Medusa
This coin is part of a series of aurei and denarii issued under Severus and Caracalla, featuring the head of Medusa either alone or incorporated into Jupiter's Aegis, traditionally represented as a protective goat or serpent skin. The Medusa depicted on this series diverges from earlier Greek and Roman artistic portrayals of the Gorgon as a fearsome creature. Instead, she appears as a beautiful woman in a three-quarters profile, with only subtle hints of her serpentine nature visible at her neck and above her head. Her flowing hair, evocative of depictions of Helios on Hellenistic Rhodian coinage, further emphasizes her humanized beauty. This representation is known as the "beautiful Medusa" or "Medusa Rondanini" type, drawing inspiration from a celebrated Roman marble sculpture. The ultimate artistic model for this depiction may be traced to a gilt-bronze Aegis gifted to Athens by the Seleucid king Antiochus IV around 170 BC, prominently displayed on the Acropolis in Pausanias’ time.
The portrayal of Medusa on these coins likely alludes to Minerva, the mythological custodian of the Aegis, who was closely associated with Severus. Medusa’s mythological ability to petrify adversaries made her an enduring symbol of protection against evil, a fitting motif for the turbulent period in which these coins were minted (AD 207–208). At this time, the Severan dynasty faced several challenges, including escalating animosity between Caracalla and his brother Geta, which threatened their father’s carefully curated image of familial unity. Additionally, the province of Britannia was under siege, necessitating imperial intervention. The reverse legend of the coins invokes providence and foresight, reflecting both preparations for the British campaign launched in AD 208 and Severus’ hopes of reconciling his feuding sons through their joint involvement.
The symbolism of Medusa on these coins extends to the broader context of Severus’ reign. While the goddess averted evil in myth, the use of her image here symbolizes the emperor's efforts to avert dangers to his empire and dynasty. Severus’ military campaign in Britannia was ultimately successful, with Medusa’s image serving as an emblem of the empire’s strength and protective power. However, while external threats like the Caledonians were subdued, the internal discord within the Severan family persisted, culminating in future turmoil. This duality of triumph and unresolved tension is encapsulated in the iconography and historical context of these coins.
Caracalla Augustus, 198 – 211 Aureus circa 207, AV 7.28 g. ANTONINVS – PIVS AVG Laureate head r. Rev. PROVIDENTIA Winged head of Medusa facing. C –. BMC –. RIC –, cf. 164 (denarius). Calicó 2800 (these dies). Faces of Power 426 (these dies).
Privately purchased from NAC