Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Publius Sulpicius Galba

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This silver denarius was minted in Rome by Publius Sulpicius Galba in 69 BC. It was a special issue, as indicated by the legend 'S.C'. This picture shows the reverse of the coin.

The reverse depicts a knife, a vessel and axe, all symbols showing that the moneyer was a Pontifex (head of the college of priests). He was also a curule aedile, as indicated by the legends 'AE' and 'CVR'. The legend 'P.GALB' below identifies him.

The college of pontiffs, headed by the Pontifex Maximus, supervised and had legal authority over all matters concerning religion. The Pontifex had the right to appoint Vestal Virgins, the priestesses sacred to the goddess Hesta, portrayed on the obverse.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-036-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1915.132
• Date: 69 BC
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Head of Vesta r., wearing veil; behind, S C downwards / Rev. Knife, culullus and axe; on l., AE; on r., CVR; in exergue, P.GALB
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 4.5
  
• What: Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Vesta
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, Rome, 69 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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