Lot 3514

Description

Q. Pomponius Musa, (c.66 B.C.), silver denarius, Rome mint, (3.570 grams), obv. Apollo laureate head to right, lyre key behind, rev. Calliope standing to right, playing lyre and resting on column, Q. POMPONI on right, MVSA on left, (S.352 [£165 VF], Cr.410/2a, Syd.811, B.Pomponia 9). Has been mounted, otherwise good fine and very rare.

The Musa types are always collected because of their association with the arts. Calliope was the Muse of Epic Poetry, had the sweetest voice and sang and accompanied herself on the lyre. She is portrayed on this coin with her attributes. Only a few dies were utilised for this type according to the study by Crawford.