Coin (obverse), Denarius of Marcus Mettius

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Marcus Mettius in 44 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 wreathed head of Julius Caesar. Behind him are symbols of his priestly offices of Augur (the lituus or staff) and Pontifex Maximus (the culullus or bowl). In front is the legend 'CAESAR.IM [P]' for Caesar Imperator.

The design of this issue, and those of the other three moneyers who struck coins in this year, are the first instances of a portrait of Caesar appearing on coins. It is unclear whether this predates his assassination on the Ides of March.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-065-791-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15359
• Date: 44
  44 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides off-centre; reverse a little weak; slight to moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Wreathed head of Caesar to right; lituus and culullus behind; in front, CAESAR . IM [P], downwards / Rev. Venus standing left, holding Victory and sceptre, an
  Coin Type: Crawford 480/3
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 x 18.00 mm D / Die Axis: 12.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 480/3
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Caesar
  M. Mettius (Maker)
  Venus
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Caesar, Rome, minted by M. Mettius, 44 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: