Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Lucius Sulla and Lucius Manlius Torquatius

Add to album

This silver denarius was minted in Rome by Lucius Sulla and Lucius Manlius Torquatius in 82 BC. It was a special issue, struck by Sulla as Imperator and Manlius as Proquaestor (financial official). This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse portrays Roma, the goddess and personification of Rome, wearing a helmet. Before her is the legend 'L.MANLI' and a sideways T, referring to the moneyer. Behind, is the legend 'PROQ' (for proquaestor), written downwards.

The choice of design here deliberately harks back to that on the obverse of early Republican coins. It is consistent with Sulla's policies once he had assumed power, where he initiated reforms towards more traditional, conservative values.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-078-630-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1915.175
• Date: 82 BC
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Helmeted head of Roma r.; before, L.MANLI and sideways T upwards; behind, PROQ downwards / Rev. Triumphator, crowned by flying Victory, in quadriga r.; in exergue, L.SVLLA.IM
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 21.00 mm D / Die Axis: 3.0
  
• What: Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Roma
  Sulla
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, Rome, 82 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: