Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Lucius Aemilius Buca

Add to album

This silver coin was minted in Rome by Lucius Aemilius Buca in 44 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 Sulla, the famous general and dictator, reclining on a couch. To his right is the goddess Luna. Behind, Victory holds a staff. The design has been interpreted as portraying a dream Sulla had before his march on Rome in 88 BC.

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

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-190-000-051-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1915.160
• Date: 44 BC
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Head of Venus r., wearing diadem; behind, L.BVCA downwards / Rev. Sulla reclining; on r., Luna; behind, Victory with outspread wings, holding staff in raised r. hand
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 18.50 mm D / Die Axis: 4.5
  
• What: Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Luna
  Sulla
  Venus
  Victory
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, Rome, 44 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: