Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Publius Sepullius Macer

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Publius Sepullius Macer in 44 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the reverse of the coin.

The reverse depicts a desultor holding the reins in his left hand and a whip in his right. Behind him is a palm-branch and wreath. The legend 'P.SEPVLLIVS' above and 'MACER' below identify the moneyer, about whom nothing else is known.

Desultors were riders of two horses who appeared in exhibitions and carried messages. Here the design may refer to the games held on 21 April 44 BC, which turned into a demonstration of loyalty to the memory of the recently murdered Caesar.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-052-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1915.161
• Date: 44 BC
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Tetrastyle temple with globe in pediment; around, CLEMENTIAE CAESAREIS / Rev. Desultor r., holding reins in l. hand and whip in r. hand; behind, palm-branch and wreath; above, P.SEPVLLIVS; below, MACER
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 1.5
  
• What: Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who:
• 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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