Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Lucius Aemilius Buca

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Lucius Aemilius Buca in 44 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse depicts Venus, the goddess of beauty and fertility, wearing a diadem. The legend 'L.BVCA' written downwards behind her refers to the moneyer. He was probably a relation of the general and dictator Sulla who is portrayed on the reverse.

Most coins of the Roman Republic were issued by officials called moneyers. They were able to commission designs, which often referred to famous ancestors, or around this time, to Caesar. Venus was venerated by Caesar, but also by Sulla.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-078-692-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1915.160
• Date: 44 BC
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Head of Venus r., wearing diadem; behind, L.BVCA downwards / Rev. Sulla reclining; on r., Luna; behind, Victory with outspread wings, holding staff in raised r. hand
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 18.50 mm D / Die Axis: 4.5
  
• What: Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Luna
  Sulla
  Venus
  Victory
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, Rome, 44 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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