TRAJAN.(98-117). Rome.Denarius.

Obv : IMP TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P.
Laureate bust right, slight drapery on far shoulder.

Rev : COS V P P SPQR OPTIMO PRINC / AET AVG.
Aeternitas standing facing, head left, holding heads of Sol and Luna.
Woytek 344b.

Condition : The coin is in fair condition, with a noticeable grayish patina that highlights its age. There are some minor surface cracks and wear, particularly around the edges, but the details on the bust and reverse remain clear and legible.Good very fine.

Material : Silver.
Axis : 6h

Weight : 3.37 gr
Diameter : 19 mm

Aeternitas, in Roman mythology, represents the personification of eternity or everlasting existence. She symbolizes the eternal nature of Rome and the divine authority of the Roman emperors. The concept of Aeternitas was often linked to the idea that Rome would last forever, a notion strongly propagated during the height of the Roman Empire.

Aeternitas is frequently depicted in Roman art, particularly on coins, as a majestic female figure. She is usually shown holding symbols that emphasize continuity and permanence, such as a globe or a phoenix, both of which represent the cyclical nature of life and the unending reign of Rome. The globe symbolizes dominion over the world, suggesting that Rome's empire and power would endure across time and space. The phoenix, a mythical bird that regenerates from its ashes, further reinforces the idea of rebirth and eternal life, echoing the belief that the Roman Empire would rise anew even if it faced challenges or decline.

In the context of the imperial cult, Aeternitas also took on a more personal meaning, associated with the eternal divine status of the emperors. Emperors were often deified after their deaths, and Aeternitas was invoked to highlight the perpetual nature of their divine presence. This is especially evident on coins issued under different emperors, which frequently feature Aeternitas to convey the message that the ruler’s legacy and the empire itself would be everlasting.

In temples and public ceremonies, Aeternitas was honored to reinforce the idea of Rome’s divine favor and eternal destiny. The portrayal of Aeternitas as a protective deity underscored the Romans' belief in the unshakable continuity of their civilization. Through her, the Romans celebrated not only the longevity of their empire but also the unending presence of their culture, religion, and power.

Overall, Aeternitas in Roman mythology encapsulated a powerful ideological concept that intertwined with both religious and political life, emphasizing Rome's aspiration to transcend time and remain a dominant force in the world forever.