Signis receptis as a reverse motive on Roman imperial coins

Different signa militaria played an important role in legionaries’ religious life, possessing a deep symbolic meaning. The highest honours were paid to the legionary eagle which, together with other insignia, was kept in a special sanctuary within a military camp. During battle, legionaries followed their insignia and died for them, since their loss would represent the biggest disgrace and meant the dismissal of a legion. Romans rarely lost their aquilae, and even if they did, they would attempt to retrieve them for decades. Some of these events were depicted on coins, with the inscription SIGNIS RECEPTIS. They are encountered on the coins of Augustus, Caligula and Vespasian