Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Caius Marcius Censorinus

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Caius Marcius Censorinus in 88 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 desultor, a rider of two horses, wearing a conical cap and holding a whip. Desultors rode in exhibitions and carried messages. The inscription 'XVIII' is a mint control-mark. The legend 'C. CENS [O]' refers to the moneyer.

C. Marcius Censorinus was much involved in the political turmoil after the Social War (91-88 BC). He sided with Cinna and Marius against Sulla, and was part of the group which entered and looted Rome in 87 BC.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-404-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15213
• Date: 88
  88 BC
  
• Material: Silver; reverse slightly off-centre; fairly worn. Inscription: Obv. Jugate heads of Numa Pompilius and Ancus Marcius to right; II behind / Rev. Desultor to right, wearing conical cap and holding whip; XVIII below; C . CENS [O] in exergue
  Coin Type: Crawford 346/1a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 17.00 x 20.00 mm D / Die Axis: 10.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 346/1a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Ancus Marcius
  C. Marcius Censorinus (Maker)
  Desultor
  Numa Pompilius
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted by C. Marcius Censorinus, 88 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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