Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Lucius Mussidius Titi filius Longus

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Lucius Mussidius Longus, son of Titus, in 42 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 Sol, the sun god, with rays emerging from his head. The reason why the moneyer chose him for these coins has been debated, but may related to a belief that a new age was dawning.

The Romans recognised many deities, heroes and supernatural beings not directly related to the main family of gods. They also adopted other gods, many from outside the empire. For example, Sol came from the east.

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• Online ID: 000-100-065-807-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15375
• Date: 42
  42 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides slightly off-centre; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Radiate draped bust of Sol facing / Rev. Shrine of Venus Cloacina, inscribed CLOACIN; around top, L . MVSSIDIVS [. LONGVS]
  Coin Type: Crawford 494/43a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 17.00 x 18.00 mm D / Die Axis: 5.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 494/43a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: L. Mussidius T. f. Longus (Maker)
  Sol
  Venus Cloacina
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted by L. Mussidius T. f. Longus, 42 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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