The personification of Providentia on Roman coins alludes to the foresight of the Roman rulers as well as that of the gods. Coinage of Julius Caesar first displayed the legend of providence on reverse types. The legend became common during the Augustan age when Tiberius began to strike various coins bearing the legend PROVIDENTIA DEORVM in honour of the deified Augustus.

Providentia is usually depicted as a female figure, standing. Her attributes include a cornucopia, sceptre, torch, occasionally an anchor and frequently a globe - she is either portrayed holding the globe or standing with the globe at her feet.

The foresight of the emperors also features strongly in reverse type legends of the later empire, i.e. the antoninianus displayed above right, of Quintillus and coins of Licinius II.