Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Cnaeus Gellius

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Cnaeus Gellius in 138 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse portrays Roma, the goddess and personification of Rome, wearing a helmet. Behind her is the letter X, a mark of value. A laurel wreath forms a border around the coin.

The depiction of Roma on the obverse of the denarius was used for a very long time. While small variations occur, moneyers adhered to the basic design until around 100 BC. The depiction is a military one, with Roma in a helmet.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-065-477-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15045
• Date: 138
  138 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides very slightly off-centre; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Helmeted head of Roma to right; X behind; all within laurel-wreath / Rev. Warrior (Mars?) in quadriga to right, holding shield and grasping captive beside him; CN . GEL below; R
  Coin Type: Crawford 232/1
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 x 18.00 mm D / Die Axis: 4.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 232/1
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Cn. Gellius (Maker)
  Mars?
  Roma
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted by Cn. Gellius, 138 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: