Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Publius Licinius Crassus Marci filius

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This silver denarius was minted in Rome by Publius Licinius Crassus, son of Marcus, in 55 BC. It was a special issue, as indicated by the legend 'S C' on the obverse. This picture shows the reverse of the coin.

The reverse depicts a female figure leading a horse and holding a spear. At her feet are a breastplate and shield. Her identity and significance are a matter of debate. The legend 'P.CRASSVS.M.F' around her identifies the moneyer.

This moneyer was the son of Crassus, one of the three leaders of the First Triumvirate which also included Pompey and Caesar. He was quaestor in 59 BC and a legate of Caesar in Gaul in 58 BC, returning to Rome in 55 BC with 1000 Gallic horsemen.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-045-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1915.149
• Date: 55 BC
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Bust of Venus r., draped, laureate and wearing diadem; behind, S C downwards / Rev. Female figure leading horse l. and holding spear; at feet, cuirass and shield; around, P.CRASSVS.M.F
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 12.0
  
• What: Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Venus
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, 55 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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