Pompey Magnus Denarius (42-40 BC) - A Posthumous Tribute to a Legendary Leader

The Pompey Magnus denarius, minted between 42 and 40 BC, offers a remarkable insight into the political and cultural dynamics of the Roman world during a time of deep transition. Struck posthumously, this coin celebrated the legacy of Pompey the Great, one of Rome’s most influential and celebrated figures. As a tool of propaganda and memory, the denarius provides much more than just a reflection of monetary value - it offers a glimpse into the way Pompey’s family, particularly his son Sextus Pompey, sought to honour and assert his father’s legacy in the turbulent years following Pompey’s death.

Obverse: A Posthumous Tribute to Pompey the Great

On the obverse of the coin, we find a bare head of Pompey the Great, facing right. Pompey’s image on this denarius was minted after his death in 48 BC and served as a constant reminder of his immense influence. His military victories, political prowess, and larger-than-life persona were key themes for those who minted the coin, most notably his son Sextus Pompey. The decision to feature Pompey’s head on the coin was not just an honour to his memory, but also a way to solidify his place in Rome’s collective identity, showing that his legacy lived on even after his fall. Behind Pompey’s head, a jug appears - likely symbolizing Pompey’s connection to the province of Asia, known for its wine production. This small but significant detail connects Pompey to an important Roman province and reinforces his association with wealth, prosperity, and the Mediterranean trade. In front of his face, a lituus appears, a curved staff traditionally used by augurs to mark omens and divine will. The presence of the lituus emphasizes Pompey’s perceived favour with the gods and his divine legitimacy, which Roman leaders often used to bolster their claim to authority. Encircling the head is the inscription: MAG•PIVS•IMP•ITER, meaning "Magnus Pius Imperator Iterum" - "Pompey the Great, Pious, Commander Again." This phrase ties Pompey’s legacy directly to his virtues as a general and statesman. “Magnus” (Great) emphasizes his military might and strategic brilliance, while “Pius” (Pious) highlights his perceived devotion to Rome and the gods. The title “Imperator Iterum” (Commander Again) not only reaffirms his military prowess but also subtly asserts that Pompey’s power was something that could return, even after his death, through his family and supporters.

Reverse: Neptune, the Catanaean Brothers, and a Naval Legacy

The reverse of the denarius brings us to an equally rich symbolism: Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, stands left, wearing a diadem, holding an aplustre (a naval ornament) in his right hand and draped in a cloak over his left arm. With his right foot placed on the prow of a ship, Neptune embodies the naval power that was central to Pompey the Great's legacy. Neptune’s representation here is particularly important because Pompey’s naval command was one of the most celebrated aspects of his career. In 67 BC, Pompey was given command of the Roman fleet and effectively secured Roman dominance over the Mediterranean, defeating pirate threats and restoring peace to critical trade routes. Thus, Neptune’s portrayal on this coin ties Pompey to the god of the seas, reinforcing his control over maritime affairs and his pivotal role in Rome's naval victories. Between Neptune and the ship stands a symbolic scene involving the Catanaean brothers, Anapias and Amphinomus, who are each depicted carrying one of their parents on their shoulders. This mythological reference hails from Greek tragedy, where the brothers were known for their heroic actions and piety, demonstrating great devotion to their family. By including this mythological reference, the coin not only connects Pompey’s naval prowess with themes of familial devotion but also positions Pompey himself as a heroic figure - someone who, like the brothers, performed great deeds for Rome. Above the image of Neptune and the Catanaean brothers, we see the monogram MAR, which stands for Mare (the sea), further emphasizing Pompey’s naval dominance. This monogram ties the coin’s imagery directly to Pompey’s maritime legacy, and by extension, to his son Sextus Pompey’s continued control over naval forces in the Mediterranean. The connection between Pompey and Neptune solidified his identity as a commander capable of securing Rome’s maritime interests, and by extension, Rome’s prosperity. In the exergue, beneath the main imagery, we find the inscription PRÆF CLAS•ET•ORÆ MARIT•EX•S•C, which translates to “Prefect of the Fleet and the Naval Forces by decree of the Senate and People”. This inscription was a direct reference to Pompey’s official title, which was granted to him as part of his command over Rome’s fleet. By including this on the coin, the mint reaffirms the divine and official legitimacy of Pompey’s role as commander of the Mediterranean fleet and suggests that his naval authority was not only divine in nature but also endorsed by the Roman Senate and People.

A Time of Civil War and Legacy

The Pompey Magnus denarius was minted during a time of great political instability. Following the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC, Rome plunged into civil war, with several factions vying for control. Sextus Pompey, Pompey the Great’s son, used the image of his father to position himself as the rightful heir to Pompey’s legacy and as a challenger to the rising power of the Second Triumvirate (Octavian, Antony, and Lepidus). The coin’s symbolism emphasized the continued relevance of Pompey’s military and political legacy and sought to rally support around his son’s claim. Pompey the Great had been a dominant figure in Roman politics and military strategy before his downfall in the civil wars. His defeat at the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC marked the end of his direct influence on Rome, but his posthumous representation on coins like this one kept his memory alive, especially for those who still viewed his family as legitimate rulers.

A Lasting Legacy Through Coinage

The Pompey Magnus denarius is much more than a coin - it is a masterclass in Roman political propaganda and legacy-building. By featuring Pompey’s image alongside symbols of naval power and divine favor, this coin communicates not only his historical significance but also the continuing efforts of his family to maintain his memory and influence. In the face of political upheaval, Pompey’s image on this coin was a reminder of the strength, honour, and might that he represented. Through his posthumous portrayal, Pompey the Great’s legacy continued to inspire - and to fuel the ambitions of those who sought to follow in his formidable footsteps.