The Women of Rome on Coins: Instruments of Political Power

In Rome, imagery and iconography of women were used to promote many ideas and many men. Whether divine or mortal, women’s images were often co-opted in favor of the current reigning political figure, government, or ideology, alternately reflecting reality or manifesting it. The Roman state, was deeply concerned with the female sphere and the purity of Roman women which was reflected on its coinage. Five Roman coins in the Linda Lear collection explore how the imagery of various female figures was used over time to support the Roman Empire and its ideals.