minted in Rome

Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Lucius Plautius Plancus

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:	0098: 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
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.
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