Coin (reverse), Denarius, probably of Sextus Pompeius

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This silver coin was minted in Rome, probably by Sextus Pompeius, in 137 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 the She-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus. Behind is a tree with three birds on it, and a shepherd. Underneath is the inscription 'ROMA' (denoting the mint at Rome).

According to legend, the twins Romulus and Remus were thrown into the river Tiber, where they were rescued and nursed by a wolf. They were found by a shepherd Faustulus who raised them.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-070-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1932.439
• Date: 137 BC
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Helmeted head of Roma r.; behind, jug; before, mark of value / Rev. She-wolf r., suckling twins; behind, tree, with three birdson l., Faustulus, onr., [SEX.POM]; in exergue, ROMA
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 20.00mm D / Die Axis: 4.5
  
• What: Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Roma
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, Rome, 137 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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