L. MUSSIDIUS LONGUS. Denarius (42 BC). Rome.

Obv: Radiate and draped bust of Sol facing slightly right.
Rev: L MVSSIDIVS LONGVS / CLOACIN.
Shrine of Venus Cloacina: Circular platform surmounted by two statues of the goddess, each with hand upon cippus.

Crawford 494/43a; CRI 189; RBW 1747.

The small temple of Venus Cloacina was linked to the Cloaca Maxima, which in this area headed toward the Roman Forum, built on the Via Sacra near the area of the Tabernae Novae. The shrine was dedicated to Venus protector of the Cloaca Maxima, the most important of ancient Rome's sewers. The deity was identified as the Goddess Cloacina, of Etruscan origin; after all, it was the Etruscans who taught the Romans about swamp draining and sewers. According to others, however, the nickname Cloacina comes from 'cluere' (=purify), for the ceremony used by Romans and Sabines in reconciling, purifying themselves of the blood they had shed among themselves. On this coin we see a small open-air shrine with a low circular enclosure that contained two cult statues, probably depicting ancient Cloacina and Venus, which eventually merged into Venus Cloacina.

Condition: Good very fine; luster in field.

Weight: 3.88 g.
Diameter: 18 mm.