Spes had been worshipped since the earliest days of the Roman Republic. She was very popular during the Punic wars when a temple was erected in her honour in the Forum Olitorium. Under Claudius her popularity increased and images of Spes appeared frequently on Roman Imperial coinage from this period on. Spes personifies 'hope' and is usually depicted advancing, lifting the hem of her robe and holding out a flower - this depiction of Spes positioned on a plinth instead of the exergue; the style of both her drapery and hair, recall late fourth century archaic statues of the goddess. |
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