Aquila was seen as a symbol of strength, courage, and immortality in ancient Rome. Aquila (Latin for Eagle) in Rome was believed to be the King of the birds; its presence was auspicious to them. It was also said that eagle could ascend a storm and become the messenger of the God Jupiter (Counterpart of Zeus and Indra in Roman mythology).

It was the ensign of the Roman legion as the symbol of power and speed. This Aquila was assigned to an Aquilifer by the office in charge of Legatus. If the eagle is captured the Legion would be disbanded. One of the legion standards the powerful talons of the eagle gripping the thunderbolt, it is the symbol of Roman God Jupiter.

Roman struck gold coin due to financial demands of Second Punica War. The above-shown image depicts gold coin sixty AS, minted during the war. This coin depicts the Roman War God Mars and an Eagle standing on a thunderbolt.

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Image Courtesy: Americannumismatic.org