Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Lucius Plautius Plancus

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Lucius Plautius Plancus in 47 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 Medusa, a monster in Greek and Roman mythology who could turn anyone who looked at her into stone. She has a coiled snake on either side; the letter T was later punched on her face. The legend 'L.PLAVTIVS' below refers to the moneyer.

Some Roman coins had symbols or letters punched onto them, but the purpose of these so-called 'bankers' marks' is uncertain. They may have been marks indicating correct weight and alloy after inspection, or perhaps the opposite, marks of rejection.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-065-770-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15338
• Date: 47
  47 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides slightly off-centre, especially reverse; T punched on obverse; slight to moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Head of Medusa facing, with coiled snake on either side; below, L . PLAVTIVS / Rev. Victory standing facing, holding palm-branch a
  Coin Type: Crawford 453/1a or 1b
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 18.50 x 20.00 mm D / Die Axis: 8.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 453/1a or 1b
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: L. Plautius Plancus (Maker)
  Medusa
  Victory
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted by L. Plautius Plancus, 47 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: