Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Marcus Plaetorius Marci filius Cestianus

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This silver denarius was minted in Rome by Marcus Plaetorius Cestianus, son of Marcus, in 69 BC. It was a special issue, as indicated by the legend 'S.C'. This picture shows the reverse of the coin.

The reverse depicts a caduceus (a staff carried by ambassadors at times of war) with wings on it, perhaps symbolic of Mercury, the god of travel, trade and commerce. The legends 'M.PLAETORI' on the right and 'CEST' on the left refer to the moneyer.

Most Roman Republican coins were minted by officials called moneyers. In exceptional cases the Senate ordered special issues to be struck. This is the case for this coin, as indicated by the legend 'EX.S.C' (ex senatus consulto) on the left.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-037-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1915.133
• Date: 69 BC
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Female bust r., draped and with hair decorated with poppy-heads; behind, control-mark, dagger / Rev. Winged caduceus; on r., M.PLAETORI downwards; on l., CEST.EX.S.C downwards
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 18.50 mm D / Die Axis: 6.0
  
• What: Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who:
• Where: Italy, Rome
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, Rome, 69 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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