Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Publius Crassus

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This silver denarius was minted in Rome by Publius Licinius Crassus, son of Marcus, in 55 BC. It was a special issue, as indicated by the legend 'S C' on the obverse. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse depicts Venus, the goddess of beauty and fertility, wearing a laurel wreath and diadem. The legend 'S C' behind her, for 'senatus consulto', indicates that this was a special issue authorised by the Senate.

This issue is one of two struck in 55 BC by special permission of the Senate. They may indicate that the normal system was disrupted, probably by the political struggles within Rome and problems throughout Rome's now vast empire.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-078-665-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1915.149
• Date: 55 BC
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Bust of Venus r., draped, laureate and wearing diadem; behind, S C downwards / Rev. Female figure leading horse l. and holding spear; at feet, cuirass and shield; around, P.CRASSVS.M.F
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 12.0
  
• What: Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Venus
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, 55 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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