Roman Republic, moneyer L SEMP (Ronius) PITIO, denarius (coin)
Date148 BC
MediumSilver
Dimensions13/16 × 3/4 inches (2.1 × 1.9 cm);
Weight: 3.76 grams, Axis: 3:00
Weight: 3.76 grams, Axis: 3:00
CultureRoman
ClassificationsMetalwork
Credit LineGift of Mark M. and Lottie Salton
Terms
- Metalwork
- Silver
- Helmets
- Horses
- Warriors
- Soldiers
- Roman
Object number2000.175.161
Label CopyThe term “denarius” comes from the Latin word for ten, decem. A silver denarius was originally worth ten of the bronze as denomination, a conversion rate referenced on the obverse of this denarius by X, the Roman numeral for ten. During the Roman Republic, coins were minted by individual moneyers under the authority of the Roman Senate. (Olivia Graves, PhD student, “Wonder and Wakefulness: The Nature of Pliny the Elder,” exhibition organized by the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, curated by Andrew C. Weislogel and Verity J. Platt, presented at the Johnson Museum January 21–June 11, 2023)
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