Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Manius Fonteius Caii filius

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Manius Fonteius, son of Caius, in 85 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 Cupid, the god of love, on a goat. Above him are two pilei (felt caps worn at feasts, particularly the Saturnalia). Below is the thyrsus, the pole wound with leaves and associated with Bacchus, the fertility god.

The design of this coin has symbols associated with fertility gods and rites. The felt caps are also associated with the Dioscuri, Caster and Pollux, the twin brothers of Helen, and the sons of Zeus. Their cult was taken over by the Romans.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-405-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15220
• Date: 85
  85 BC
  
• Material: Silver; reverse off-centre; slight to moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Laureate head of Apollo to right; thunderbolt below; behind, MN . FONTEI, downwards (MN and NT ligated); C . F below chin / Rev. Cupid on goat to right; above, two pilei; thyrsus in ex
  Coin Type: Crawford 353/1c
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 21.50 x 19.50 mm D / Die Axis: 7.5
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 353/1c
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: Apollo
  Cupid
  Mn. Fonteius C. f. (Maker)
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted by Mn. Fonteius C. f., 85 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: