Roman Republic Denarius Replica – Triskeles & Jupiter (Civil War Issue, 49 BCE)

This coin is a replica of a Roman denarius struck in 49–48 BCE, at the outbreak of the civil war between Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great. Issued by the Pompeian supporters L. Cornelius Lentulus and C. Marcellus, it was both currency and political propaganda in one of Rome’s most turbulent moments.

• Obverse (front): The triskeles (three bent legs) with the head of Medusa at the center, flanked by stalks of grain. The triskeles symbol, long associated with Sicily, recalled Pompey’s naval strongholds, while Medusa evoked divine terror against enemies.
• Reverse (back): Jupiter (Zeus) standing, holding a thunderbolt and an eagle, with a harpa (sickle-like sword) beside him. The god of sky and justice symbolized Rome’s divine protector, punishing oath-breakers and perjurers — a pointed message aimed at Julius Caesar.

This denarius was minted to rally loyalty to Pompey’s cause, contrasting his image of divine legitimacy with Caesar’s controversial seizure of power. Today, it stands as one of the most iconic coins of the late Republic, embodying the intersection of warfare, religion, and politics.