Denarius (Licinia: Publius Licinius Crassus; S•C / P•CRASSVS•M•F) (55 BC) front Denarius (Licinia: Publius Licinius Crassus; S•C / P•CRASSVS•M•F) (55 BC) back
Denarius (Licinia: Publius Licinius Crassus; S•C / P•CRASSVS•M•F) (55 BC) photo
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Denarius Licinia: Publius Licinius Crassus; S•C / P•CRASSVS•M•F 55 BC

55 BC year
Silver 3.9 g 20 mm
Description
Issuer
Rome › Roman Republic (509 BC - 27 BC)
Period
Republic (509 BC - 27 BC)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
55 BC
Value
Denarius (1)
Currency
Denarius of 16 Asses (141 – 27 BC)
Composition
Silver
Weight
3.9 g
Diameter
20 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#66863
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Female figure standing facing with head left, leading horse left by bridle with right hand and holding spear in left hand; at feet, cuirass and shield; around, inscription.
Border of dots.

Script: Latin

Lettering: P•CRASSVS•M•F

Unabridged legend: Publius Crassus Marcus Filius

Translation: Publius [Licinius] Crassus, son of Marcus

Edge

Plain

Comment

The gens Licinia was a celebrated plebeian family at Rome, which appears from the earliest days of the Republic until imperial times, and which eventually obtained the imperial dignity. The first of the gens to obtain the consulship was Gaius Licinius Calvus Stolo, who, as tribune of the plebs from 376 to 367 BC, prevented the election of any of the annual magistrates, until the patricians acquiesced to the passage of the lex Licinia Sextia. This law, named for Licinius and his colleague, Lucius Sextius, opened the consulship for the first time to the plebeians. Licinius himself was subsequently elected consul in 364 and 361 BC, and from this time, the Licinii became one of the most illustrious gentes in the Republic.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a portrait of Publius Licinius Crassus, a prominent Roman politician and military leader, on the obverse (front side), while the reverse (back side) depicts the goddess Venus standing on a rock, surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves. This design was meant to symbolize the power and prosperity of the Roman Republic during the late Republic period.