Denarius of L. Scribonius Libo, Rome c. 62 BCE

Curator: Looking at this coin, I'm struck by how much cultural meaning can be packed into such a small object. Editor: Indeed. This is a Denarius of L. Scribonius Libo. The moneyer, L. Scribonius Libo, likely minted it in Rome. Curator: I'm immediately drawn to the diademed head of Venus on one side. What does Venus signify in this context? Editor: On coinage, Venus often symbolized not just beauty and love but also, crucially, the claim of divine ancestry for prominent Roman families. Curator: And the other side depicts a wellhead. Is there a cultural narrative linked to this imagery? Editor: The wellhead, or puteal, refers to the Scribonia family connection to sacred wells, underscoring their historical importance and social standing. Curator: It's fascinating how visual symbols, even on something as commonplace as a coin, can reinforce cultural memory and power dynamics. Editor: Absolutely. The coin serves as a testament to the family's legacy and as a means to circulate and reinforce their status within Roman society.