of Italy.
ANA's CRRO (Coins of the Roman Republic Project; #RRC 38/6) lists this Uncia as depicting Roma with a date of 217 - 215 B.C.
This coin is MUCH better in hand, my camera brought forth a mottled green patina that is not seen and the details are much more distinct, it awaits another photo. Mass is 11.7 grams at 24 mm. Sydenham 86, Sear 94.
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