Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Lucius Axsius Lucii filius Naso

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Lucius Axsius Naso, son of Lucius, in 71 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. It was a special issue, as indicated by the legend 'S.C' on the obverse. This picture shows the reverse.

The reverse depicts Diana, the goddess of women, childbirth and the hunt, holding a spear while driving a vehicle called a biga drawn by two stags. Two dogs are behind and one below. The legend '[L] AXSIVS L F' refers to the moneyer.

The designs on Roman Republican coins often referred to famous ancestors or favourite cults of the moneyer. This moneyer was almost certainly a banker known from other sources, but his reason behind the portrayal of Diana is uncertain.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-431-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15272
• Date: 71
  71 BC
  
• Material: Silver; reverse very slightly off-centre; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Helmeted head of Mars to right; behind, VIIII, downwards, with bar above; below, NASO; S . C below chin / Rev. Diana in biga of stags to right, holding spear; two dogs behind and o
  Coin Type: Crawford 400/1a
  Coin, denarius / forgery?
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 x 18.50 mm D / Die Axis: 6.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 400/1a
  Coin, denarius / forgery?
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Diana
  L. Axsius L. f. Naso (Maker)
  Mars
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius (forgery?) of Rome, minted by L. Axsius L. f. Naso, 71 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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