Roman Republic, Denarius

The obverse of this denarius from the year 82 BC shows Apollo, the Greek god of light, healing and prophecy, wearing a laurel wreath. The reverse depicts the satyr Marsyas carrying a wine skin over his shoulder. Behind him is a column with a statue of Victory. The legend L. CENSOR refers to the moneyer Lucius Marcius Censorinus.

According to Greek legend Marsyas was a flute-playing satyr who challenged the god Apollo to a contest. He lost and was flayed alive. The reason why the moneyer commissioned this design is unclear.