Obv:
Antoninus Pius

As (Replica by WRL)

Rev:
BRITANNIA

Obv:
Hadrian

Denarius

Rev:
ROMA

Obv:
Nero

Dupondius (Replica by WRL)

Rev:
ROMA

Obv:
Geta

Denarius

Rev:
MINERVA

Obv:
Tiberius

"Tribute
Penny"

Rev:
Livia as PAX

Obv:
Hadrian

Denarius

Rev:
MINERVA
holding
Victory

Obv:
Portrait of ROMA

Republican coin 150BC

Rev:
ROMA with wolf and cubs

Athena. 460's BC Athens.

'North European' Britannia 2003

Reproduced from http://www.minervatech.u-net.com/minerva.htm

Minerva
Goddess of Wisdom

In Romano-Etruscan mythology, Minerva was the goddess of wisdom. As the Romans conquered other states they integrated the other cultures with their own, thus she became identified with the Greek goddess Athena.

An oracle foretold to Zeus, the king of the gods, that if his wife Metis bore another child it would be a boy who would depose him. He promptly swallowed Metis, but was later smitten by terrible pains in his head. Hermes, the messenger of the gods, suspected the cause, and persuaded Hephaestus, the god of fire, to split his head open. Immediately Athena leapt out, fully grown and in full armour. She became his favourite child, and he gave her his shield, which bore the image of the gorgon Medusa, and the thunderbolt.

One of the principal deities in both mythologies, she stood for wisdom, reason and purity, was patron of arts, crafts and agriculture, and was the goddess of war and defender of the state.

She was also known as Pallas Athene, Kore and Parthenos - all titles which allude to her maidenhood.

She competed with Poseidon, the god of earthquakes and the sea, for possession of Athens. He offered the citizens the horse, whilst she offered the olive tree, which the Athenians deemed the better gift. In return they dedicated the Parthenon to her.

Other gifts of hers to man were the plough, the flute and the arts of taming animals and shipbuilding. She was often associated with the owl, an image which appeared on all Athenian coins. The phrase "owls to Athens" carried the same meaning as "coals to Newcastle".

Athena - Minerva - Britannia

"Goddess of war and defender of the state"

"She offered the olive tree"

"The arts of taming animals"

"and shipbuilding"

"Patron of the arts and crafts"

"They dedicated the Parthenon to her."

The Royal Exchange building. London.