Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Manius Cordius Rufus

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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: 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
  Coin Type: Crawford 463/1a
  Coin, denarius
  
• 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. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: