In 82 BC, the conservative general and politician Lucius Cornelius Sulla seized power in Rome and had himself appointed dictator by the senate. This silver denarius was struck that very yearand carries his name.
The design on the obverse deliberately harks back to that of early Republican coins. With this Sulla wanted to show that he did not intend to overthrow the Republic and to establish a permanent dictatorship. It portrays Roma, the goddess and personification of Rome. The reverse depicts Sulla as Triumphator – a victorious general in a four-horse chariot, entering the city of Rome in a procession. A flying Victory is approaching, ready to crown him. Below is the inscription L. SVLLA. IM for Lucius Sulla, Imperator.