There were at least seven notable Romans who were named Lucius Valerius Flaccus. Between 261 BC and 86 BC six of them held consulships; and one, the moneyer of this coin, went on to hold the censorship. The current Lucius Valerius Flaccus is apparently the son of the consul of the same name who held the position of Flamen Martialis, recalled by the figure of Mars together with the apex on the reverse of this coin. The Flamen Martialis was a high priest who oversaw the cult of Mars, the god of war. Duties included leading public rites on the days sacred to Mars. Like his father, this Lucius Valerius Flaccus also went on to hold the position of Flamen Martialis. In addition, this coin appears to record two other events connected with the Valeria gens: the successes of L. Valerius Flaccus in the north of Italy against the Gauls in 194 BC and the colonization of Placentia and Cremona by the triumvir of the same name in 190 BC, referred to by the corn-ear. The M.J. Collection consisted of Roman Republican and Imperial coins and was formed in Portugal between the 1970's and 1990's. For a similar coin with matching dies see Hess Divo, Auction 317; Lot 566.