In ancient Greece, stars on coins were frequently associated with the gods and divine authority. For example, the star could be used as a symbol of the goddess Artemis, who was often depicted with a star or constellation above her head to signify her connection to the moon and the night sky. Similarly, the star and crescent symbol, which appeared on coins of various Greek cities, represented the moon goddess Selene. Stars also symbolized the celestial realm more broadly and were seen as guiding lights, offering protection and divine favor to those under their influence.

Roman coins similarly used stars as representations of divine approval and imperial power. The most common use of stars in Roman coinage was to symbolize the emperor’s divine status and his connection to the gods. Stars often appeared on coins to signify that the emperor had been elevated to the heavens upon his death, becoming a god himself in the process of apotheosis. For instance, stars could appear above the heads of emperors or within the imagery of coins issued for imperial cult worship, emphasizing the emperor’s special status as divinely favored. One famous example is the star on the reverse of coins issued during the reign of the emperor Augustus, where it signified his role as a son of a god (the adopted son of Julius Caesar, who was deified after his assassination).

Stars were also used as symbols of good fortune and hope in the broader Roman coinage, especially during times of political change or crisis. For example, a star might be shown rising above a person or a deity, symbolizing a new era or the rise of a new leader. This could be a hopeful sign for the future of the Roman state or a representation of the divine will aligning with the political order.