minted in Africa

Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Caius Iulius Caesar

This silver coin was minted in Africa by Caius Iulius (Julius) Caesar in 47 or 46 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 Trojan hero Aeneas carrying a palladium in his right hand and his father Anchises, a shepherd loved by Aphrodite (Venus), on his shoulder. The legend 'CAESAR' on the right shows that Caesar was responsible for this issue.

According to Roman legend, Aeneas fled from Troy carrying his father on his shoulder, and sailed to Italy. Virgil, author of the Aeneid, portrays him as a pious man, aware that his destiny is to make Rome great.

Record details

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

Online ID:	000-190-000-100-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland A.1976.748
Date:	47 - 46 BC 47 or 46 BC
Material:	Silver. Inscription: Obv. Head of Venus r., wearing diadem / Rev. Aeneas l., carrying palladium in r. hand and Anchises on l. shoulder; on r., CAESAR downwards
Dimensions:	18.00 mm D / Die Axis: 4.5
What:	Coin, denarius
Subject:	Ancient Coin Collection
Who:	Aeneas Anchises Venus
Where:	Africa
Event:
Description:	Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, Africa, 47 - 46 BC
References:	Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976.
Translations:
Related Records: