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Denarius Cornelia: Lucius Cornelius Sulla, L•SVLLA / IMPER ITERVM
| Issuer | Roman Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
|---|---|
| Year | 84 BC - 83 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Obverse description | Diademed head of Venus facing right, rendered in fine relief with delicate classical features characteristic of late Republican die-cutting. To the right of the portrait stands Cupid, depicted facing left and holding a palm-branch in his right hand, serving as a dynastic emblem associating Sulla with the goddess Venus. A moneyer's control mark appears below the bust. The field is bounded by a border of dots, and the legend L•SVLLA is inscribed identifying the issuing magistrate, Lucius Cornelius Sulla. |
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| Obverse lettering | L•SVLLA (Translation: Lucius [Cornelius] Sulla) |
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| Additional information |
Sulla struck this issue in the East — almost certainly in Greece or Asia Minor — while preparing for his return to Italy and the civil war against the Marian faction. The legend IMPER ITERVM, claiming a second imperatorial acclamation, was a pointed political assertion: Sulla was broadcasting his military authority to an audience that included his own troops, potential allies in Rome, and enemies who had declared him a public enemy in absentia.
He crossed back into Italy at Brundisium in 83 BC with five veteran legions hardened by the Mithridatic campaigns.