Coin (reverse), Quinarius

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This Roman silver coin, of a denomination called a quinarius, was minted between 211 and 208 BC. This picture shows the reverse of the coin. Although the legend 'ROMA', signifying the mint of Rome, appears on this side, the place of minting is uncertain.

The reverse of the coin depicts the Dioscuri galloping on horseback carrying lances. In Greek legend, the Dioscuri were Caster and Pollux, the twin brothers of Helen, and the sons of Zeus. Their cult was taken over by the Romans.

The quinarius was issued sporadically into the early 2nd century BC. Thereafter its production lapsed, until it was revived in the early 1st century BC.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-085-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1934.38
• Date: after 211 BC
  Between 211 and 208 BC
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Helmeted head of Romar.; behind, mark of value / Rev. Dioscuri galloping r.; in linear frame, ROMA
  Coin, quinarius
  
• Dimensions: 16.00 mm D / Die Axis: 3.0
  
• What: Coin, quinarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Dioscuri
  Roma
  
• Where: Uncertain
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver quinarius of the Roman Republic, uncertain mint, after 211 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: