Q. POMPONIUS MUSA. Denarius (56 BC). Rome.

Obv: Laureate head of Apollo right; two crossed tibiae (musical instruments) to left.
Rev: MVSA / Q POMPONI.
Euterpe (Muse of Music and Lyric Poetry) standing right, resting on column, holding two flutes.

Crawford 410/5; RBW 1487.

Euterpe is one of the nine Muses, daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne (goddess of memory). She was the muse of music and protector of wind instruments. She is often depicted with the aulos, an ancient double-reed wind instrument which, according to myth, was invented by her. Her name means “she who please” or “she who delights.” Euterpe inspires melodies and is the very essence of the joy that music can bring to the human soul. The aulos accompanied the most diverse moments of Greek life, during sporting events, sacred rites, and, of course, theatrical shows. Over time, Euterpe was also attributed with the protection of lyric poetry.

Condition: Very fine.

Weight: 3.63 g.
Diameter: 19 mm.