Watch List notes:

The Roman Empire
Caracalla augustus, 198 – 211

Medallion of 10 denarii 209-211, AR 29.76 [IMP M AVR ANTONINVS PIVS AVG P M TR P XIII] Laureate and cuirassed bust l. Rev. AEQ[VITATI P]VBLICAE Three Monetae standing l., holding scales and cornuacopiae. C –, cf. 10. Gnecchi –. Toynbee –.
Apparently unique and unrecorded. A very interesting portrait, surface
somewhat corroded, otherwise about very fine


The reverse of this seemingly unique medallion depicts the Tres Monetae, a popular type for Roman Imperial medallions which made its first appearance during the reign of the emperor Commodus. It was typically employed as a type when there was a need for a commemorative issue but which did not require a readily associative type. The Monetae represent the goddess Juno as the protectress of minting, and the reason that there are three is simple: there were three metals – gold, silver and bronze – used for minting coins. Each Moneta is shown holding in her hands a set of scales for weighing coins to allow for their honest measure, and a cornucopia which alludes to the bounty of the state. At the foot of each rests a pile of metal (or perhaps struck coins). On this medallion the type is accompanied by the legend AEQVITATI PVBLICAE, and in this respect refers to the responsibility of the mint to provide for conformity and fairness in its minting duties. Juno was the daughter of Saturn, and when the Romans first minted coins they did so in the temple of Juno Moneta. Later the treasury and mint were moved to the Temple of Saturn on the Capitoline Hill.