Q. Sicinius

Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. Q. Sicinius. Early 49 BC. AR Denarius, 18mm, 4.02 g. Rome mint.
O: Diademed head of Fortuna right, wearing cruciform earring and hair collected into a knot behind, two locks falling down her neck; P • R to left, FORT to right
R: Palm frond and winged caduceus, bound with fillet, in saltire; wreath with fillet above; III • VIR across field; Q • SICINIVS below. Crawford 440/1; CRI 1; Sydenham 938; Kestner 3509; BMCRR Rome 3947; Sicinia 5

While Pompey himself did not strike coinage, his supporters struck coins throughout 49 BC, using mints that travelled with the general. The last issue of denarii prior to the Caesarian occupation of the Rome, this coin was struck by a supporter of Pompey at a time when Caesar was gathering in the north prior to cross the Rubicon and, according to Sear (p. 5), “...clearly refers to Pompey himself, his past achievements, and his anticipated success against Caesar should matters come down to a trial of strength.”

The palm-branch refers to Pompey’s numerous victories; the caduceus to the restoration of commerce after the destruction of the fleets of the Cilician pirates, the golden chaplet conferred on him by the citizens of Rome specifically for his defeat of Mithradates VI in 63 BC. These great deeds were effected by the special favour of the goddess Fortuna.

This was the last normal issue of denarii before Caesar's occupation of Rome, at which time Sicinius fled east along with the rest of the Pompeians.