Roman Imperial Coin of Galeria Valeria, 305-311 CE, Bronze, Gift of Arthur G. and Roswitha Haas, 2015.7.108.
The reverse of this ancient Roman coin features an image of Venus, goddess of love, beauty, sex, fertility, prosperity and desire, facing left with an apple in her right hand. Venus was often depicted on coins featuring images of women, who were expected to emulate the feminine ideal.
The other side of the coin depicts Galeria Valeria (d. 315 CE), the daughter of Diocletian and the second wife of Roman Emperor Galerius. The coin was struck during Galerius’ reign. Galeria Valeria was tragically murdered by a mob after refusing to marry Roman Emperor Maximinus Daia (reigned 308-313 CE).