Clio — Muse of History

CNG 112, Lot: 531. Estimate $1000. Sold for $1100. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Q. Pomponius Musa. 56 BC. AR Denarius (18mm, 3.81 g, 2h). Rome mint. Laureate head of Apollo right; volumen to left / Clio, the Muse of History, wearing long flowing tunic and peplum, standing left, holding and reading from an open scroll, resting left elbow on draped column; Q • POMPON[I] downward to right, M’VSA downward to left. Crawford 410/3; Sydenham 813; Pomponia 11; RBW 1485. Lightly toned, slightly off center, a few light scratches. Good VF. Wonderful reverse!.

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 100 (29 May 2017), lot 306.

Clio, the Muse of History, is depicted in most representations holding and reading aloud from a scroll. She is one of nine Muses, all daughters of Zeus/Jupiter by the Titaness Mnemosyne. In her role as the proclaimer and glorifier of great deeds, she has become the symbol and namesake of many modern organizations, companies, and brands, including the Clio Awards for excellence in advertising.