JUNO Roman Republic Silver Denarius, circa 105 B.C.

Description

This coin is a Silver Denarius, issued by Ancient Roman Republic, 105 BC by moneyer L. Thorivs Balbvs, minted in Rome. The obverse depicts Head of Juno wearing a goat-skin facing right; behind ISMR. The reverse depicts a bull charging to the right; below L. Thorivs; in exergue, Balbcs.

Juno was the goddess of the lives of women, especially of married life. Often called Juno Lucina, she also served as the goddess of childbirth. She was viewed as a comforter of women and something like a guardian angel. Each woman was said to have a Juno, a guiding principle or protective spirit, the counterpart of the genius that guarded man. Upon reaching puberty, girls were initiated into adult life under the auspices of Juno Sororia, meaning “sister”.