|
Crawford 494/42, ROMAN IMPERATORIAL, L. Mussidius Longus AR Denarius
|
Rome, The Republic.
L. Mussidius Longus, 42 BCE.
AR Denarius (3.85g; 19mm; 3h).
Rome Mint.
Obverse: CONCORDIA; Veiled head of Concordia facing right; crescent beneath chin.
Reverse: L•MVSSIDIVS•LONGVS; Shrine of Venus Cloacina with two statues, inscribed CLOACIN.
References: Crawford 494/42c; HCRI 188b; Sydenham 1093b; BMCRR 4246; Mussidia 6.
Provenance: Ex Peter J. Merani Collection [Triton XXIV]; H.J.Berk BBS 201 (13 Jul 2017), lot 163; H.J. Berk BBS 166 (15 Oct 2009), lot 280; Eton College Collection [Sotheby's (1 Dec 1976), lot 409].
Nothing is known of the Mussidia gens except for the coins of L. Mussidius Longus. The reverse depicts the open air, circular shrine of Venus Cloacina containing two statues and a balustrade. Remains of the shrine survive in the Roman Forum today. In antiquity, the shrine was located near Rome’s main sewer outlet, the Cloaca Maxima, and reflected the importance of Rome’s sewer system to the health and well being of the City. Sear interprets the reverse as an allusion to purification needed after Caesar’s assassination.
|
|