Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Publius Porcius Laeca

Add to album

This silver coin was minted in Rome by Publius Porcius Laeca in either 110 or 109 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 central figure raising his hand over a figure wearing a toga. On the right, an attendant holds three rods, suggesting this may be a lictor, or official who carried rods called fasces before magistrates. Below is the legend 'PROVOCO'.

This reverse design probably refers to an achievement of an ancestor of the moneyer. The ancestor was probably involved in some way with a provocatio, an appeal in criminal matters. This right was extended to the provinces in the 2nd century BC.

Record details

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

• Online ID: 000-190-000-382-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15136
• Date: 110 - 109
  110 or 109 BC
  
• Material: Silver; obverse slightly off-centre; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Helmeted head of Roma to right; ROMA above; behind, P LAECA, downwards (AE ligated); X below chin / Rev. Figure standing left, raising right hand; on left, smaller figure, gesturing wit
  Coin Type: Crawford 301/1
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 x 18.50 mm D / Die Axis: 11.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 301/1
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: P. Porcius Laeca (Maker)
  Roma
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, struck by P. Porcius Laeca, 110 - 109 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: