Mn. Cordius Rufus is the only known member of Cordia gens. Later he served as praetor and proconsul under Octavian.
The cognomen 'Rufus' means red, reddish or red-faced - and was one of the most common Roman bynames.
The cognomen 'Rufus' means red, reddish or red-faced - and was one of the most common Roman bynames.
Obverse: conjoined heads of the Dioscuri with laureate pilei right, stars above, RVFVS III VIR
Reverse: Venus Verticordia standing left, holding scales and scepter, Cupid on her shoulder, (MN)·CORDI
Diameter:
19 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.65 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.65 g
Rome or Athens mint. Moneyer is the only known member of Cordia gens. Later he served as preator and proconsul under Octavian.
After scandal with Vestal virgins the temple was dedicated to Venus Verticordia ("Venus the changer of hearts") in Rome 114 BC . Venus Verticordia is on one hand pun for Cordia and on the other hand supports Julius Caesar. Iulii claimed that their origin comes from Iulus son of Aeneas who was son of Venus.
Crawford 463/1b, SRCV I 440, RSC I Cordia 2b, Sydenham 976a