Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Caius Coelius Caldus

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Caius Coelius Caldus in 51 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 the head of the moneyer's ancestor and namesake who was consul in 94 BC. Behind him is a standard in the form of a boar, while in front is a standard inscribed 'H [IS]'. Both standards allude to his victories, in Gaul and in Spain.

Each obverse and reverse die used for the Roman Republican coinage appears to have been individually made. The metal on the die was probably hammered out, then engraved. The dies were struck onto coin blanks which were made in open moulds.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-065-745-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15313
• Date: 51
  51 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides slightly off-centre; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Head of C. Coelius Caldus (COS 94) to right; behind, standard in form of a boar; in front, standard inscribed H [IS] / Rev. Table inscribed L . CALDVS / VII . VIR . EP (VIR ligated)
  Coin Type: Crawford 437/3b
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 18.00 mm D / Die Axis: 3.5
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 437/3b
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: C. Coelius Caldus (Maker)
  C. Coelius Caldus (COS 94)
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted by C. Coelius Caldus, 51 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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