Pompey The Great Rare AR Roman Imperatorial Denarius 48BC Silver Coin Pompeius Magnus Museum Reproduction CSRD0062

The second king of Rome, Numa Pompilius, appears on the obverse of this coin as an allusion to the nomen (family name) of the issuing proquaestor for, according to tradition, Pompilius had a son by the name of Calpus, from whom the gens Calpurnia was descended and derived its name. Striking for Pompey Magnus, the prow on the reverse was intended to recall and glorify Pompey’s famous victories over the Cilician pirates in 67/6 BC.

Pompey was a excellent general and political leader in the early Roman Republic. His successes in Sulla’s second civil war led him to adopt the nickname Magnus. He was a consul three times and celebrated three military triumphs. In the mid-60 BC. Pompey joined Caesar and Crassus in the first political-military union known as the First Triumvirate. Pompey was married to Caesar’s daughter Julia to strengthen their alliance. Upon Julia and Crassus’ death, Pompey and Caesar contended for the leadership of the Roman state which lead to a civil war. Pompey was defeated by Caesar at the battle of Pharsalus after which he fled to Egypt where he was murdered on Sept. 28, 48 BC. by Ptolemy XIII and his associates, whom were seeking an alliance with Caesar, when he stepped ashore.
DESIGN:
Obverse side
Head of Numa Pompilius, bearded, wearing diadem inscribed NVMA, right
Legend:
CN • PISO • PRO • Q

Reverse side
Galley prow to right
Legend:
MAGN above PRO • COS below

A perfect choice for Numismatists, Historians, Military Veterans, Collectors.