Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Caius Norbanus

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Caius Norbanus in 83 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the reverse of the coin.

The reverse design has an ear of corn, fasces (rods bound with an axe, carried by officials who attended magistrates) and a caduceus (a staff carried by ambassadors at times of war). They are symbols of the authority of the State.

The moneyer was probably the son of the consul C. Norbanus, who in 83 BC attempted to stop Sulla. Sulla had returned from his campaigns in Asia, intent on seizing control. He defeated Norbanus, and went on to win political control in a ruthless campaign.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-407-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15223
• Date: 83
  83 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides slightly off-centre; small gouge-mark on reverse; moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Diademed head of Venus to right; CXVI behind; C . NORBANVS below / Rev. Corn-ear, fasces with axe, and caduceus
  Coin Type: Crawford 357/1b
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 20.00 x 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 2.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 357/1b
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: C. Norbanus (Maker)
  Venus
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted by C. Norbanus, 83 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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