Add to albumThis silver coin was minted in Rome by Lucius Plautius Plancus in 47 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 Medusa, a monster in Greek and Roman mythology who could turn anyone who looked at her into stone. She has a coiled snake on either side; the letter T was later punched on her face. The legend 'L.PLAVTIVS' below refers to the moneyer.
Some Roman coins had symbols or letters punched onto them, but the purpose of these so-called 'bankers' marks' is uncertain. They may have been marks indicating correct weight and alloy after inspection, or perhaps the opposite, marks of rejection.
Record details
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- Online ID: 000-100-065-770-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
National Museums Scotland
Project description View all records in project
- Ref: National Museums Scotland H.C15338
- Date: 47
47 BC
- Material: Silver; both sides slightly off-centre, especially reverse; T punched on obverse; slight to moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Head of Medusa facing, with coiled snake on either side; below, L . PLAVTIVS / Rev. Victory standing facing, holding palm-branch a
Coin Type: Crawford 453/1a or 1b
Coin, denarius
- Dimensions: 18.50 x 20.00 mm D / Die Axis: 8.0
- What: Coin Type: Crawford 453/1a or 1b
Coin, denarius
- Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
- Who: L. Plautius Plancus (Maker)
Medusa
Victory
- Where: Italy, Rome
Roman Republic
- Event:
- Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted by L. Plautius Plancus, 47 BC
- References:
- Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976.
- Translations:
- Related Records: