Denarius / Silver Coin Commemorating Decius Junius Brutus Mus Issuer: Titus Quinctius Year: 112–111 BC, Roman Mint Weight: 3.87 g Size: 20 mm Die Axis: 6h Obverse Inscription TI·Q / •F (Indicates the moneyer, but is interpreted as commemorating the Mus family) Obverse Image Bust of Hercules, facing left. Wearing a lion's skin, carrying a club on his right shoulder. To the left, the inscription "LEV•DESVLTOR (light cavalry)". → Hercules, symbolizing courage and strength, alludes to the Mus family's tradition of self-sacrifice (devotio). Reverse Inscription D•S•S (De Senatus Sententia = "By decree of the Senate") Reverse Image "D•S•S" on a tablet. A mouse symbol between the inscriptions "TI·Q". → The mouse (Mus) is a pun on the family name "Mus," symbolizing the family lineage. Historical Background The Decius Junius Mus family is known for the legendary "devotio" (a ritual of dedicating oneself to the gods of war) in Roman history. In 340 BC, during the Latin War, when the army was at a disadvantage, the father, Decius Mus, following the instructions of a priest, dedicated himself to Mars and the gods of the underworld, charged into the enemy lines, and died in battle. The Roman army then turned the tide and won. In 295 BC, the son, Decius Mus, also performed devotio at the Battle of Sentinum, confusing the enemy army and contributing to Rome's victory. This coin is thought to commemorate "the virtues of the hero who sacrificed his life to save Rome," combining the image of Hercules and the mouse representing "Mus." Reference Numbers Crawford 297/1a Sydenham 563 RSC Quinctia 6 RBW 1139 var. Classification Roman Republic, Denarius, Decius Mus Commemorative (Crawford 297/1a) ※Coin only. The collection box in the photo is not included. #ROMA#Denarius#AncientCoins#RomanEmpire#RomanRepublic#SilverCoin#Silica#AsCopperCoin#Antoninianus#Follis#Sestertius#Greece#Drachma#Tetradrachm#AncientGreece#RomanEmperor