Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Aulus Licinius Nerva

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This silver coin was minted in Rome by Aulus Licinius Nerva 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 a horseman dragging a naked warrior, who holds a swordand shield. The legend 'A.LICINIV' refers to the moneyer, while the '.III.' behind the horseman and '.VIR' below the horse's head are an abbreviation of his official position.

Most coins of the Roman Republic were issued by officials called moneyers. They commissioned designs, which often referred to famous ancestors, associations to favourite cults, or puns on their names. Often, as here, the symbolism remains obscure.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-446-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.C15340
• Date: 47
  47 BC
  
• Material: Silver; slight wear. Inscription: Obv. Laureate head of Fides to right; behind, NERVA, downwards; in front, FIDES, downwards / Rev. Horseman riding to right, dragging naked warrior, who holds sword and shield; below, A . LICINIV; . III . behind horseman;
  Coin Type: Crawford 454/1
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 18.50 x 18.00 mm D / Die Axis: 2.0
  
• What: Coin Type: Crawford 454/1
  Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Queen Street Coin Collection
  
• Who: A. Licinius Nerva (Maker)
  Fides
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Roman Republic
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of Rome, minted by A. Licinius Nerva, 47 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
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