© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Denarius Aurelia: Marcus Aurelius Cotta; COTA / M•AVRELI 139 BC
139 BC year| Silver | 3.68 g | 18 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
|---|---|
| Period | Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 139 BC |
| Value | Denarius (1) |
| Currency | Denarius of 10 Asses (221 – 141 BC) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.68 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#66859 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Hercules, holding club and reins, driving galloping biga of centaurs right, the centaurs each carrying branch.
Part of the moneyer mark in right field under the biga with AVR in monogram; ROMA in exergue.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
M•AVRELI
ROMA
Translation: Marcus Aurelius
Comment
The gens Aurelia was a plebeian family at Rome. Gaius Aurelius Cotta was the first to obtain consulship in 252 BC, from which time the Aurelii become distinguished in history down to the end of the Republic. The Aurelii flourished under the Empire, and many later families of citizens enrolled under the authority of Emperors or magistrates bearing this nomen were also called Aurelius. The name became so common that it was sometimes abbreviated Aur., and by the latter centuries of the Empire it becomes difficult to distinguish members of the gens from other persons bearing the name.Interesting fact
The Denarius coin features an image of Marcus Aurelius Cotta, a prominent Roman politician and military leader, on one side, and the abbreviation "COTA" or "M•AVRELI" on the other, indicating that it was minted during his consulship in 139 BC.
