Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Marcus Lepidus

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This silver coin was struck at a mint in Italy by Marcus Lepidus in 42 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

Around the portrait of Marcus Lepidus is the legend 'LEPIDVS.PONT.MAX.III.V.R.P.C.' (the NT and MA are joined). The lengthy abbreviation records his position as Pontifex Maximus (head of the college of pontiffs) and member of the triumvirate.

In the political turmoil following Caesar's death, various alliances were created and broken. In 43 BC the triumvirate of the three main contenders, Antony, Lepidus and Octavian, was formed. Like Caesar, Lepidus held a priestly office and a political one.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-065-808-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15376
• Date: 42
  42 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides slightly off-centre; fairly worn. Inscription: Obv. Head of M. Lepidus to right; around, LEPIDVS . PONT . MAX . III . V . R . P . C . (NT and MA ligated) / Rev. Head of Octavian to right; around, CAESAR . IMP . III . VIR . R . P . C. (M
  Coin Type: Crawford 495/2a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 18.00 x 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 7.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 495/2a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: M. Lepidus (Maker)
  Octavian
  
• Where: Italy
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted in Italy by M. Lepidus, 42 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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