Pompey Junior Denarius (46-45 BC) - A Coin of Legacy, Power and Symbolism

The denarius minted by Pompey the Younger in 46-45 BC offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Roman propaganda and the political landscape of the late Republic. This coin, though not as famous as some of its predecessors in Roman numismatics, carries a significant message of power, military success, and political legitimacy. Featuring the helmeted head of Roma on the obverse and the figure of Hispania presenting a palm branch on the reverse, it reflects the intricate relationship between Pompey the Younger and his father, Pompey the Great, as well as the broader political narrative of the time.

Obverse: The Helmeted Head of Roma

The obverse of the coin presents a helmeted head of Roma facing right. Roma, the personification of the Roman state, is often depicted as a warrior goddess, symbolizing Rome’s military prowess, unity, and might. The helmeted version of Roma is particularly significant, as it emphasizes the military power of Rome, reflecting the importance of military success and the role of military leaders in shaping Roman destiny.

• Roma as a Symbol of Rome's Power: By featuring Roma, this coin ties Pompey the Younger to the very essence of Roman identity. Roma was not only a symbol of the city itself but also of its imperial aspirations, its military strength, and its indomitable will. For Pompey, associating his coinage with Roma was a way to emphasize his connection to the powerful Roman state and to suggest that he, too, was part of Rome's triumphant and unstoppable legacy.
• Inscriptions and Legitimacy: The inscription around Roma’s head reads M POBLICI LEG PRO PR, indicating that the coin was minted by Marcus Publicius (likely Pompey’s financial officer or mint master) under the authority of Pompey the Younger. The phrase LEG PRO PR refers to Pompey the Younger’s official position as a legatus pro praetore (military commander with imperium, a significant title within the Roman military structure). This inscription is crucial as it underscores Pompey’s authority and his role as an official representative of Roman power and governance. It was common for Roman leaders to issue coins that not only depicted symbols of military or political power but also included inscriptions that reinforced their official authority.

Reverse: Hispania and Pompey’s Military Triumphs

The reverse of the coin features the figure of Hispania, personified as a female warrior standing to the right. She holds a shield and two spears, while she presents a palm branch to Pompey, who is depicted on a galley prow. The inscription on the reverse reads CN MAGNVS IMP, a clear reference to Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great), Pompey the Younger’s father, and the imperium (military command) he held.

• Hispania as a Symbol of Victory: Hispania represents the provinces of the Iberian Peninsula, where Pompey the Great had conducted a significant military campaign during his early years. His campaigns in Spain, particularly the war against Sertorius (a rebel leader in Spain), were among his most celebrated military achievements. By featuring Hispania as the central figure on the reverse, Pompey the Younger is invoking the glory and success of his father’s military conquests, associating himself with that same triumph and prestige.
• The Palm Branch: The palm branch is a classical symbol of victory and triumph, often associated with a military commander’s success. By presenting this symbol to Pompey on the prow of a ship, the coin suggests that Pompey the Younger is not only the inheritor of his father’s legacy but also the current bearer of Roman triumph, continuing the family’s military success and Roman domination over foreign lands. The palm branch also implies that Pompey the Younger, like his father, was a conqueror and a leader deserving of honor and recognition.
• Pompey on the Galley Prow: The depiction of Pompey the Younger on a galley prow reinforces his association with naval power. The galley was a primary vessel used in Roman naval warfare, and Pompey the Great’s mastery over Rome’s navy during the pirate wars and other conflicts was one of his most notable achievements. The presence of the prow on the coin, along with Hispania presenting the palm branch, serves as a visual reminder of Pompey the Great’s naval triumphs, and by extension, of Pompey the Younger’s claim to that same mantle of naval and military authority.

Pompey the Younger’s Struggles for Power

The time period in which this coin was minted (46-45 BC) was a pivotal moment for Pompey the Younger. His father, Pompey the Great, had been one of the most powerful and influential figures in Roman politics, but his death in 48 BC left a power vacuum. Pompey the Younger found himself grappling with both Caesar’s growing power and the legacy of his father. While Pompey the Younger attempted to continue his father’s work and retain his family’s influence, he was faced with political and military challenges, especially after Caesar’s victory in the civil war.

• Military Legitimacy: The Hispania reverse is not only a nostalgic nod to his father’s successes but also a way to reinforce Pompey the Younger’s military credentials. By associating himself with the victories in Spain, Pompey hoped to legitimize his claim to leadership, even in the face of Caesar’s overwhelming power. The coin’s imagery directly appealed to the Roman military elite, who valued military victories and personal achievements in battle.
• Pompey the Younger’s Propaganda: The coin also functioned as a piece of propaganda for Pompey the Younger. In a turbulent period marked by civil war and political intrigue, Pompey needed to reinforce his legitimacy and solidify his position. By linking himself to his father’s military triumphs and associating himself with the mighty Roman goddess Roma, Pompey sought to reassert his political relevance and claim the mantle of Roman leadership.

The Galley and Naval Power

Another important aspect of this coin is the emphasis on naval power, with Pompey the Younger being depicted on the prow of a ship. Pompey the Great was famous for his command of the Roman navy, and the Pirate War (67 BC), in which Pompey decisively defeated Mediterranean pirates, was one of his most significant achievements. The galley was a potent symbol of Roman naval supremacy, and by incorporating this imagery on the coin, Pompey the Younger was reminding the people of his family’s naval heritage. As Rome transitioned from a republic to an imperial structure, control over naval power became increasingly important, particularly as Rome expanded its borders and influence. By emphasizing his father’s naval legacy, Pompey the Younger hoped to project an image of competence and readiness to uphold Roman dominance on the seas.

A Coin of Legacy and Political Assertion

The Pompey the Younger denarius of 46-45 BC serves as an important reminder of the complexities of Roman politics and the role of coinage as a tool for political propaganda. Through its carefully crafted imagery, the coin reinforces Pompey the Younger’s connection to his father’s military legacy, his association with the divine protector Roma, and his own role as a military leader capable of continuing the family’s work. By depicting Hispania, the palm branch, and the galley prow, the coin not only celebrates past victories but also asserts Pompey the Younger’s place in the ongoing struggles for power in the late Republic. Though Pompey the Younger would ultimately fall short in his quest for power, this denarius stands as a testament to the political manoeuvring of the time and the ways in which Roman elites used coins to craft their public personas and claim their rightful place in Roman history.