Q. Pomponius Musa, 56 BC. Denarius (Silver, 18 mm, 4.06 g, 8 h), Rome. Q•POMPON[I] MVSA Head of Apollo to right, wearing taenia. Rev. HERCVLES / MVSARVM Hercules Musagetes standing right, wearing lion's skin and playing lyre. Babelon (Pomponia) 8 var. (club at Hercules' feet). Crawford 410/1 var. (club at Hercules' feet). RBW -. Sydenham 810 var. (club at Hercules' feet). Apparently unpublished without the club in the right field before the feet of Hercules. An attractive coin of fine style. Some old scratches under toning, otherwise, good 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.