Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Marcus Mettius

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Marcus Mettius 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 the wreathed head of Julius Caesar. Behind him is the legend 'IMPER' written upwards, an abbreviation of the title of Imperator (military leader). The legend 'CAESA[R] in front identifies the portrait.

This coin used obverse and reverse designs from earlier issues in the year, but added the title of Imperator on the obverse. The significance of this is a matter of debate, but may suggest that this issue was struck shortly after Caesar's assassination.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-078-697-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1932.455
• Date: 44 BC
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Wreathed head of Caesar r.; behind, IMPER upwards / Rev. Venus standing l., holding Victory and sceptre; behind, M.METTIVS downwards; before, variable letter
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 7.5
  
• What: Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Caesar
  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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