Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Safra

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This silver denarius was minted in Rome in 150 BC. The cognomen, or nickname, of the moneyer (Safra) is recorded on the coin, but his identity is otherwise unknown. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse portrays Roma, the goddess and personification of Rome, wearing a helmet, her hair flowing in three locks. The letter X behind her is a mark of value.

During the 160s and 150s BC, virtually no silver coins were minted in Rome. Thereafter, with the wealth from conquered Mediterranean lands, silver coins were again issued, with the silver denarius the chief issue.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-078-532-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1969.212
• Date: 150 BC
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Helmeted head of Roma r.; behind, mark of value / Rev. Victory in biga r., holding whip in r. hand and reins in l. hand; below, SAFRA; in exergue or in linear frame, ROMA
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.50 mm D / Die Axis: 7.5
  
• What: Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Roma
  Victory
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, Rome, 150 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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