© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Didrachm - Messalina OCTAVIA BRTIANNICVS ANTONIA
| Silver | 6.69 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Empress | Messalina (Valeria Messalina) (41-48) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 41-48 |
| Value | Didrachm = 2 Drachms = 2 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 6.69 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#247009 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Britannicus, head left, standing between Antonia on right with head left, holding cornucopia, and Octavia on left with head right, both clasping hands.
Script: Latin
Lettering: OCTAVIA BRTIANNICVS ANTONIA
Unabridged legend: [Claudia] Octavia, [Claudius] Britannicus, [Claudia] Antonia
Comment
RIC wrongly lists the coin with AVGVSTA on obverse, while this coin bears AVGVSTI; the said coin depicted on RIC's plate 17 confirms the typo.Messalina being executed in 48 AD, this coin was struck before that date and the damnatio memoriae voted by the Senate.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a portrait of Messalina, the third wife of Emperor Claudius, who was known for her beauty and political influence. She was also known for her controversial and scandalous behavior, including her alleged affairs with various men and her involvement in the death of her husband's adopted son, Britannicus. Despite her notorious reputation, her image was still used on Roman coins, reflecting her status as a prominent figure in Roman society.
