Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Marcus Varunteius

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Marcus Varunteius in 130 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 Jupiter, the father of the gods, driving a vehicle called a quadriga while holding a thunderbolt and the reins in one hand and a branch in the other. Below is the inscription 'ROMA' (denoting the mint at Rome).

The silver denarius became the most common coin issued after the mid-2nd century BC. At first equal to 10 bronze asses, from around 141 BC it was valued at 16. Thereafter, the sestertius, equated at four to a denarius, was the unit of reckoning.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-106-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1978.312
• Date: 130 BC
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Helmeted head of Roma r.; behind, M.VARG downwards; before, mark of value / Rev. Jupiter in quadriga r., holding thunderbolt and reins in l. hand and branch in r. hand; in exergue, ROMA
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 1.5
  
• What: Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Jupiter
  Roma
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Spain, Aznalcollar
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, Rome, 130 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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