Coin (obverse), Denarius serratus, of Quintus Crepereius Marci filius Rocus

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Quintus Crepereius Rocus, son of Marcus, in 72 BC. It is a type known as a denarius serratus, due to its serrated edge. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse depicts Amphitrite, the most famous of the Nereids (daughters of Nereus, a sea god). She was the wife of Poseidon, the Greek god of the Sea. The letter C to her right is a mint control-mark, used to control the issue of dies.

From the beginning of the denarius through to the mid 60's BC, certain issues were made with serrated edges, cut with a chisel before striking the coin. The reasons behind this practice are not known, but perhaps were due merely to fashion.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-078-638-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1915.126
• Date: 72 BC
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Bust of Amphitrite from behind, with head turned tor.; on l., control-mark, [crab], C and C / Rev. Neptune in biga of sea-horses r., reins in l. hand, brandishingtrident with r. hand; above, control-mark; below, Q.CREPER.M.F
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 4.5
  
• What: Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Amphitrite
  Neptune
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, Rome, 72 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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