Bank Note: Mexico, 20 Pesos

On the left is the allegory of agriculture, plausibly making the figure a representation of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. She frequently appears with the caduceus, as she is pictured here, despite the fact that it is an unusual adornment for the goddess. Ceres is the Roman counterpart of Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture. Ceres’ domain and mythology are heavily based on those of her Greek counterpart. The corona spicea, a crown or wreath made of corn or wheat ears, is her most distinctive attribute. Additionally, she holds symbols indicative of her role in agriculture, like wheat, poppies, or grapevines. Ceres’ appearance on the banknote might point to agriculture’s importance in the country’s economy at the time.

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“Ceres | Roman Goddess of Agriculture ▪︎ Grain ▪︎ Fertility.” YouTube, February 11, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnK5SBPQBWc&ab_channel=ThePastInPerspective.

“Demeter.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed September 12, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Demeter.

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