Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Lucius Farsuleius Mensor

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Lucius Farsuleius Mensor in 75 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 Libertas, the goddess of Freedom. In front of her is the legend 'MENSOR' referring to the moneyer. Below the chin, the letters 'S.C' (for senatus consulto) indicate that this was a special issue ordered by the Senate.

The design of this coin probably refers to current events in Rome. During the 70s BC, there was great pressure for the restoration of the powers of the tribunes, taken away by Sulla in the 80s. This was demanded in the name of libertas.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-065-696-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15264
• Date: 75
  75 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides off-centre; slight wear. Inscription: Obv. Diademed draped bust of Libertas to right; in front, MENSOR, upwards; S . C below chin / Rev. Warrior in biga to right, holding spear, assisting togate figure to enter biga; scorpion below; L .
  Coin Type: Crawford 392/1a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 17.50 x 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 5.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 392/1a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: L. Farsuleius Mensor (Maker)
  Libertas
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted by L. Farsuleius Mensor, 75 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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