The most loyal and obedient friend of mankind, the last companion of king Yudhishthira, dog-jackal god of Egypt called Anubis and the symbol of city Segesta in Italy region. All of this reference is connected to the domestic animal dog and the importance of it in the ancient time. This animal was domesticated and worshipped by the society. The influence of this animal was so prominent that it appeared on the coin.

The dog was first depicted on several small bronze coins of the Roman-Campania series minted around 210 BC. It was later on minted on the silver denarius series. The series of coins is the representation of the social, economic, historic and religious life of the period.

The above show half litra bronze coins depict's a dog walking toward the right in its reverse covering the entire reverse flan. The obverse of this coin depicts bust of Goddess Roma. This bronze coin was issued in 234-231 BC.

Later on, in 69 BC dog was depicted running between the legs of the deer's pulling Goddess Diana's chariot. A sprinting greyhound covers the entire reverse side of the denarius from the period of Caius Posthumus in 64 BC.

A running dog is also depicted on silver Sesterce of Titus Crisius. In the period of Augustus dog is depicted near the feet of goddess Diana carrying her bow and arrows.

To know more about Roman Republic coinage click here.

Learn more about Roman republic coins click here.