Q. Pomponius Musa, 56 BC. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 4.15 g, 5 h), Rome. Laureate head of Apollo to right; behind, calceus (sandal). Rev. Q•POMPONI / MVSA Thalia, the Muse of Comedy, standing facing, head to left, holding comic mask in her right hand and leaning with her left elbow on column. Babelon (Pomponia) 21. Crawford 410/9a. RBW -. Sydenham 822. Lightly toned. Struck from worn dies and with some deposits, 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.