Osječki zbornik, Vol. Vol. 40 No. xx, 2025.
Professional paper
The Golden Age of the Antonine Dynasty and Their Empresses: As Exemplified by the Viktor and Berislav Kopač Collection
Antonija Marić
; Muzej Slavonije, Osijek
Abstract
The Museum of Slavonia is the keeper of an exceptionally rich collection of Viktor and Berislav Kopač, generously donated by Berislav’s wife Ana after his passing. This work highlights a selection of coins from this collection, specifically those associated with the empresses of the Antonine dynasty. The article discusses a total of 28 coins featuring Faustina I, Faustina II, and Lucilla. There are 15 coins attributed to Faustina I, 10 to Faustina II, and 3 to Lucilla, the daughter of Faustina II and Marcus Aurelius. These are coins without archaeological context and they originate from unknown archaeological sites. The pieces are well-preserved and present typological diversity and the aesthetic values of the coins of Roman empresses.
The study begins with a brief explanation of the monetary system of the Roman Empire and the significant role of imagery on coins. These artistic depictions are invaluable as they allow us to trace fashion and traditions of ancient times and gain insight into the appearance of specific empresses. Given the large number of coins minted in honor of Roman empresses throughout the Empire, these depictions deserve to be studied as a distinct unit.
Each of the three empresses covered in this work is examined individually. In addition to their biographies, the study provides a detailed overview of all types of coins minted in their honor. The types of inscriptions found on the obverse of each empress’s coins are also listed. Finally, the article is accompanied by a catalog presenting all the coins of the empresses along with their descriptions.
Keywords
Roman empresses; Antonine dynasty; 2nd century; Museum of Slavonia; collection of Viktor and Berislav Kopač; numismatics
Hrčak ID:
328981
URI
Publication date:
13.3.2025.
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