minted in Rome

Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Manius Cordius Rufus

This silver coin was minted in Rome by Manius Cordius Rufus in 46 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 Venus, the goddess of beauty and fertility, holding scales and a sceptre. Cupid, the god of love, is on her shoulders. Behind is the legend 'MN CORDIVS' written downwards (the MN joined), referring to the moneyer.

The depiction of Venus suggests that this moneyer was a follower of Julius Caesar, whose devotion to Venus was expressed on his seal and coinage. It may also derive from a statue placed in the temple of Venus Genetrix in the year of issue.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-190-000-447-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland H.C15345
Date:	46 46 BC
Material:	Silver; obverse slightly off-centre; fairly worn. Inscription: Obv. Jugate heads of Dioscuri to right, wearing laureate pilei; behind, RVFVS . IIIVIR, downwards / Rev. Venus standing left, holding scales and sceptre, with Cupid on her shoulder; behind, MN
Dimensions:	19.50 x 17.00 mm D / Die Axis: 6.0
What:	Coin Type: Crawford 463/1a Coin, denarius
Subject:	Queen Street Coin Collection
Who:	Cupid Dioscuri Mn. Cordius Rufus (Maker) Venus
Where:	Italy, Rome Roman Republic
Event:
Description:	Silver denarius of Rome, minted by Mn. Cordius Rufus, 46 BC
References:	Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976.
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