ABSTRACT
The images of Livia presented on coins of Rome and its provinces provides another dimension to the biography of Livia that was also communicated in sculpture, cameos and even in the works of ancient authors. The manner in which Livia was depicted on coins, while at times standardized, was also quite innovative and laid the foundations for the manner in which e female imperial family members would be portrayed. The analyses presented regarding the body of coins produced for the commemoration of Livia has revealed that a complex numismatic visual program was developed for her representation, a program rooted in fundamental iconographic elements that transcended multiple media. The multifariousness of Livia’s numismatic images reflected the complexity of Livia’s gender-infused socio-political roles. While it is evident that Livia’s predominant roles promoted via coins consisted of mother, wife, priestess, and divine figure, the coins images were designed to convey these roles, not just one at time, but also several at once.
