minted in Rome

Coin (reverse), Denarius, of Quintus Sicinius

This silver coin was minted in Rome by Quintus Sicinius in 49 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 palm-branch tied with a fillet crossed with a winged caduceus (a staff carried by ambassadors at times of war), with a wreath above. The legend 'Q. SICINIVS' refers to the moneyer, and 'III VIR' on either side to his official title.

In 49 BC Caesar crossed the Rubicon and invaded Italy in his civil war with Pompey. The symbols on this side, of good fortune and victory, together with Fortuna populi Romani on the obverse, anticipate victory for Pompey's side.

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Online ID:	000-190-002-005-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland A.1915.153
Date:	49 BC
Material:	Silver. Inscription: Obv. Head of Fortuna populi Romani r., wearing diadem; before, FORT downwards; behind, P.R upwards / Rev. Palm-branch tied with fillet and winged caduceus, in saltire; above, wreath; below, Q. SICINIVS; on either side, III VIR
Dimensions:	18.00 mm D / Die Axis: 7.5
What:	Coin, denarius
Subject:	Ancient Coin Collection
Who:	Fortuna Populi Romani Q. Sicinius
Where:	Italy, Rome
Event:
Description:	Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, Rome, 49 BC
References:	Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976.
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