Juno Lucina – The Goddess of Childbirth
Lucilla. Augusta, AD 164-182. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.58 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck AD 164-167. Draped bust right / Juno Lucina standing facing, head left, extending hand and holding infant. RIC III (Aurelius) 771; MIR 18, 8-4a; RSC 38. Good VF, toned.
Originally the goddess of childbirth, Lucina later became an epithet for Juno as “the one who brings children into the light.” The line, “Juno Lucina, fer opem, serva me, obsecro,” (Juno Lucina, help me and give me strength, I beg of you) written by the Roman playwright Terence in Andria, exemplifies the custom for expectant mothers to address their prayers unto her.
