Coin (reverse), Denarius of Marcus Mettius

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Marcus Mettius 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 Venus, the goddess of beauty and fertility, holding Victory and a sceptre. She rests her left elbow on a shield set on globe. The legend 'M. METTIVS' written downwards to her right identifies the moneyer.

This design also appears on coins minted by other moneyers in 44 BC. It is symbolic not of the individual moneyers, but of Julius Caesar whose devotion to Venus was well known. The globe symbolises the domination of Rome.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-454-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15359
• Date: 44
  44 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides off-centre; reverse a little weak; slight to moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Wreathed head of Caesar to right; lituus and culullus behind; in front, CAESAR . IM [P], downwards / Rev. Venus standing left, holding Victory and sceptre, an
  Coin Type: Crawford 480/3
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 x 18.00 mm D / Die Axis: 12.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 480/3
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Caesar
  M. Mettius (Maker)
  Venus
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Caesar, Rome, minted by M. Mettius, 44 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: