MERCURY

Mercury

Mercury originated as the Roman god of commerce and was prayed to mainly by merchants. His name comes from the Latin word "mercari" meaning to deal or trade. Later he came to be associated with the Greek God Hermes, adding responsibility for messages to his duties.

On coins he is often represented as a young, clean-shaven young man, with a caduceus and winged petasus (helmet), similar to the form of Hermes. Often he also holds a money bag (indicating his duties as god of commerce) and sometimes his sacred animal, the cock.

If you entered this page from a coin description, use the back button to return to that position.

Mythology Index

Main index

Reference Index

Home page