Coins from 92-79 BC
Marcus Livius Drusus was Tribunis Plebis in 91 BC when he revived the cause of the Gracchi brothers and proposed to extent citizenship to the Socii - the Italian cities allied to Rome. He was promptly assassinated - and his death sparked the devestating war known as the Social War, which lasted until 88 BC.

From the ashes of that war emerged two strongmen - Sulla and Marius - who each fought to shape the future of the Republic. After defeating Marius, Sulla revived the office of Dictator and enacted a series of constitutional reforms returning power to the Senate at the cost of the Tribunes.

He then dismissed his Dictatorship, returned power to the Consuls, and was elected consul on regular terms in 80 BC, after which he retired. He died the following year.
92-79 BC
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An AR Denarius Serratus struck 81 BC in Rome
Obverse: Veiled head of Hispania right, HISPAN downward in left field.

Reverse: Togate figure standing left, raising hand, between aquila and fasces. A – POST•A•F – •S•N – ALBIN across fields and in exergue.

Diameter: 20 mm
Die Orientation: 10 H
Weight: 4.13 g
"This is one of the Republican types where a moneyer celebrated the achievements of a famous ancestor. According to Crawford, the reverse "Combining a togate figure on one hand with an eagle and the fasces on the other hand, perhaps simply alludes to civilian and military imperium; taken with the obverse type the reference is doubtless to the Spanish command of L. Postumius Albinus"(Crawford, RRC p. 389). The L. Postumius Albinus referenced was an ancestor of this moneyer who was praetor in 180 BC and given the province of Hispania Ulterior after conquering the Vaccaei and Lusitani, and the levying of troops for this campaign. The reverse of the coin probably depicts several key moments in Roman history. Most likely, it commemorates the raising of troops for the Spanish campaign, but may be related to the efforts of Lucius Postumius Albinus that led to Masinissa and Carthaginian victories. It may also commemorate the Roman expedition against Perseus in the Macedonian war. This denarius inspired the denarius of Hostilius Saserna, struck in 48 BC, publicizing Roman intervention in Gaul"

Provenance: CNG 106 (13 September 2017), lot 651. Ex Deyo Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 90, 23 May 2012), lot 1334. Stack’s (9 December 1992), lot 3177.
Crawford 372/2
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An AR Denarius Serratus struck 81 BC in Sardinia
Obverse: draped bust of Diana right, bow and quiver over shoulder, bucranium above

Reverse: togate figure standing left before flaming altar, holding sprinkler over sacrificial bull, all on stone platform, A·POST ·A·F S·N·(AL)BIN

Diameter: 18 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.7 g

According story described by Livy: in Sabina a cattle of admirable size and beauty was born. Animal was sacrificed and his skull (bucranium) was placed in temple of Diana where it commemorate this wonder. The event was considered to be a prophetic sign that town whose citizen sacrifice the animal will rule. Before battle at Regillius Lake Roman citizen (Postumius' ancestor) took the cattle and sacrificed it in the temple of Diana on Aventine.

Crawford 372/1, SRCV I 296, Sydenham 745, RSC I Postumia 7
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An AR Denarius Serratus struck 81 BC in Sardinia
Obverse: veiled head of Hispania right, HISPAN

Reverse: togate figure standing left, extending hand toward legionary eagle right; fasces with axe right A· / (AL)BIN / N·S· / POST·A·F

Diameter: 19 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.8 g

Refers to the praetorship of L. Postumius Albinus over Spain and his successful expeditions against the Vaccaei and Lusitani, and the levying of troops for this campaign.

Crawford 372/2, Sydenham 746, RSC I Postumia 8, BMCRR I Rome 2839, SRCV I 297
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An AR Denarius struck 92 BC in Rome
Obverse: Diademed female head right(Diana?); BALA downwards to left; R (control mark) below chin.

Reverse: Diana in a biga of stags to right; with quiver over shoulder and holding sceptre and reins in left hand and torch in right; grasshopper below stags, C•ALLI in exergue; all within laurel wreath.

Diameter: 17 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.88 g
This moneyer is not otherwise known.

"In Roman mythology, Diana was the goddess of the hunt, the moon and childbirth, associated with wild animals and woodland, and having the power to talk to and control animals. Oak groves were especially sacred to her. She was equated with the Greek goddess Artemis, though she had an independent origin in Italy. In myth, Diana was born with her twin brother Apollo on the island of Delos, daughter of Jupiter and Latona. Diana was known to be the virgin goddess of childbirth and women. She was one of the three maiden goddesses, along with Minerva and Vesta, who swore never to marry."

Provenance: e-Bay sale (November 2017).
Crawford 336/1b
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An AR Denarius struck 93 (92)BC in Rome
Obverse: diademed and draped head Diana right wearing earring and necklace; BALA

Reverse: Diana in biga of stags holding torch and scepter in right hand and reins in left hand; below grasshopper right; C•ALLI

Diameter: 17 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.9 g
No notes for this coin
Crawford 336/1b var., Sydenham 595, RSC I Aelia 4, SRCV I 221
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An AR Denarius struck 82-81 BC in Military Mint | Narbonensis
Obverse: diademed draped bust of Anna Parenna right; caduceus left, scales right, dagger below C·ANNI·T·F·T·N · PRO·COS·EX·S·C·

Reverse: Victory in quadriga right, holding palm branch and reins, Q / L·FABI·L·F·HISP

Diameter: 19.5 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.7 g
C. Annius T.f. T.n. Luscus and L. Fabius L.f. Hispaniensis, mint in north Italy. Moneyer apparently used Anna Parenna as a pun to his name Annius. It is the only known depiction of Anna Parenna whose identity is very complicated. "An older myth tells that Anna Perenna was an old woman from the city of Bollivae in Latium. The myth tells that Anna Perenna brought bread and cakes to the Plebeians who wanted to separate from Rome because of their unequal status as Plebeians in 494 BC and so she saved them from starving. This is why she was popular on the common people and considered as goddes after her death. A later tradition from the time of the myth of Aeneas made Anna the sister of Dido. After Dido has committed suicide and Carthage was conquered she had to fly. A heavy storm throw her to the coast of Latium at Laurentum where Aeneas was the ruler. Aeneas and his companion went to the beach and he recognized her and took her to his palace. In a dream Anna was warned to be alarmed at the traps that Lavinia, Aeneas' wife, would set for her so she fled from the palace. While she was wandering she met Numicius, the god of a nearby stream who carried her off to his bed. The servants of Aeneas searched for Anna and followed her tracks to the river bank a shape rose from the water and revealed to them that Anna had become a water nymph, whose new name, Perenna, signified eternity. Aeneas' servants in their joy scattered among the fields and passed the day in feasting and festivities, which became established as an annual celebration of the festival of Anna Perenna. There is another opinion too that she committed suicide by drowning in the river Numicius because of her desperation. In another myth she was an old woman again. Mars was fallen in love to Minerva, sworn virgin. Mars asked Anna Perenna for interceding on his behalf. But instead of this - knowing about the impossibility of his wishes - she dressed herself like Minerva and came to Mars veiled. When he tried to kiss her she lifted her veil, break out in laughter and mocked Mars. Minerva's main festival, the Quinquatrus, was celebrated 4 days after the festival of Anna Perenna so this could be reason of this story." from Jochen's coins of mythological interest.
Crawford 366/1a, SRCV I 289, Sydenham 748, RSC I Annia 2
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An AR Denarius struck 86 BC in Rome
Obverse: Head of Apollo right

Reverse: Jupiter in Quadriga right, Holding reins and thunderbolt

Diameter: 20 mm
Die Orientation: 3 H
Weight: 3.37 g
Clipped
Cr. 350A/2
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An AR Denarius struck 86 BC in Rome
Obverse: laureate head of Apollo or Vejovis right, thunderbolt below

Reverse: Jupiter in quadriga right, holding thunderbolt and reins

Diameter: 18.5 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.95 g
No notes for this coin
Crawford 350a/2, SRCV I 266, RSC I 226, Sydenham 723
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An AR Denarius struck 84 BC in Rome
Obverse: diademed bust of Vejovis left, from behind, hurling thunderbolt

Reverse: Minerva in quadriga right holding javelin and reins, shield C·LICINIUS·L·F / MACER

