Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Lucius Farsuleius Mensor

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This silver denarius was minted in Rome by Lucius Farsuleius Mensor in 75 BC. It was a special issue, as indicated by the legend 'S.C' on the obverse. This picture shows the reverse of the coin.

The reverse depicts a warrior holding a spear in a vehicle called a biga. He is helping a figure in a toga to enter the biga. Below on the right is a scorpion. The inscription 'L.FARSVL [EI]' identifies the moneyer, about whom nothing else is known.

The symbolism behind this design has been debated. The warrior may be Mars, the god of War, identified by the scorpion, his astrological sign. The design may then symbolise peace between warrior and civilian after the Social and Civil wars.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-428-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15264
• Date: 75
  75 BC
  
• Material: Silver; both sides off-centre; slight wear. Inscription: Obv. Diademed draped bust of Libertas to right; in front, MENSOR, upwards; S . C below chin / Rev. Warrior in biga to right, holding spear, assisting togate figure to enter biga; scorpion below; L .
  Coin Type: Crawford 392/1a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 17.50 x 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 5.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 392/1a
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: L. Farsuleius Mensor (Maker)
  Libertas
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted by L. Farsuleius Mensor, 75 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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