Ancient Rome - 54-68 CE Nero AV Aureus NGC Choice VF

Nero. AD 54-68. AV Aureus (7.26 g). Struck c. 65-66 CE. S-1932; RIC-59; Calico-443. NGC Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5. Obverse: NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS laureate head of Nero facing right. Beaded border at rim. Reverse: Salus sitting on high-backed throne, facing left, patera in right hand, left arm resting at side. SALVS is found in exergue.

Marble statuette of Salus crafted during the Roman Imperial Period, c. 69-192 CE. Photo: wikipedia.

Salus was the Roman goddess of safety and well-being for both the individual and the state. At times she is equated with the Greek goddess Hygieia, however their functions and roles are quite different. Among the oldest of the Roman goddess, Salus has also been called Salus Semonia, which may hint that she belonged to the category of the Semones.

The temple of Salus, called Salus Publica Poluli Romani, was voted in 304 BC during the Samnite Wars by dictator Gaius Junius Bubulcus Brutus. Her temple was dedicated on August 5, 302 BC, and decorated with elaborate art on the order of the artist Gaius Fabius Pictor.  The importance of the cult of Salus is documented via the little-known ceremony of the Augurius Salutis, which was held each year on August 5 for the safeguarding of the Roman state. The cult of Salus was found throughout Italy.