SEXTUS POMPEIUS MAGNUS PIUS. Denarius (37/6 BC). Uncertain Sicilian mint.
Obv: MAG PIVS IMP ITER.
Bare head right; jug to left, lituus to right.
Rev: PRAEF / CLAS ET ORAE / MARIT EX S C.
Neptune standing left, foot set on prow, holding aplustre; Catanean brothers to left and right, each bearing one of their parents on their shoulders.
Crawford 511/3a; CRI 334.
Condition: very fine.
Weight: 3.05 g.
Diameter: 16.5 mm.
The presence of Neptune in several issues of Sextus Pompey alludes to his command of the seas, and the depiction of the Sicilian legend of the brothers Amphinomus and Anapias indicates the probable location of the mint. These two brothers are said to have carried their parents upon their shoulders in order to escape the destruction of an eruption of Mount Etna. This story of loyalty to one’s parents complements the portrait of Sextus’ father on the obverse type.