Roman Republic
Sextus Pompeius Faustulus (137 BC), Denarius 137 BC, Rome mint
Obverse: helmeted head of Roma right, jug behind, X below chin
Reverse: she-wolf standing right, suckling Romulus and Remus, the shepherd Faustulus to left, fig tree in the background on which a woodpecker is seated, ROMA in exerque
SEX POM FOSTLVS
Weight 3.6 g
Reverse of the presented denarius refers to the legendary history of Rome. Remus and Romulus, abandoned by their mother, were adopted and cared for by she-wolf. Discovered by Faustulus, King Amilius' shepherd at the foot of the fig tree, they are saved and brought up by a shepherd and his wife, protecting their children from a destructive destiny.