Coin (obverse), Denarius, of Marcus Varunteius

Add to album

This silver coin was minted in Rome by Marcus Varunteius in 130 BC. It is a type called a denarius, the most common Roman silver coin. This picture shows the obverse of the coin.

The obverse portrays Roma, the goddess and personification of Rome, wearing a helmet. In front of her is a star, a mark of value. Behind her is the inscription 'M.VARG' written downwards (an abbreviation of the moneyer's name).

Most coins of the Roman Republic were issued by officials called moneyers. They may have been elected, perhaps annually. In some cases, as here, the coins provide the only evidence surviving about these people.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-078-554-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1978.312
• Date: 130 BC
  
• Material: Silver. Inscription: Obv. Helmeted head of Roma r.; behind, M.VARG downwards; before, mark of value / Rev. Jupiter in quadriga r., holding thunderbolt and reins in l. hand and branch in r. hand; in exergue, ROMA
  Coin, denarius
  
• Dimensions: 19.00 mm D / Die Axis: 1.5
  
• What: Coin, denarius
  
• Subject: Ancient Coin Collection
  
• Who: Jupiter
  Roma
  
• Where: Italy, Rome
  Spain, Aznalcollar
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver denarius of the Roman Republic, Rome, 130 BC
  
• References:
  • Crawford, M.H. Roman Republican Coinage. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1976. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: