Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Lucius Rustius

This silver coin was minted in Rome by Lucius Rustius in 76 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 Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, arts and war, wearing a helmet. Behind her are the letters 'S.C' (for senatus consulto). The star below her chin harks back to much older coins, where it was used to indicate a mark of value.

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.

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