This coin, the first entry in 'Moneta Romana' is a very recent purchase. While its value is moderate for a coin of this type, the image of victorious Sulla in triumph despite his own version of despotism, is a classic representation of the glory that was Rome.

Moneyer: L. Manlius Torquatus. He was Sulla's Proquaestor during the wars against Mithradates VI.

Mint Year: 82 BC

Type: Silver Denarius

Weight: 3.71 gm

Obverse Legend: L. MANLI, PRO.Q (for proquaestor).

Obverse Image: Roman helmeted facing right.

Reverse Legend: L SULLA IM (Lucius Sulla Imperator)

Interestingly, this is an early coin depicting a living Roman. It is Sulla in quadriga (4 horsed chariot) being crowned by Victory. Though unfortunately on my sample, both Victory and Sulla are not visible.

Julius Caesar is often credited/demonized for being the first living Roman to have his portrait featured on a coin. We can clearly see, however, that precedents were being set in which representations of living Romans were already showing up well before Caesar took that final fateful plunge. It is quite correct that Caesar was the first to feature an actual portrait though.