Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Lucius Papius Celsus

Add to album

This silver coin was minted in Rome by Lucius Papius Celsus in 45 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the reverse of the coin.

The reverse depict a wolf placing a stick on a fire while an eagle to the right fans the flame. Below is the legend 'L.PAPIVS' referring to the moneyer, as does 'CELSVS' in the legend above. 'III.VIR' is an abbreviation of the moneyer's official title.

The designs on coins issued by this moneyer fall into two main themes. Some, like this one, refer to the moneyer's origins while others allude to current events. The wolf and eagle relate to a story about the foundation of Lanuvium.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-190-000-047-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1915.156
• Date: 45 BC
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Head of Juno Sospita r. / Rev. Wolf r., placing stick on fire; on r., eagle fanning flame; in exergue, L.PAPIVS; above, CELSVS.III.VIR
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 1.5
  
• What: Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Juno Sospita
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, Rome, 45 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: