ex Naumann ex Forum Ancient Coins

According to Sear, this type was part of a large output of coinage specially authorised by decree of the Senate, and likely necessitated by the extensive military operations during the dictatorship of Sulla. The moneyer, C. Naevius Balbus, was a keen supporter of Sulla, and the coin was likely minted in commemoration of the dictators victory over Mithridates VI of Pontus around six years earlier. Interestingly, the surname Balbus apparently signified one who stammers. The coin obverse features Venus, who was the patron deity of Sulla. The reverse features a three-horse chariot (a ‘triga’), which was fairly uncommon on the Republican coinage...the two-horse ‘biga’ or four-horse ‘quadriga’ being portrayed on many more types. The coin has a serrated edge, which was fairly common on Republican coins during this period. The purpose of the serration has been debated by scholars. Some have suggested it may have served a practical purpose such as forgery prevention. More recently it has been put forward, tentatively, that the serrated edges were purely a decorative feature.