Postumus - Uberitas - Museum Gallery

November 2024

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Gallic Empire - Obv: IMP C POSTVMVS P F AVG; Postumus facing right. Rx: VBERITAS AVG; Uberitas standing left holding purse and cornucopiae.
Uberitas was the goddess of fertility. The cornucopia (from Latin cornu copiae) or horn of plenty is a symbol of abundance and nourishment, commonly a large horn-shaped container overflowing with produce, flowers, nuts, other edibles, or wealth in some form. Originating in classical antiquity, it has continued as a symbol in Western art, and it is particularly associated with the Thanksgiving holiday in North America.
The cornucopia became the attribute of several Greek and Roman deities, particularly those associated with the harvest, prosperity, or spiritual abundance, such as personifications of Earth (Gaia or Terra); the child Plutus, god of riches and son of the grain goddess Demeter; the nymph Maia; and Fortuna, the goddess of luck, who had the power to grant prosperity. In Roman Imperial cult, abstract Roman deities who fostered peace (pax Romana) and prosperity were also depicted with a cornucopia, including Abundantia, "Abundance" personified, and Annona, goddess of the grain supply to the city of Rome. Pluto, the classical ruler of the underworld in the mystery religions, was a giver of agricultural, mineral and spiritual wealth, and in art often holds a cornucopia to distinguish him from the gloomier Hades, who holds a drinking horn instead.
Well defined obverse and a weak reverse as is common on the coins of Postumus. S3031A, RIC 330, RSC IV 365
For a brief History of the Gallic Empire in the Moneta Library:
VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Gallic Empire by Percy Webb at this: [ link ]