Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Manius Cordius Rufus

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Manius Cordius Rufus in 46 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse portrays a Janiform head (two faces looking outwards) of the Dioscuri, wearing caps called pilei which have been decorated with fillets. The legend 'RVFVS' refers to the moneyer, and 'IIIVIR' an abbreviation of his official title.

In Greek legend, the Dioscuri were Caster and Pollux, the twin brothers of Helen, and the sons of Zeus. Their cult was taken over by the Romans, and they were seen as the protectors of the Roman people.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-065-777-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15345
• Date: 46
  46 BC
  
• Material: Silver; obverse slightly off-centre; fairly worn. Inscription: Obv. Jugate heads of Dioscuri to right, wearing laureate pilei; behind, RVFVS . IIIVIR, downwards / Rev. Venus standing left, holding scales and sceptre, with Cupid on her shoulder; behind, MN
  Coin Type: Crawford 463/1a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.50 x 17.00 mm D / Die Axis: 6.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 463/1a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Cupid
  Dioscuri
  Mn. Cordius Rufus (Maker)
  Venus
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted by Mn. Cordius Rufus, 46 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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