Add to albumThis silver coin was minted in Rome by Manius Cordius Rufus in 46 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'. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.
The obverse depicts Venus, the goddess of beauty and fertility, wearing a diadem. Behind her is the legend 'RVFVS' referring to the moneyer, and the abbreviation 'S. C' (for senatus consulto).
Most Roman Republican coins were minted by officials called moneyers. In exceptional cases the Senate ordered other officials to strike issues, or perhaps moneyers to strike extra coinage. This is the case for this coin, as indicated by the legend.
Record details
To search on related items, click any underlined text below.
- Online ID: 000-100-065-779-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
National Museums Scotland
Project description View all records in project
- Ref: National Museums Scotland H.C15347
- Date: 46
46 BC
- Material: Silver; slight flattening; slight to moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Diademed head of Venus to right; behind, RVFVS . S . C, downwards / Rev. Cupid on dolphin to right; below, MN . CORDIVS (MN ligated)
Coin Type: Crawford 463/3
Coin, denarius
- Dimensions: 18.00 mm D / Die Axis: 12.0
- What: Coin Type: Crawford 463/3
Coin, denarius
- Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
- Who: Cupid
Mn. Cordius Rufus (Maker)
Venus
- Where: Italy, Rome
Roman Republic
- Event:
- Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted by Mn. Cordius Rufus, 46 BC
- References:
- Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976.
- Translations:
- Related Records: