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Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Manius Cordius Rufus

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minted in Rome

Postcard of Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Manius Cordius Rufus.
000-100-065-777-C
© National Museums Scotland

Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Manius Cordius Rufus

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.


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Online ID: 000-100-065-777-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: 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
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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