logo_moneymuseum

Roman Republic, Denarius

back

Roman Republic, Denarius (obverse) Roman Republic, Denarius (reverse)

This denarius shows on the obverse the head of the goddess Roma, the personification of the city of Rome and the Roman state. Behind her winged helmet is the indication of the denarius' value, the number X for 10 asses.

The reverse depicts Luna, the goddess of the moon, recognizable by the crescent over her head. She is driving her chariot across the night sky, a two-horse wagon called a biga.

In front of Luna's face hangs the mint control-mark, a murex shell. Below is the inscription PVR, an abbreviation of the moneyer's name. It stands for Furius Purpurio.

back

Signet Sunflower Foundation