minted in Rome

Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Caius Allius Bala

This silver coin was minted in Rome by Caius Allius Bala in 92 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse depicts a woman wearing a diadem. Behind is the legend 'BALA' referring to the moneyer, about whom nothing else is known. The sideways letter G in front is a mint control-mark, used to control the issue of dies.

The Romans needed coins for one main purpose - to pay the salaries of her huge military force - but also to pay the salaries of her officials and to fund public works. Much of the silver needed to fund these issues came from tribute from the provinces.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-065-614-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland H.C15182
Date:	92 92 BC
Material:	Silver; both sides slightly off-centre; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Diademed female head to right; behind, BALA, downwards; G, sideways, below / Rev. Diana in biga of stags to right, holding sceptre and torch, and with quiver over shoulder; grasshopp
Dimensions:	18.50 x 17.00 mm D / Die Axis: 7.5
What:	Coin Type: Crawford 336/1b Coin, denarius
Subject:	Queen Street Coin Collection
Who:	C. Allius Bala (Maker) Diana
Where:	Italy, Rome Roman Republic
Event:
Description:	Silver denarius of Rome, struck by C. Allius Bala, 92 BC
References:	Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976.
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