Q. Sicinius and C. Coponius. 49 BC. Denarius FORT - P•R Diademed head of Fortuna Populi Romani to right, wearing triple-pendant earring. Rev. Q•SICINIVS / III - •VIR Filleted palm branch and winged caduceus in saltire; above, wreath. Crawford 440/1; Sydenham 938; RBW 1555 This issue was minted in early 49 B.C., right as the senate was hearing of Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon. The senate threw their support behind Pompey and this issue was likely minted in Rome shortly thereafter. Read in context, the types come off as pure pro-Pompey propaganda: the palm frond, a traditional Roman symbol of victory and of triumphs; the wreath, awarded to Pompey by the senate for his defeat of Mithridates VI; the winged Caduceus, symbol of the god Mercury, patron of merchants, for his defeat of the Cilician pirates and return of commerce to the Mediterranean. The obverse with is Fortuna Populi Romani, the Fortune of the Roman People, suggesting of course that they should throw in their lot with Pompey. 3.7 g, 6h