![ROMAN REPUBLIC. Q. Pompeius Rufus, Denarius, 54 BC [ARR-74] - Image 2](https://colonialcoins.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ARR-74-1.jpg)
Description
Roman Republic, Quīntus Pompeius Q.f. Q.n. Rūfus of gens Pompeiī Aulī, as triumvir monētālis, Silver Denarius (3.82g, 17mm), Rome mint 54 BC. Obverse: Curule chair, lituus to left, wreath to right, “Q POMPEI RVF” on tablet below, “SVLLA COS” above. Rev. Curule chair, “COS” on tablet below, “Q· POMPEI· Q·F· RVFVS” above. Crawford434/2; Sydenham 909. Struck on an interestingly oval flan with most of the devices clear, each side quite sharp and visually attractive, particularly in hand, good Very Fine to near Extremely Fine.
Quīntus Pompeius ‘Quīntī fīlius’ ‘Quīntī nepōs’ Rūfus (Quintus Pompeius Rufus, Son of Quintus, Grandson of Quintus) was a member of gens Pompeia, more specifically the family branch gens Pompeiī Aulī, a plebeian family of Ancient Rome that first appeared in the 2nd century BC. He was the son of Cornēlia Sulla and Quīntus Pompeius Rūfus, thus a grandson of the Roman general and famous Dictātor Lūcius Cornēlius Sulla Fēlīx of gens Cornēlia (his name “SVLLA” inscribed on this denarius in commemoration), and he would become a prominent statesman, serving as a triumvir monētālis in 54 BC and Tribune of the Plebs in 52 BC, and was a staunch supporter of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, particularly at the prelude of the Pompeian-Caesarian Civil war. It is said that whilst Tribune of the Plebs, Quīntus Pompeius Rūfus stoked feelings of panic in Rome, hoping to drive support towards Pompey the Great, and worked at preventing the election of magistrates. This ultimately led to a confrontation with the senate, resulting in Pompey being appointed ‘consul sine collēga’ (Consul without colleague) of 52 BC.
