minted in Sicily
This silver coin was minted in Sicily by Sextus Pompeius (or Pompey) between 42 and 40 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the reverse of the coin.
The reverse depicts Neptune, god of the sea, placing his foot on a prow. On either side are the Catanean brothers, one bearing his father on his shoulders, a story alluding to Sextus Pompey's title Pius. He was also known as 'son of Neptune'.
Between 43 and 40 BC Sextus Pompey was granted the position 'Praefetus classis et orae maritimae' by the Senate. This is recorded in the legend 'CLAS.ET.ORAE MARIT' (AE and MAR joined). The 'EX S C' harks back to legends showing special issues of coins.
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