Denarius depicting Mithras rock-birth of St. Albans

Finally one should mention the most interesting adaptation of a denarius of Augustus found at Verulamium (CIMRM 827) (Pl. XXII). The obverse has been entirely obliterated and replaced with the Greek legend MITHRAS OROMASDES in a circle with PHREN in the centre, while the scene of Tarpeia overwhelmed with shields on the reverse has been left (without its legend) as a representation of the rock-birth. Presumably it was the chance similarity of motifs that suggested the adaptation. The equation of Mithras with Ohrmazd, the supreme Iranian god, is of course highly significant, as is the use of

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