Add to albumThis silver coin was minted in Rome by Caius Servilius, son of Caius, in 57 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 Flora, an Italian goddess of flowers and spring. Behind her is a staff called a lituus symbolic of an Augur, a high post with responsibilities for observing portents and associated judicial functions,
The legend 'FLORAL.PRIMVS' has been the subject of some debate. It probably refers either to the first occurrence of the festival devoted to Flora or to a priest devoted to her cult. In either case, presumably an ancestor of the moneyer was involved.
Record details
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- Online ID: 000-100-078-661-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
National Museums Scotland
Project description View all records in project
- Ref: National Museums Scotland A.1970.509
- Date: 57 BC
- Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Head of Flora r.; behind, lituus; before, FLORAL.PRIMVS / Rev. Two soldiers facing each other and presenting swords; in exergue, C.SERVEIL; on r., C.F upwards
Coin, denarius
- Dimensions: 17.00 mm D / Die Axis: 1.5
- What: Coin, denarius
- Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
- Who: Flora
- Where: Italy, Rome
- Event:
- Description: Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, Rome, 57 BC
- References:
- Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976.
- Translations:
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