Authentic Ancient Roman - Helios and Venus Cloacina - AR Denarius - Circa 42 BCE
$2,737
Denomination: AR Denarius
Mint: Rome, Italy
Weight: 3.99 gm
Date: 42 BC
Mount: 14K Gold
Grade: NGC 6834094-013 – Ch XF – Strike 4/5; Surface 3/5
Description: L. Mussidius Longus. Obverse: Radiated and draped bust of Helios turned three-quarter to right. Border of dots. Anepigraphic. Reverse: Shrine of Venus Cloacina consisting of circular platform inscribed, surmounted by two statues Venus Cloacin behind balustrade of platform inscribed "CLOACIN". Moneyer mark around. Border of dots. Script: Latin. Lettering: L•MVSSIDIVS•LONGVS CLOACIN. Translation: Lucius Mussidius Longus Cloacina. Rare.
History: L. Mussidius Longus was a Roman Republican moneyer (triumvirate monetalisl) active around 42 BC. He was famous for the distinctive silver denarii he issued in Rome, featuring personal types like the Shrine of Venus Cloacina Concordia and portraits of Caesar; highlighting his family's potential connection to Rome's sewer system and the tumultuous post-assassination era under the Second Triumvirate (Antony, Octavian, Lepidus). His coins are significant as they show early republican coinage transitioning, with moneyers including personal symbols alongside triumviral figures.
There was an explosion of solar imagery on coins minted by the Caesarians in 42 BC. In addition to the type, the Sn god was shown in profile on the obverse. These types were taken as a reference to the coming campaign in the East against Brutus and Cassius and to plans for a new temple of Sol in Rome.
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