FORTVNA

The reverse of a denarius of Trajan pictured at the top of the page clearly shows the ship's rudder and cornucopia, identifying the figure as Fortuna even though the coin's legend carries no clue. This coin provides a good example of how several features of a coin can be used together to attribute the coin, even if only parts of each feature show. If the entire right side of the coin's legend were missing, the astute collector armes with the proper Sear volume could use the attributes to determine that the figure is Fortuna, then work backwards and find the listing in the reference for the complete legend. Although it would be much harder, the first four letters and the rudder, with the cornucopia severely worn or even gone would be enough to attribute the coin even if the emperor's name were worn off the obverse and his portrait extremely worn. A coin in that sort of condition would have little collector value except that of sharpening the collector's sleuthing skills!

The image on the left is the reverse of the same denarius of Julia Domna used in the biographical article on her in the Roman Women section. Notice the large cornucopia Fortuna holds in her right hand and the bold, well - formed lettering of the legends. The author has seen several examples of this particular denarius of Julia Domna in dealers' stock. The type is usually well struck and is a particularly nice looking design. It is also one of the more common and reasonably priced types. The coin in the portrait was purchased from Rogue Valley in Medford, Oregon for $45. An almost uncirculated specimen at Sal Falcone's in Willow Glen, California was priced at $75.

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