Denar of Sextus Pompeius Magnus (106- 48 v. Chr.)

Description

Obverse head of his father Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus to the right with jug, lituus in front. MAG(nus) PIVS IMP(erator) ITER(um).
The reverse shows Neptune in the middle, putting his foot on a ship’s prow (Prora), to the right and left of him the Catanean brothers Anapias and Amphinomus with their parents on their shoulders. PRAEF(ectus) CLAS(sis) ET ORAE MARIT(imae) EX S(enatus) C(onsulto) (“Commander of the Fleet and Sea Coasts by Order of the Senate”). Sextus bore this title only for a short time.
The Sicilian myth of the two brothers Anapias and Amphinomus, who save their parents from the burning house before the eruption of Mount Etna, is a symbol of the respectful attitude (pietas) towards the parents. The eruption of Mount Etna is symbolized by the sea god Neptune, who was also responsible for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which he was able to trigger with his trident.
Denarius, silver, diameter 19 mm, minted 42-40 BC on Sicily. Replica in silver.