Reverse. FIDES EXERCITVS. On the exergum S. C. Four standards planted in a row, the inuer being the legionary eagle and a manipulus, and the outer ones common ensigns. This symbol of the adherence and allegiance of the army, was usually struck on the soldiers' taking their Sacramentum, or military oath, to a new emperor, and thereby insuring the public tranquillity. Nothing was more sacred in theory than this fidelity, as having religion itself for its foundation, and forming a security against deceit and falsehood:-"Take away," says Cicero, "the reverence that is due to the Gods, and Faith is at an end." Attilius Calatinus consecrated a temple to her in the Capitol, perhaps that alluded to by Juvenal "Colitur Pax, atque FIDES, Victoria, Virtus." The standards were worshipped by the soldiers, as the "Numina legionum," in order to secure the smiles of Fortune,-good luck being, according to the Satirist, better for a warrior, than a letter of introduction to Mars, even from the Deity's mistress, or mother. See No. CCCXXVII. Du Choul, who wrote in 1581, mentions a curious medal of this description, which was given him by his friend M. Grolier-“Amateur singulier de l'antiquité." It bears, on both sides, two right hands joined in concord, the obverse being inscribed Fides Exercituum, and the reverse Fides Provinciarum. CCCCL. Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS AVG. (Imperator Marcus Julius Philippus, Augustus.) The laurelled profile of Philip, with close hair and beard, serious expression of countenance, and broad throat. This medal, in excellent condition, and slightly tinged with brown patina, was one of the Maltese hoard. See CCCXCV. Reverse. NOBILITAS AVGG. (Nobilitas Augustorum.) In the field S. C. A female, habited as a Roman matron, stands with a sacred virga in her right hand, and a globe on her left. Philip's foul treachery to Gordian, and his giving up Mesopotamia and Armenia, to purchase a peace from Sapor, had rendered him unpopular in the "Eternal City." But his obliging behaviour, and repeated liberalities, of which three are recorded on medals, soon gained its affections, especially as those provinces were soon afterwards restored, to commemorate which, the denarius inscribed "Pax fundata cum Persis," was probably struck. Among other modes of courting popularity, the Emperor, by this device, proclaimed the nobility of his origin,—and, indeed, his father's having been a robber, was no mark of a mean extraction, in Arabia. Commodus was the first who assumed this type upon medals,—for a noble descent was a distinction on which the Romans of family greatly piqued themselves; ostentatiously exhibiting the images of their ancestors at games, triumphs, and funerals,—and none were prouder, on those occasions, than the Novi Homines. Juvenal lashes such vanity with a heavy thong, in his VIIIth Satire, and perhaps suggested to Pope his well known phrase of the "Noblest work of God:" "Fond man! though all the heroes of your line Bedeck your halls, and round your galleries shine, CCCCLI. Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS AVG. (Imperator Marcus Julius Philippus, Augustus.) The laurelled head of Philip, with short hair and beard, and an intelligent aspect. This medal, slightly spotted with pea-green patina, and in high perfection, was found at Malta. See No. CCCXCV. Reverse. TRANQVILLITAS AVGG. (Tranquillitas Augustorum.) In the field S. C. A stolated female, standing with a sceptre in her left hand, and a monster on her right, which some medallists have termed a capricorn, and others-regardless of its legs-a dolphin; but Alexander Visconti describes the lady as holding a “cavallo marino nella sinistra, denotante la tranquillità nell'onde del mare,"-which is about the last emblem a sailor would have suggested. This type, however, was complimentary to the army, whose faith and valour had preserved the public quiet, being, as Eckhel has said, the military standard called the Dragon, which was appropriated to the cohort as the Eagle was to the legion; and this legend, as well as "Lætitia fundata," "Pax æterna," "Felicitas temporum," and "Fortuna Redux,” which are found in abundance, was meant as a vain boast of the happiness of the reign. One would think Shakspeare had seen this and the preceding medal side by side, when he made Gadshill class Nobility and Tranquillity together, as good burgo-masters. Tranquillitas was supposed to rule the mind in the steadiest manner; for though morally distinguishable from Peace and Concord, she was considered as the happy effect of both, and as implying a still more absolute preservation of order and prosperity. St. Augustine was surprised at finding her temple outside the Porta Collina, while Agerona, Stimula, Murcia, and Strenua, were admitted into the city. But Vivez, the Valencian, in his Commentary on that Saint's work, dedicated to our Henry VIIIth, supposes Trauquillitas to have been a companion of Orcus Quietalis, who presides over the repose of the dead, from her temple being placed among the tombs. CCCCLII. Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS AVG. (Imperator Marcus Julius Philippus, Augustus.) The laureated head of the Emperor, with short hair and beard, good features, small mouth, aquiline nose, and full throat; but the expression is so serious as to be hardly consistent with. the "horse-laugh," in which he is said to have indulged. This fine medal, in the most perfect condition and barely discoloured, formed one of the Maltese hoard. See No. CCCXCV. Reverse. ADVENTVS AVGG. (Adventus Augustorum.) On the exergum S. C. An equestrian figure of the Emperor, in camp-attire, but bare-headed, with a sceptre in his left hand, and his right elevated. This has usually been considered a commemoration of Philip's return from Persia, after founding Philippopolis, A. D. 244;-but, from the AVGG., I cannot but date it three years later, and assign it to his successful return from the expedition against the Carpi,† when his son was associated with him as an Augustus. A From the extraordinary disproportion between the steed and its rider, the Emperor is probably mounted on the Asturco, or ambling nag, as a more appropriate emblem of returning peace, than the Equus bellator, or charger. The last formed a good device for the medals inscribed with the "Profectio," or departure, because it was the symbol of war, even to its very shoes-" Bellum calces Equi.". -or as Virgil says— "Bello armantur Equi, bellum hæc armenta minantur." CCCCLIII. Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS AVG. (Imperator Marcus Julius Philippus, Augustus.) A manly and characteristic head of Philip, with the laurel wreath, and his shoulders covered by a sagum. This medal, in the highest condition, and partially tinged with Saxon-green patina, was one of those found at Malta. See No. CCCXCV. Reverse. MILLIARIVM SAECVLVM. In the field S. C. A cippus inscribed COS. III. (Consul tertium.) This was struck A. D. 248, the year in which Philip celebrated the Secular Games, in honour of the completion of the 1000th anniversary of Rome; for which purpose he had retained the Fasces, with his son for a colleague, from the preceding year. This was the ninth and last performance of the famous "Ludi Circenses," as they were subsequently merged into the Christian Jubilees; and the rejoicings of Honorius, more than 150 years afterwards, for the timely victory over Alaric, are to be regarded as Ludi Triumphales. Zosimus grieves over the degeneracy of the times, and ascribes the decline of the empire, to the neglect of such Jobert had previously described the medal of Antoninus Pius, where Tranquillity is represented holding a rudder, and some ears of wheat, as signifying that, in fine weather, abundance of grain may be brought by sea to Rome,- a supposition somewhat more admissible than Visconti's, who probably had Neptune's car, as described by Virgil, in view. What could have induced Father Hardouin to suppose that these Trans-Danubians were located in Africa? Though history fails, at this particular period, the medallic evidence is satisfactory, as he might have seen in Spanheim, “Že Præstantia et usu Numismatum Antiquorum.” pious solemnities. Those, in commemoration of which this medal was struck, were carried to an unprecedented degree of magnificence, and lasted-with scrupulous regard to triplicity— three days and nights without intermission, a brilliant glare from innumerable torches, supplying the absence of the sun. Among other shews, all the wild and strange animals which Gordian had collected, for his Persian triumph, were exhibited, baited, and slain; and the populace, under a plenary direption, were permitted to "bag" whatever they could secure. Orosius says, that Philip turned the extraordinary festival to the interests of Christianity; but he has not pointed out in what manner. See No. CCCXXXVI. The exact zero-point for this 1000th year of Rome, is rather puzzling to determine, and it is therefore customary to follow in the wake of Varro; for Chronologists too often adopt what suits their scheme, and boldly erase what it is difficult to arrange-after the manner of Paul Pezron, with the Chronicle of Manetho. In one point, however, the medal is important, since it confirms, beyond contradiction, the correctness of the vulgar calculation, against Sir Isaac Newton's Essay, which cuts off 125 years from the age of the Eternal City. CCCCLIV. Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS AVG. (Imperator Marcus Julius Philippus, Augustus.) The laurelled head of the Emperor, with peculiarities as before-mentioned. This medal, in fine perfection and incrusted with a dense-brown patina, was purchased at Mr. Henderson's sale, in 1830; being superior in execution to those of a similar type, which were found at Malta. Reverse, SAECVLARES AVGG. (Sæculares Augustorum.) On the exergum S. C. A noble lion, which, from its attitude, must represent one of the "Leones mansueti" mentioned by Capitolinus. It seems that there were provided no fewer than 32 elephants, 10 tigers, 10 elks, 60 lions, 30 leopards, 10 hyænas, 1 hippopotamus, 1 rhinoceros, 40 wild horses, 20 wild asses, and 10 camelopards, with a vast quantity of deer, goats, antelopes. and other beasts. And still further to increase the public hilarity, 2000 gladiators were matched in mortal affray :"and now The arena swims around him—he is gone, Ere ceased the inhuman shout which hail'd the wretch who won." "He heard it, but he heeded not-his eyes Were with his heart, and that was far away; He reck'd not of the life he lost, nor prize, All this rush'd with his blood-shall I expire And unavenged? Arise! ye Goths, and glut your ire!" CCCCLV. Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS AVG. (Imperator Marcus Julius Philippus, Augustus.) The laurelled head of Philip, with the aquiline nose, and serious expression before-mentioned. This fine medal, in perfect preservation and slightly spotted with grass-green patina, was one of the Maltese hoard mentioned under No. CCCXCV. Reverse. SAECVLARES AVGG. (Sæculares Augustorum.) On the exergum S. C. A huge she-wolf in the act of suckling Romulus and Remus. The founding of Rome could not be celebrated without noticing its founders; and here we have a device in their honour, rather different from that described under No. CCXIII. Some writers tell us, that these rejoicings ended in the conflagration of Pompey's theatre, together with the Centum Columna and other noble edifices;-while others say it was burnt in the preceding year-perhaps while they were rehearsing the midnight spectacles.* Be this as it may, the loss of a theatre was * Eckhel is surprised at the damage done to ancient Rome by fire, and asserts that they manage better in the present city, insomuch that a modern Erostratus would be baffled in trying to burn St. Peter's: "Sane si quis hodie existeret Herostratus, qui cuperet magnificentissimam Romæ D. Petri basilicam flammis abolere, modum, quo facinus patrare posset, non reperiret." a heavy calamity to the luxurious Romans; and the illustrious factions of White, Grey, Green, and Red-thus enumerated by Sidonius Apollinaris : "micant colores, Albus cum veneto, virens rubensque”. - must, for a while, have compounded their weighty contests. See No. LXXXVIII. CCCCLVI. Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS AVG. (Imperator Marcus Julius Philippus, Augustus.) An excellent profile of the Emperor, with the laurel crown over short hair, and an intelligent but serious aspect. This medal, of unpatinated brass, and in the highest condition, was found by one of the Arabs whom I employed in the excavations at Leptis Magna, near Tripoli, in 1816. Reverse. SAECULARES AVGG. (Sæculares Augustorum.) On the exergum S. C. A stag, apparently of the red-deer kind, standing with his head erect. Pedrusi, who has figured this medal, thinks it symbolises longevity; but it, more probably, merely represents one of the animals provided on this occasion for a counterfeit chase, such as that for which Probus transplanted whole trees in full verdure, till the circus resembled a forest. Smollett sneers with supreme contempt at those Roman attempts at artificial Nimrodism; and, ridiculing their naumachia, exclaims-" How would it sound in the ears of a British sailor, an advertisement, that a mock engagement between two squadrons of men-of-war would be exhibited on such a day in the Serpentine river?" Poor Smollett! Within 50 years of his writing that letter, all London was thrown into ecstacies by a miniature sea-fight, on that very piece of water, at the national expence. CCCCLVII. Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS AVG. (Imperator Marcus Julius Philippus, Augustus.) A fine profile of the Emperor, laurelled, and with the sagun over his shoulders. This medal, in very excellent preservation and slightly stained with grass-green patina, was found at Malta, as mentioned under No. CCCXCV. Reverse. SAECVLARES AVGG. (Sæculares Augustorum.) On the exergum S. C. The Damis, an antelope of the species now known by the name of Gazelle, a corruption of the Arab Ghazal the "Capra Africana" of the Italians; and probably representing another of the animals presented for the sport of the populace. Oiselius, describing this medal, says-" videre est animal quoddam ignotis cornibus, quod Strepsicerota esse existimat A. Rubenius;" but according to the "old" scholiast, that seasonable friend of all puzzled antiquaries, the name of Strepsiceros is applicable to those varieties of the genus, which have turbinated horns. CCCCLVIII. Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS AVG. Imperator Marcus Julius Philippus, Augustus.) The laurelled head of Philip, attired as before, but with the nose rather more aquiline, and the features firmer. This remarkably fine medal is in the highest possible preservation, and only slightly discoloured with spots of grass-green patina; it was one of the hoard discovered at Casal Žurika. See No. CCCXCV. Reverse. AETERNITAS AVGG. (Eternitas Augustorum) On the exergum S. C. A caparisoned elephant, with a naked rider, who holds a goad in each hand, and sits on the animal's back, a less usual berth than the neck, or shoulders. This was one of the collection of beasts, which Gordian had prepared for his triumph, but which became an organ of his destroyer's popularity and fame; for there can be no doubt that the medal was struck on the occasion of the secular games, though the legend merely augurs the length of Philip's reign, of which the longevity of the elephant was deemed typical; and has no relation to the Emperor's asserted deification. See Nos. VIII. and CCCXXXIV. I once heard it remarked upon this medal, that the cube of 10, a complete number, multiplied by itself, answers to the date of the city, and might therefore be properly typified by Eternity; and also, that the celebration of so rare a solemity, would perpetuate the memory of the two Augusti. CCCCLIX. Obverse. IMP. M. IVL. PHILIPPVS AVG. (Imperator Marcus Julius Philippus, Augustus.) The laureated profile of Philip, with an expressive but very sedate expression of features, and the pallium upon his shoulders buckled over armour. This medal, in the finest condition and cased with greenish-black patina, was presented to me by Sir Patrick Ross, of the 75th Regiment, at Zante, in 1819. Reverse. SAECVLVM NOVVM. On the exergum S. C. A superb temple of eight columns on at triple plinth, with three small statues on its apex, and one on each side of the pediment, with waving veils--"a guisa d'Iride," and apparently seated. In the centre sits a figure with a hasta pura; some will have this to be the Emperor himself; while others, among whom is the discerning Vaillant, insist that it represents Jupiter Capitolinus. Had it, however, been meant for the latter, there would have been, as on that of Vespasian, the other two Capitoline deities; moreover the upper part of the idol would have been naked-which is not the caseand the head appears to be tutulated. It probably alludes to a temple consecrated, perhaps in A. D. 248, to commemorate the New Era ; for the Sæculum Novum of the legend intimates, that the 1000th year from the building of Rome having expired, another age had commenced; as has been already observed in the 9th Dissertation of Spanheim, one of the best medallists who ever applied F. R. S. to his name. It is remarkable, that this reverse appears on the denarii of Etruscilla, Hostilianus, Trebonianus, and Volusianus. OTACILIA. Marcia Otacilia Severa is one of those Empresses of whom so little mention is made in history, that it is not known whether she was of Dacian, Arabian, or, as her name would imply, of Roman birth. She appears to have been married to Philip Senior about A. D. 234, and was saluted Augusta, on her husband's elevation to the Purple, ten years afterwards. Besides the younger Philip, she had a daughter, whose name is unknown, but who, according to Zosimus, was the wife of Severianus, the Prætor of Moesia and Macedonia. When her husband and son were murdered, A. D. 249, Otacilia was permitted to retire into private life, aud nothing further is related respecting her. The several writers assert that this Princess was religious, prudent, and virtuous; and that she not only professed christianity herself, but also persuaded her husband and son to embrace it. Yet I am "free to confess," as our states that after having handled so many of her coins in honour of the goddesses of Fecundity, Piety, Modesty, Security, and Concord, besides her participation in the Secular ceremonials, and her Juno Conservatrix, I feel inclined to agree with the worthy Tristan, that instead of the pure doctrine of revealed religion"elles semblent marquer toute autre verité, par la multitude de diverses sortes de déitez, qui y sont representées." But this consideration must not suppress an anecdote which has been recorded on the authority of St. Chrysostom, in ✦ Juno was struck both on silver and brass; and is incompatible for a Christian, even if the Virtues might be allowed. |