© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Denarius Pomponia: Quintus Pomponius Musa; Q•POMPONI MVSA; Melpomene 66 BC
66 BC year| Silver | 3.95 g | 18 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 | 3.95 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#66715 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Melpomene, the Muse of Tragedy, standing facing, looking right, resting on club with right hand and holding tragic mask in left hand.
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 Pomponia Denarius, minted in 66 BC, features the image of Melpomene, the muse of tragedy, on its reverse side. This coin is interesting because it showcases the cultural significance of the Muses in ancient Roman society, highlighting their appreciation for art and literature. Additionally, the coin's design, which includes a portrait of Quintus Pomponius Musa, a Roman politician, and the goddess Melpomene, demonstrates the blending of political and cultural themes in Roman coinage during the late Republic period.
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; Melpomene) (66 BC) coin.
