One interpretation of the reverse of this coin depicts Sulla lying asleep, surrounded by elements of a prophetic dream described by Plutarch. Before Sulla’s march on Rome in 88 BC, he dreamed of a goddess—possibly Luna, Minerva, or Bellona—standing by his side and handing him a thunderbolt, instructing him to strike his enemies. Inspired by the vision, Sulla marched on Rome and triumphed over his foes. On the coin, Luna, identified by her crescent moon symbol, stands before the sleeping figure, while Victory, representing the dream’s fulfillment, stands behind him.

This interpretation has been questioned, as the coin was issued by L. Aemilius Buca, an appointee of Julius Caesar and associated with the populares faction. Sulla, however, is closely tied to the opposing optimate faction, making his portrayal politically incongruous. Some argue the coin instead depicts the myth of Endymion, a shepherd beloved by Selene (Roman Luna), who begged Zeus to grant him eternal youth and sleep so she could gaze upon him forever. This explanation fits the sleeping figure and Luna's presence but struggles to explain the inclusion of Victory.

Despite the alternative interpretation, the presence of Victory strongly aligns with Sulla’s dream. Victory is unrelated to the Endymion myth but is crucial to the narrative of Sulla’s success. Moreover, modern scholarship suggests that the populares and optimates were not rigid political factions akin to modern parties, allowing for greater flexibility in symbolism. Therefore, it is more likely that the coin commemorates Sulla’s dream and his decisive actions during his campaign on Rome.


Moneyer issues of Imperatorial Rome. L. Aemilius Buca. January 44 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.93 g, 6h). Rome mint. Head of Venus right, wearing stephane; L • BVCA downward to left / Sulla's dream: in the foreground on left, Sulla reclining right against a rock, his left arm supporting his head; on right is seen Luna Lucifera, wearing crescent on head, descending left from a mountain, her veil floating above her head and holding lighted torch in right hand; Victory with spread wings standing facing in background, holding palm frond in raised right hand. Crawford 480/1; Alföldi Type I, 28-37 (A6/R6); CRI 164; Sydenham 1064; Aemilia 12; RBW 1677

Ex Goldman Collection (Triton XVI, 7 January 2013), lot 831; Varesi 51 (23 April 2008), lot 98; Numismatica Ars Classica 29 (11 May 2005), lot 400.