© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Denarius Pomponia: Quintus Pomponius Musa; Q•POMPONI MVSA; Urania 66 BC
66 BC year| Silver | 3.79 g | 19 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 | 3.79 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#66865 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Urania, the Muse of Astronomy, standing left, holding wand with pointing to globe set on tripod with right 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.
Mass varies: 3.21–4.08 g;
Diameter varies: 17–21 mm;
Interesting fact
The Denarius coin features the image of Urania, the Roman goddess of astronomy and the celestial sphere, on its reverse side. This is significant because it suggests that the coin's minting authority, Quintus Pomponius Musa, was interested in promoting the study and appreciation of astronomy and the natural world. This is a fascinating example of how coins can serve as a window into the cultural and intellectual values of a particular time and place.
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; Urania) (66 BC) coin.
