Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Cnaeus Domitius Calvinus

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This silver coin was minted at Osca in Spain by Cnaeus Domitius Calvinus in 39 BC, presumably after his victories there that year. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse depicts the hero Hercules. Behind him the legend 'OSCA' written downwards refers to the mint. This design is borrowed from the Spanish coinage of Osca. Calvinus had been sent to Spain to quell a local rebellion.

The Romans needed coins for one main purpose - to pay the salaries of her huge military force - but also to pay the salaries of her officials and to fund public works. This issue was probably struck to pay Calvinus' troops in Spain.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-078-711-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1923.815
• Date: 39 BC
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Head of Hercules r.; behind, OSCA downwards / Rev. Simpulum, aspergillum, axe and apex; below, DOM.COS.ITER.IMP
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 17.50 mm D / Die Axis: 1.5
  
• What: Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Hercules
  
• Where: Osca
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, Osca, 39 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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