49BC M.N Acilius Silver Denarius – aEF/gVF

Manius Acilius Glabrio – Moneyer of 49 BC

The Moneyer Behind the Coin

Manius Acilius Glabrio served as a triumvir monetalis, one of three Roman officials responsible for producing coins, in 49 BC. Although several men in Roman history carried the name Manius Acilius Glabrio, this particular Glabrio belongs to the final, turbulent years of the Roman Republic. Therefore, he should not be confused with the earlier Glabrio who served as consul in 191 BC.

The Silver Denarius

Glabrio’s silver denarius, Sydenham 922, features Salus, the Roman goddess associated with safety, health and well-being, on the obverse. Meanwhile, the reverse depicts Valetudo, another figure connected with health, standing beside a column and holding a serpent.

Furthermore, the imagery connects closely with the Acilii Glabriones, whose family had established associations with health and medicine. Consequently, the design appears carefully chosen rather than simply decorative. Even Roman money apparently enjoyed having a family connection.

Historical Importance

The coin dates from 49 BC, an exceptionally important year in Roman history. Most notably, Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon, beginning the civil war that would eventually destroy the Roman Republic.

Although Glabrio himself did not become one of Rome’s great political figures, his denarius provides valuable evidence of the period. Moreover, its imagery reflects Roman ideas about health, protection and family identity.

Ultimately, Syd. 922 gives us a small but fascinating window into Rome during one of its most dramatic political crises.

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