463/1b. Cordia (46 BC)

AR Denarius (Rome, 46 BC)

O/ RVFVS III VIR, Conjoined heads of the Dioscuri r., each wearing a pileus ornamented with a double thin band, each surmounted by a star.

R/ MN CORDIVS, Venus Verticordia standing l., holding scales and a long sceptre; Cupid on her shoulder.

4.26g; 17.5mm

Crawford 463/1b (549 obverse dies/610 reverse dies)

- Ex Elvira Elisa Clain-Stefanelli (1914-2001) collection, former director of the National Numismatic Collection (part of the Smithonian Institute).

- Naville Live Auction 26, lot 264.

Manius Cordius Rufus:

Rufus belonged to the plebeian gens Cordia, of whom he is still the only known member. His life is also very obscure. His gens was from Tusculum, hence the obverse of this coin (the Dioscuri were worshipped in this city). His only known appointment was as Monetal Triumvir in 46 BC, during Caesar's hegemony; it seems therefore obvious that he was one of his supporters. It is furthermore suggested by the reverse of the coin, showing Venus Verticordia, which is a punning allusion to the moneyer's name Cordius, but also indicates the devotion to Caesar and his claimed filiation from Venus.

Reference : 463/1b

Collection : Roman Republic