Diameter: 21 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.66 g
Moneyer was an official and annalist of ancient Rome. He became tribune in 73 BC and praetor in 68, but in 66 Cicero succeeded in convicting him of bribery and extortion, upon which Macer committed suicide. He wrote a history of Rome, in 16 books which is now lost. Livy casts doubt on Macer's reliability, suggesting that he misrepresented events in order to glorify the Licinii, but notes that he quotes original sources, such as the Linen Rolls. (wikipedia)
Crawford 354/1, SRCV I 274, RSC I Licinia 16, Sydenham 732
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An AR Denarius Serratus struck 83 (82)BC in Praeneste | Rome
Obverse: draped bust of Mercury right wearing winged petasus caduceus behind

Reverse: Ulysses walking right, holding staff, dog Argus left; C·MAMIL__LIME(TA)N

Diameter: 18 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 4.1 g
No notes for this coin
Crawford 362/1, SRCV I 282, Sydenham 741, RSC I Mamilia 6
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An AR Denarius struck 88 BC in Rome
Obverse: jugate heads of bearded Numa Pompilius and Ancus Marcius right

Reverse: Desultor right riding two horses, wearing conical cap, holding whip; XXXIII / C·CENSO

Diameter: 18.5 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.8 g
No notes for this coin
Crawford 346/1b, SRCV I 256, Sydenham 713b, RSC I Marcia 18
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An AR Denarius Serratus struck 82 (81)BC in Praeneste
Obverse: draped bust of Ceres with corn wreath right, running horse to the right, CAPIT.CXXXV

Reverse: ploughman conducting yoke of two oxen, CXXXV / C·MARI·C·F / S·C

Diameter: 18 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 4.06 g
No notes for this coin
Crawford 378/1c, SRCV I 300, Sydenham 744b, RSC I Maria 9
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An AR Denarius Serratus struck 79 BC in Sardinia
Obverse: diademed head of Venus right; S·C

Reverse: Victory right in triga holding reins; XXXIII / C·N(AE)·B(AL)B

Diameter: 17 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.9 g
ex Naumann ex Forum Ancient Coins
Crawford 382/1b, SRCV I 309, RSC I Naevia 6, Sydenham 769b, BMCRR Rome 2937 var. (XXXIIII)
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An AR Denarius Serratus struck 79 BC in Rome
Obverse: Diademed head of Venus right; SC behind, E below chin

Reverse: Victory in triga right; C NÆ BALB in exergue

Diameter: 19 mm
Die Orientation: 5 H
Weight: 3.91 g
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.
RSC Naevia 6b; Crawford 382/1A; Sear 309
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An AR Denarius struck 83 BC in Rome
Obverse: Diademed bust of Venus right; CVII behind, C•NORBANVS below

Reverse: Corn ear, fasces and caduceus

Diameter: 21 mm
Die Orientation: 12 H
Weight: 3.93 g
No notes for this coin
Crawford 357/1a; RSC Norbana 2; Sear 278
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An AR Denarius struck 84 (83)BC in Sicily | Bruttium
Obverse: diademed head of Venus right, wearing single drop earring and pearl necklace CLIII C·NORBANVS

Reverse: grain ear, fasces and caduceus

Diameter: 18.5 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.9 g
Moneyer's family came from Volscian town Norba. Reverse commemorates activity of elder C. Norbanus, moneyer's father, during the Social War, when he raised troops, organized a fleet, and provisioned the town of Rhegium. He, as a consul, led popular forces and was defeated by Sulla in 83 BC.
Crawford 357/1b, RSC I Norbana 2, Sydenham 739, BMCRR I Rome 2810, SRCV I 278
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An AR Denarius Serratus struck 80 BC in Rome
Obverse: Helmeted and draped bust of Roma right; K (control mark) above; ROMA downwards in left field.

Reverse: Hercules standing left, strangling Nemean Lion; club at his feet, K (control mark) above; bow and arrows in left field; C•POBLICI•Q•F upwards in right field.

