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M. Aemilius Scaurus and Pub. Plautius Hypsaeus, 58 BC
General Information
Type: Silver Denarius (AR)
Weight: 3.73 g
Diameter: 17.30 mm
Place of minting: Rome
Date: 58 BC
Reference: Crawford 422/1b
Obverse
Registration: M SCAVR / AED CVR
Image: Nabataean King Aretas kneeling, looking to the right, with an olive branch raised in his right hand, and the reins of a camel standing to his right in his left hand.
Fields: EX–SC (Ex Senatus Consulto, indicates that the coin was issued with the consent of the Roman Senate)
ExergO: REX ARETAS (King Aretas)
Reverso
Inscription: P HVPSAEV / AED CVR
Image: Jupiter in a quadriga (four-horse chariot) speeding to the left, holding the reins with his left hand and throwing a lightning bolt with his right.
Left field: Scorpion
Inscription on the right field: CAPTV (abbreviation of "captive" or "captured")
ExergO: C HVPSAE COS PREIVE (Publius Hypsaeus, consul-elect)
Conservation status: BC+
Historical and Numismatic Context
This coin commemorates the victory of Marcus Aemilius Scaurus over the Nabataean king Aretas III around 65 BC. On the obverse, the figure of Aretas kneeling with an olive branch and holding the reins of his camel symbolizes the surrender or submission to Rome. The inscription EX SC highlights the authorization of the Roman Senate for the issuance of this coin.
The reverse side depicts Jupiter dominating the scene, reinforcing Roman power and authority, with the presence of the scorpion, which could be associated with the constellation or with symbols of power and fertility.
The issuing magistrates, Marcus Aemilius Scaurus and Publius Plautius Hypsaeus, are indicated on both sides with their titles of curule aediles (AED CVR).
This piece is an important testament to Roman influence in the Middle East and shows the blend of Roman and Eastern symbols in the politics and numismatic propaganda of the time.
€72,00 EUR
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