Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Marcus Herennius

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Marcus Herennius in either 108 or 107 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 one of the Catanean brothers running to the right, bearing his father on his shoulders. On the left is the inscription 'M.HERENNI' written downwards (the letters HE joined together), referring to the moneyer.

Both sides refer to the brothers of Catana who saved the lives of their parents when Mt. Etna erupted. They carried them to safety (as one expert notes, 'pietas in action'. As a result they were given the surname Pius.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-387-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15146
• Date: 108 - 107
  108 or 107 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides very slightly off-centre; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Diademed head of Pietas to right; behind, PIETAS, downwards (TA ligated); P below chin / Rev. One of the Catanean brothers running right, bearing his father on his shoulders; on
  Coin Type: Crawford 308/1a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.50 x 18.00 mm D / Die Axis: 10.5
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 308/1a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: M. Herennius (Maker)
  Pietas
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, struck by M. Herennius, 108 - 107 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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