© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Denarius Clodia: Gaius Clodius Vestalis; C•CLODIVS C•F / VESTALIS 41 BC
41 BC year| Silver | 4.08 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
|---|---|
| Period | Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 41 BC |
| Value | Denarius (1) |
| Currency | Denarius of 16 Asses (141 – 27 BC) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4.08 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#66741 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Female figure (perhaps Claudia Pulchra) seated left, holding culullus in right hand; behind, part of moneyer mark.
Border of dots.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VESTALIS
Translation: Vestalis
Edge
Plain
Comment
The gens Clodia, or Clodia, was one of the most prominent patrician houses at Rome. The gens traced its origin to the earliest days of the Roman Republic. The first of the Clodii to obtain the consulship was Appius Clodius Sabinus Regillensis in 495 BC, and from that time its members frequently held the highest offices of the state, both under the Republic and in imperial times.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of a Vestal Virgin on the reverse side, which was a rare depiction on Roman coins. The Vestal Virgins were a group of priestesses who were responsible for maintaining the sacred fire of Vesta, the goddess of the hearth, and were highly respected in Roman society. The inclusion of this image on the coin may have been a way to emphasize the importance of traditional Roman values and religion during a time of political upheaval.
