Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Manius Fonteius

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Manius Fonteius in either 108 or 107 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse portrays the Dioscuri with laurel wreaths. Above them are two stars. In front of them, the inscription '[P] P' written upwards identifies the Dioscuri as also the Penates Publici.

In Greek legend, the Dioscuri were Caster and Pollux, the twin brothers of Helen, and the sons of Zeus. Their cult was taken over by the Romans. The Penates were guardians of the household stores. Their cult was merged with that of the Dioscuri.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-065-575-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15143
• Date: 108 - 107
  108 or 107 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides slightly off-centre; mostly slight to moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Jugate, laureate heads of Dioscuri to right; two stars above; in front, [P] P, upwards; [star below chin] / Rev. Ship to right, displaying doliolum in stern; above;
  Coin Type: Crawford 307/1a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.50 x 18.50 mm D / Die Axis: 7.5
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 307/1a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Dioscuri
  Mn. Fonteius (Maker)
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, struck by Mn. Fonteius, 108 - 107 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: