denarius, Triumviral, 41 BCE

Date41 BCE

CultureRoman

MediumSilver

DimensionsCoin Dimensions: 1.89 cm, 3.92 g

Credit LineTransfer from Vassar College Classics Department, 1968

On View

Not on view

PeriodTriumviral

Classification(s)

Coins and Medals

Denomination

Denarius

Language

Latin

Minting Official

M. Antonius

Minting Location

Rome

Obverse Description

A border of dots surrounds the head of Marcus Antonius, looking right. Behind is a lituus, and around the head, ANT IMP III VIR RPC is inscribed.

Obverse Expanded

MARCUS ANTONIUS IMPERATOR TRIUMVIR REI PUBLICAE CONSTITUENDAE

Obverse Legend

M ANT IMP III VIR RPC

Obverse Translated

Marcus Antonius, imperator, triumvir for the organizing of the Republic

Reverse Description

A border of dots surrounds Pietas, standing and facing left, with a lit turibulum in her right hand and a cornucopiae with two storks perched on top, in her left. On the left, is inscribed, PIETAS, and on the right, COS.

Reverse Expanded

PIETAS CONSUL or PIETAS CONSULIS

Reverse Legend

PIETAS COS

Reverse Translated

Pietas the consul or Loyalty of the consul

BibliographyCrawford, 516.5DescriptionThe coin comes from the Triumviral period following the assassination of Julius Caesar. In the struggle for power that followed Caesar's death, Antonius attempted to legitimate his claim to Caesar's office. The obverse legend proclaims Marcus Antonius as triumvir for the organizing of the Republic. The reverse type depicts Pietas (respect for authority) as an appeal to respect Antonius as Caesar's personally chosen successor.

Terms

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email loebcollections@vassar.edu