The Lion of Chaeronea

Denarius minted in 17 BCE by Marcus Sanquinius, one of the IIIviri monetales, to mark Augustus' holding of the Ludi Saeculares (Secular Games). On the obverse, the bust of the deified Julius Caesar; above his head is the comet seen after his assassination that was thought to mark his ascent to the gods. On the reverse, the herald of the Secular Games, in a costume evocative of the divine herald Mercury, including the caduceus.

Denarius of Septimius Severus, minted in 204 CE to celebrate his holding of the Ludi Saeculares (Secular Games). Held (theoretically) every 110 years, the Ludi Saeculares were intended to commemorate and re-establish Rome's relationship with the deities who safeguarded its prosperity and power. On the obverse, the laureate head of Septimius. On the reverse, the inscription DI PATRII (Ancestral Gods) surrounding images of Bacchus and Hercules. Bacchus holds a wine-cup and his characteristic thyrsus and has a panther at his feet, while Hercules holds his club and lionskin. Photo credit: Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com