Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Marcus Fannius and Lucius Critonius

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Marcus Fannius and Lucius Critonius in 86 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 Ceres, the goddess of the harvest, with ears of corn in her hair. The coin has been struck off centre, omitting the legend 'AED.PL' (for aediles plebs) found on similar issues.

The two moneyers were aediles of the plebs, elected officials with a wide range of duties including distribution of corn in Rome - hence the reverse design. Their name derives from their care of the temple (aedes) of Ceres, the corn goddess.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-031-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1915.119
• Date: 86 BC
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Bust of Ceres r., draped; behind, AED.PL downwards / Rev. Two male figures seated side by side on l., P.A; on r., corn-ear; in exergue, M.FAN.L.CR
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 18.00 mm D / Die Axis: 10.5
  
• What: Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Ceres
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, Rome, 86 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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