Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Lucius Thorius Balbus

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Lucius Thorius Balbus in 105 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse depicts Juno Sospita, the goddess of women and childbirth, wearing a goat skin. Behind her is the inscription, written downwards, 'I. S. M. R', an abbreviation of Juno Sispes Mater Regina (Juno Sospita mother and queen).

L. Thorius Balbus was born in Lanuvium where the cult of Juno was centred. Cicero describes him as a man who enjoyed every pleasure.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-065-583-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15151
• Date: 105
  105 BC
  
• Material: Silver; reverse slightly off-centre; slight wear. Inscription: Obv. Head of Juno Sospita to right, wearing goatskin; behind, I . S . M . R, downwards / Rev. Bull charging to right; B above; L . THORIVS below; BALBVS in exergue
  Coin Type: Crawford 316/1
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 20.00 x 19.50 mm D / Die Axis: 6.5
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 316/1
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Juno Sospita
  L. Thorius Balbus (Maker)
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, struck by L. Thorius Balbus, 105 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: