Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Manius Fonteius Caii filius

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Manius Fonteius, son of Caius, in 85 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 Apollo, the Greek god of light, healing and prophecy. Below him is a thunderbolt. The legend 'MN. FONTEI' written downwards (the MN and NT are joined together) refers to the moneyer, as does 'C.F' (for Caii fiius) below the chin.

The silver denarius became the most common coin issued after the mid-2nd century BC. At first equal to 10 bronze asses, from around 141 BC it was valued at 16. Thereafter, the sestertius, equated at four to a denarius, was the unit of reckoning.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-065-652-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15220
• Date: 85
  85 BC
  
• Material: Silver; reverse off-centre; slight to moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Laureate head of Apollo to right; thunderbolt below; behind, MN . FONTEI, downwards (MN and NT ligated); C . F below chin / Rev. Cupid on goat to right; above, two pilei; thyrsus in ex
  Coin Type: Crawford 353/1c
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 21.50 x 19.50 mm D / Die Axis: 7.5
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 353/1c
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Apollo
  Cupid
  Mn. Fonteius C. f. (Maker)
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted by Mn. Fonteius C. f., 85 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: