© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Denarius Pomponia: Lucius Pomponius Molo; L•POMPON•MOLO / NVMA•POMPIL 97 BC
97 BC year| Silver | 3.99 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
|---|---|
| Period | Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 97 BC |
| Value | Denarius (1) |
| Currency | Denarius of 16 Asses (141 – 27 BC) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.99 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#66796 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Numa Pompilius standing left looking right, holding lituus before altar at which he is about to sacrifice a goat held by a youth victimarius standing right looking left.
Name of king in exergue with MA and MP in monograms.
Script: Latin
Lettering: NVMA•POMPIL
Translation: Numa Pompilius
Comment
Numa Pompilius was the 2nd king of Rome, right after Romulus reign.The gens Pomponia was a plebeian family at Rome throughout the period of the Republic and into imperial times. The first of the gens to achieve prominence was Marcus Pomponius, tribune of the plebs in 449 BC; the first who obtained the consulship was Manius Pomponius Matho in 233 BC.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique reverse design, depicting the goddess Numa Pompil, who was believed to have introduced the Roman calendar and religious system. The coin's design was minted during the reign of Lucius Pomponius Molo, who was a moneyer in Rome during 97 BC. This coin is a rare and valuable example of Roman Republican coinage, providing a glimpse into the cultural and religious practices of ancient Rome.
