Coin — Aureus of Caius Vibius Varus, Roman Empire, ca. 38 BC
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 38 BC
Coin — Aureus of Caius Vibius Varus, Roman Empire, ca. 38 BC is an object recorded by Victoria and Albert Museum, dated ca. 38 BC. The museum's brief description reads: Coin, aureus of Caius Vibius Varus, gold, head of Apollo / Venus with mirror, Roman, ca.
38 BC. Museum description: Obverse: Head of Apollo. Reverse: Venus, naked to below the waist, standing near a column, She gazes into a mirror held in her left. Inscriptions. The museum record gives material recorded as gold; measurements Diameter 20 mm; Weight 8.08 g; place associated: Roman Empire. These details come from the holding museum's own record; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet been independently verified.
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
This is an ancient Roman coin, an aureus of Caius Vibius Varus, depicting the head of Apollo on obverse and Venus on reverse. The aureus was an ancient Roman gold coin, issued from around the 1st century BC up to the 4th century AD. One aureus was worth 25 silver denarii. The denarius was a small silver coin and the principal silver coin issued in the ancient Roman currency system from the late 3rd century BC until the early 3rd century AD. Ancient Roman coins were very popular with Renaissance collectors. By owning them and copying aspects of them in their own commissions, patrons could acquire some of the glory of the classical world. The coins bequeathed to the V&A by George Salting include examples of silver coins from Syracuse of the 4th century BC, a set of gold imperial coins of Rome, and some fine specimens of bronze denarii of the Roman Empire.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- gold
- Dimensions
- Diameter 20 mm; Weight 8.08 g
Technical characteristics
- Technique
- Gold
- Place recorded
- Roman Empire
Design
- Inscriptions recorded
- 'C. VIBIVS / VARVS'
Identification
- Museum object name
- Coin
- Museum object number
- A.669-1910
- Museum system number
- O310869
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.
Research required
- Research required: confirm materials, dimensions, maker and wider type against the museum record and a specialist reference.