Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Quintus Cassius Longinus

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Quintus Cassius Longinus in 55 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 the Genius Populi Romani with a sceptreover his shoulder. 'The Genius of the people of Rome' was worshipped as the spiritual representation of the place and nation.

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. In the late Republic, aristocrats increasing used coins for luxuries and bribes.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-065-735-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15303
• Date: 55
  55 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides slightly off-centre; very slight accretion on obverse; slight to moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Head of Genius Populi Romani to right, with sceptre over shoulder / Rev. Eagle standing right on thunderbolt, wings spread; lituus on left
  Coin Type: Crawford 428/3
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 x 18.00 mm D / Die Axis: 2.5
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 428/3
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Genius Populi Romani
  Q. Cassius Longinus (Maker)
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted by Q. Cassius Longinus, 55 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: