When searching for coin related to the Eleusinian mysteries I came across a Hadrian denarius that was sold at the auction house Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger that had the following description:
Hadrian, 117–138 AD. Denarius, 134/138, Rome. Obverse: Head. Reverse: Modius with ears of grain and poppy capsule. RIC 230; C. 172. 2.91 g.; Fine toning – fine imperial portrait. Very fine condition.
The inclusion of the poppy capsule subtly references the Mysteries of Eleusis, into which Hadrian had himself initiated. The motif was also used under his successor, Antoninus Pius, who was likewise initiated.
Hadrian was initiated into the Eleusinian Mysteries during his first visit to Greece in the autumn of 124 AD. He returned to participate again in September 128 AD. His involvement in these sacred rites, dedicated to Demeter and Persephone, underscored his deep reverence for Greek culture and religion. Hadrian’s active participation not only reinforced his personal devotion but also strengthened cultural ties between Rome and Greece.
The reverse of this coin, depicting a modius with ears of grain and a poppy capsule, carries both symbolic and cultural significance:
Modius: The modius was a grain measure in ancient Rome, often used to symbolize abundance, prosperity, and agricultural fertility. It also reflects the importance of grain as a staple of the Roman economy and daily life.
Ears of Grain and Poppy Capsule: The ears of grain represent agricultural prosperity and the provision of food. The poppy capsule adds a deeper symbolic layer. Poppies were associated with sleep, death, and rebirth due to their opiate properties and were also linked to fertility and abundance.
In Roman religion, the poppy was sacred to Ceres (Demeter in Greek mythology), the goddess of agriculture and fertility. Poppies often appear in depictions of Ceres as symbols of nourishment and renewal, aligning with her role as the sustainer of life.
Demeter’s emblem is the poppy, a bright red flower that grows among the barley.
Mysteries of Eleusis: The inclusion of the poppy capsule is a subtle reference to the Eleusinian Mysteries, a set of secret religious rites in ancient Greece honoring Demeter and Persephone. These mysteries were linked to themes of life, death, and renewal, and Hadrian’s initiation into these rites adds a personal and esoteric significance to the design.