Denarius Portraying King Ancus Marcius
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
56 BCE, issued by L. Marcius Philippus
This silver denarius is an ancient Roman coin minted in Rome, measuring 1.8 cm (3/4 in.) in diameter. It was issued in 56 BCE by the politician Lucius Marcius Philippus.
The obverse of the coin features a right-facing, diademed head representing the legendary Roman ruler King Ancus Marcius. Positioned behind his head is a lituus, a curved augural staff, and below appears the inscription ANCVS. The reverse side portrays an equestrian statue facing right situated atop an aqueduct. Beneath the horse is a tipped branch. The inscription PHILIPP[VS] is present, along with the letters AQVA MAR inscribed within the arches of the aqueduct.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Ancient Rome began producing coinage in the late fourth century BC, initially depicting gods, goddesses, animals, symbols, and historical events. By the mid-50s BC, Roman coins frequently depicted ancestors to highlight prominent family lineage. Lucius Marcius Philippus, who commissioned this coin, traced his descent to King Ancus Marcius, a legendary figure believed to have lived during the late seventh century BCE.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Dimensions
- Diam.: 1.8 cm (3/4 in.)
Technical characteristics
- Inscriptions
- Obverse: ANCVS Reverse: PHILIPP[VS]; AQVA MAR (in arches of aqueduct)
- Maker recorded
- Roman; minted in Rome
- Place recorded
- Roman Empire
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Art Institute of Chicago collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Denarius (Coin) Portraying King Ancus Marcius
- Museum object number
- 1922.4848
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.