© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Denarius Pomponia: Quintus Pomponius Musa; Q•POMPONI MVSA; Calliope 66 BC
66 BC year| Silver | 3.96 g | 19.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
|---|---|
| Period | Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 66 BC |
| Value | Denarius (1) |
| Currency | Denarius of 16 Asses (141 – 27 BC) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.96 g |
| Diameter | 19.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#66705 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Calliope, the Muse of Epic Poetry, standing right, playing lyre held on column.
Moneyer mark in two parts downwards on either side.
Border of dots.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
Q•POMPONI
MVSA
Translation: Quintus Pomponius Musa
Edge
Plain
Comment
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.The moneyer Quintus Pomponius Musa plays on his name here by striking a 10-coins as a serie related to the myth of the Muses: 9 coins representing the 9 Muses along with one coin representing Hercules. Hercules is known in Greece, and as represented on this coin, as Hercules Musarum or Hercules Musageta, meaning Hercules, leader of the Muses.
Interesting fact
The Denarius coin features a portrait of Calliope, the muse of epic poetry, on the obverse (front side), which is a unique feature among Roman coins. It's believed that the inclusion of Calliope's image was a tribute to the cultural and artistic achievements of the Roman Republic during the time of Quintus Pomponius Musa, who was a prominent Roman politician and military leader. This coin is a rare example of a Roman coin that celebrates the arts and culture, rather than depicting military victories or political symbols.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ND (-66) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for Denarius (Pomponia: Quintus Pomponius Musa; Q•POMPONI MVSA; Calliope) (66 BC) coin.
