minted in Rome

Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Lucius Plautius Plancus

This silver coin was minted in Rome by Lucius Plautius Plancus in 47 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 Victory holding a palm-branch and leading four horses. The legend below is incomplete due to the coin being struck off centre, but other examples show that it would have have been either 'PLANCVS' or 'PLANCV', referring to the moneyer.

The design on this coin was also commonly carved on gemstones in the late Republic. Its popularity has been interpreted as the bearer's wish to celebrate the victories of an important person, perhaps at this period alluding to Caesar.

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Online ID:	000-190-000-445-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland H.C15338
Date:	47 47 BC
Material:	Silver; both sides slightly off-centre, especially reverse; T punched on obverse; slight to moderate wear. Inscription: Obv. Head of Medusa facing, with coiled snake on either side; below, L . PLAVTIVS / Rev. Victory standing facing, holding palm-branch a
Dimensions:	18.50 x 20.00 mm D / Die Axis: 8.0
What:	Coin Type: Crawford 453/1a or 1b Coin, denarius
Subject:	Queen Street Coin Collection
Who:	L. Plautius Plancus (Maker) Medusa Victory
Where:	Italy, Rome Roman Republic
Event:
Description:	Silver denarius of Rome, minted by L. Plautius Plancus, 47 BC
References:	Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976.
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