Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Lucius Marcius Censorinus

Add to album

This silver coin was minted in Rome by Lucius Marcius Censorinus in 82 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the reverse of the coin.

The reverse depicts Marsyas carrying a wine skin over his shoulder. Behind is a column with a statue of Victory. The legend 'L. CENSOR', written downwards, refers to the moneyer.

According to Greek legend, Marsyas was a flute-player in Phrygia who challenged the god Apollo to a contest. He lost and was flayed alive. The reason why the moneyer commissioned this design is unclear, but may simply allude to his name.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-190-000-411-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15230
• Date: 82
  82 BC
  
• Material: Silver; reverse slightly off-centre; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Laureate head of Apollo to right / Rev. Marsyas walking left, raising right hand and holding wine-skin over left shoulder; behind, column bearing statue of Victory; on left, L . CENSOR,
  Coin Type: Crawford 363/1d
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 17.00 mm D / Die Axis: 3.5
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 363/1d
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Apollo
  L. Marcius Censorinus (Maker)
  Marsyas
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted by L. Marcius Censorinus, 82 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: