Q. Pomponius Musa, 56 BC. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 4.00 g, 6 h), Rome. Laureate head of Apollo to right; behind, star. Rev. [Q•P]OMPONI / [M]VSA Urania, the Muse of Astronomy, standing front, head to left, pointing with a wand held in her right hand at a globe set on base. Babelon (Pomponia) 22. Crawford 410/8. RBW 1488. Sydenham 823. The reverse struck somewhat off center, otherwise, very fine.


Other than on the coins of this moneyer, the name Musa is unknown in Roman history associated with the Pomponia gens. The reference to Hercules Musagetes and the nine Muses is obvious: it is a punning allusion to the name of the moneyer. It is probable that the representation of Hercules here, as well as the depictions of the Muses on Q. Pomponius Musa's other denarii, are actual representations of the statuary which M. Fulvius Nobilior had installed in the temple he erected to the Muses in the Circus Flaminius in 179 BC.