Diameter: 19 mm
Die Orientation: 5 H
Weight: 3.9 g
Provenance: CNG Electronic auction 412 (17 January 2018), lot 406. Ex Bertolami 24 (22 June 2016), lot 468.
Crawford 380/1
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An AR Denarius Serratus struck 80 BC in Praeneste | Rome
Obverse: draped bust of Roma right wearing Phrygian helmet with side feathers; ROMA / P

Reverse: naked Hercules left strangling Nemean lion; bow with arrows in quiver left, club below; C·POBLICI·Q·F / P

Diameter: 17 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 4 g
No notes for this coin
Crawford 380/1, SRCV I 308, Sydenham 768, RSC I Poblicia 9
(19) C. Servilius | M. Caecilius Metellus
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An AR Denarius struck 82-81 (82-80)BC in Praeneste | Rome
Obverse: head of Apollo right wearing taenia; ROMA__(XVI)

Reverse: Macedonin shield decorated with elephant head right, all within laurel wreath; M·METELLVS·Q·F·

Diameter: 16.5 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.9 g
restored issue struck under C. Servilius, winter 82-81 BC
Crawford 369/1; Sydenham 719; Caecilia 30
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An AR Quinarius struck 88BC in Rome
Obverse: Laureate head of Jupiter right.

Reverse: Victory standing right, crowning trophy; CN LENT in exergue (NT in monogram)

Diameter: 14 mm
Die Orientation: 2 H
Weight: 1.85 g
No notes for this coin
RSC Cornelia 51; Sear 255; Crawford 345/2
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An AR Quinarius struck 88 BC in Rome
Obverse: laureate head of Jupiter right

Reverse: Victory standing right, crowning trophy with wreath; CN LE(NT)

Diameter: 14 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 1.9 g
No notes for this coin
Crawford 345/2, SRCV I 255, Sydenham 703, RSC I Cornelia 5
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An AR Denarius struck 91 BC in Rome
Obverse: head of Roma right wearing winged helmet T

Reverse: Victory in biga galloping right X D·SILANVS·L·F / ROMA

Diameter: 18 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 4 g
No notes for this coin
Crawford 337/3, SRCV I 225, Sydenham 646, RSC I Junia 15
(23) L. | C. Memmius L.f. Gal.
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An AR Denarius struck 87 BC in Rome
Obverse: laureate head of Saturn left; harpa left; EX·S·C / ::A

Reverse: Venus in slow biga right, holding staff and reins; above Cupid flying left, holding wreath; L·C·MEMIES·L·F / GAL

Diameter: 18 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 4 g
No notes for this coin
Crawford 349/1, Sydenham 712, RSC I Memmia 8, SRCV I 262, RBW Collection 1328 var. (control), BMCRR I Rome 2421 ff. Var
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An AR Denarius struck 90 BC in Rome
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo right, trident behind, control mark A below chin.

Reverse: Warrior riding horse right, holding palm frond and reins, above a trident right. L PISO FRUGI and control mark R in two lines below.

Diameter: 19 mm
Die Orientation: 1 H
Weight: 3.9 g
Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi, a monetalis around 90 BC. As praetor in 74, he vetoed many of the edicts issued by his colleague Verres, who was famously attacked by Cicero in the speeches known as the Verrines.
Crawford 340/1, Sydenham 669f, Calpurnia 11.
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An AR Denarius struck 90 BC in Rome
Obverse: laureate head of Apollo right, E / A

Reverse: Horseman holding palm branch galloping right L·PISO FRVGI / A

Diameter: 19 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.8 g
Issue commemorates Ludi Apollinares which was held by moneyer's ancestor L. Calpurnius Piso in 212 BC for the first time. It's the most extensive republican issue. There is more than 300 variant of this coin.
Crawford 340/1, RSC I Calpurnia 11, SRCV I 235
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An AR Quinarius struck 90 BC in Rome
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo right, club (control mark) in left field.

Reverse: Victory advancing right, holding wreath and palm-branch, L PI - SO across fields, FRVGI in exergue.

Diameter: 14 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 2.16 g
"Introduced as part of the currency reform of 211 BC, the silver quinarius was initially tariffed at one half of a denarius and five copper asses. Along with the silver sestertius, it ceased to be regularly minted after about 208 BC and was struck only sporadically thereafter. The periodic strikings that did occur were intended to facilitate trade with the Celtic tribes in Gaul and Britain, who seemed to appreciate the coin's small size and even struck their own imitations of Roman quinarii. The issue of L. Piso Frugi in 90 BC complemented that moneyer's enormous output of denarii, which helped finance the Social war raging in Italy."

Provenance: Naville Numismatics, Auction 42 (22 July 2018), lot 422. Ex Sternberg Auction 18 (20 November 1986), lot 323.
Crawford 340/2e
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An AR Denarius struck 84-83 BC in Military Mint
Obverse: Head of Venus and Cupid holding palm branch

Reverse: IMPER ITERVM - Jug and Lituus between two trophies

Diameter: -
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.24 g
No notes for this coin
Cr-359/2, Syd-761, Cornelia 29
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An AR Denarius struck 85 BC in Rome
Obverse: laureate and winged male head right, trident and poppy stem left

Reverse: Victory in quadriga right, holding wreath and reins; HV / L·IVLI·BVRSIO

Diameter: 21 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.8 g
The strange deity on the obverse combines attributes of Apollo, Mercury and Neptune.
Crawford 352/1c, Syd. 728e
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An AR Denarius struck 83 (82)BC in Military Mint | Campania
Obverse: bust of Roma right wearing winged helmet PRO Q L MANLI

Reverse: Sulla right in quadriga holding caduceus and reins, Victory flying right holding wreath L·SVLLA·IM

Diameter: 18 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.9 g

mint in south Italy. Reverse depicts Sulla's upcoming triumph which was held on 29-30 Janury 81 BC.

Crawford 367/5, SRCV I 286, RSC I Manlia 4, Sydenham 757
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An AR Denarius struck 82 BC in Rome
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo right.

Reverse: Marsyas standing left, raising hand and holding wineskin over shoulder; L•CENSOR downwards in left field; column surmounted by statue of Minerva(?) in right field.

Diameter: 18 mm
Die Orientation: 6 H
Weight: 3.46 g
"In Greek mythology, the satyr Marsyas is a central figure in two stories involving music: in one, he picked up the double oboe (aulos) that had been abandoned by Athena and played it; in the other, he challenged Apollo to a contest of music and lost his hide and life. In antiquity, literary sources often emphasise the hubris of Marsyas and the justice of his punishment."

"Among the Romans, Marsyas was cast as the inventor of augury and a proponent of free speech (the philosophical concept "parrhesia") and "speaking truth to power." The earliest known representation of Marsyas at Rome stood for at least 300 years in the Roman Forum near or in the comitium, the space for political activity. He was depicted as a silen, carrying a wineskin on his left shoulder and raising his right arm. The statue was regarded as an indicium libertatis, a symbol of liberty, and was associated with demonstrations of the plebs, or common people. It often served as a sort of kiosk upon which invective verse was posted."

"The plebeian gens of the Marcii claimed that they were descended from Marsyas. Gaius Marcius Rutilus, who rose to power from the plebs, is credited with having dedicated the statue that stood in the Roman forum, most likely in 294 BC, when he became the first plebeian censor and added the cognomen Censorinus to the family name. Marcius Rutilus was also among the first plebeian augurs, co-opted into their college in 300, and so the mythical teacher of augury was an apt figure to represent him."

"The descendant of Marcius Rutilus, L. Marcius Censorinus, issued coins depicting the statue of Marsyas, at a time when the augural college was the subject of political controversy during the Sullan civil wars of the 80s BC. On the coin, Marsyas wears a Phrygian cap or pilleus, an emblem of liberty. This Marcius Censorinus was killed by Sulla and his head displayed outside Praeneste. Sulla's legislative program attempted to curtail power invested in the people, particularly restricting the powers of the plebeian tribunes, and to restore the dominance of the senate and the privileges of patricians."

Provenance: CNG 106 (13 September 2017), lot 649.
Crawford 363/1d
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An AR Denarius struck 83 (82)BC in Rome
Obverse: laureate head of Apollo right

Reverse: Marsyas standing left, rising hand, holding with wine skin over shoulder; column topped with Victory behind L·CENSOR

Diameter: 18 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.8 g
The moneyer selected the design to play on his name, Marsyas sounds like Marcius. Marsyas found Athena's flute. Inspired by the breath of a goddess, it played beautifully. Foolishly he challenged Apollo to a musical contest. Apollo won by singing to the music of his lyre. As a just punishment for his presumption, Apollo flayed Marsyas alive. His blood was the source of the river Marsyas, and his skin was hung like a wine bag in the cave out of which that river flows. The column depicted on reverse stood on Forum Romanum near praetorian tribunal. It was built by moneyer's ancestor C. Marcius Rutilius Censorius who as the first plebeian became augur in 300 BC and who also became censor as one of the first plebeians.
Crawford 363/1, SRCV I 281, Sydenham 737, RSC I Marcia 24
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An AR Denarius struck 82 BC in Rome
Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo right.

Reverse: Marsyas standing left, raising hand and holding wineskin over shoulder; L•CENSOR downwards in left field; column surmounted by statue of Minerva(?) in right field

Diameter: 18 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.99 g
"In Greek mythology, the satyr Marsyas is a central figure in two stories involving music: in one, he picked up the double oboe (aulos) that had been abandoned by Athena and played it; in the other, he challenged Apollo to a contest of music and lost his hide and life. In antiquity, literary sources often emphasise the hubris of Marsyas and the justice of his punishment.

Among the Romans, Marsyas was cast as the inventor of augury and a proponent of free speech (the philosophical concept "parrhesia") and "speaking truth to power." The earliest known representation of Marsyas at Rome stood for at least 300 years in the Roman Forum near or in the comitium, the space for political activity. He was depicted as a silen, carrying a wineskin on his left shoulder and raising his right arm. The statue was regarded as an indicium libertatis, a symbol of liberty, and was associated with demonstrations of the plebs, or common people. It often served as a sort of kiosk upon which invective verse was posted."

The plebeian gens of the Marcii claimed that they were descended from Marsyas. Gaius Marcius Rutilus, who rose to power from the plebs, is credited with having dedicated the statue that stood in the Roman forum, most likely in 294 BC, when he became the first plebeian censor and added the cognomen Censorinus to the family name. Marcius Rutilus was also among the first plebeian augurs, co-opted into their college in 300, and so the mythical teacher of augury was an apt figure to represent him.

The descendant of Marcius Rutilus, L. Marcius Censorinus, issued coins depicting the statue of Marsyas, at a time when the augural college was the subject of political controversy during the Sullan civil wars of the 80s BC. On the coin, Marsyas wears a Phrygian cap or pilleus, an emblem of liberty. This Marcius Censorinus was killed by Sulla and his head displayed outside Praeneste. Sulla's legislative program attempted to curtail power invested in the people, particularly restricting the powers of the plebeian tribunes, and to restore the dominance of the senate and the privileges of patricians."

Provenance: CNG 111 (29 May 2019), lot 613. From the Alan J. Harlan Collection, purchased from Edward J. Waddell, Ltd.
Crawford 363/1d
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An AR Denarius struck 83 (82)BC in Rome
Obverse: veiled and draped bust of Venus right; L·CENSORIN

Reverse: Venus in biga right holding reins and goad; CXVIII / C·LIME(TA) / P·CREPVSI

Diameter: 16.5 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.8 g
L. Marcius Censorinus, C. Mamilius C.f. Limetanus and P. Crepusius
Crawford 360/1b, SRCV I 284, Sydenham 736a, RSC I Marcia 27
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An AR Denarius Serratus struck 78 (79)BC in Sardinia
Obverse: head of Juno Sospita right waering goat skin; bucket behind

Reverse: Gryphon springing right; jug below L.PAPI

Diameter: 18 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 4 g

Gens Papia was Samnite origin and family came from Lanuvium.

Crawford 384/1 (symbol 11); Sydenham 773; Papia 1; British museum 1902,0206.106
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An AR Denarius struck 80 BC in Minturnae?
Obverse: laureate head of Jupiter right, S·C

Reverse: Juno Sospita standing right, wearing goat skin, holding spear and shield; snake to the right, L.PROCILI / F

Diameter: 18 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.8 g
No notes for this coin
Crawford 379/1, SRCV I 306, Sydenham 771, RSC I Procilia 1
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An AR Denarius Serratus struck 80 BC in Sardinia
Obverse: head of Juno Sospita right wearing goat skin, S·C

Reverse: Juno Sospita in biga right holding spear, reins and shield, snake below, L.PROCILI.F

Diameter: 18.5 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.9 g

Juno Sospita offered protection to women, accompanying them throughout their lives from birth to death. She was often called upon by infertile women to aid in conception. Juno Sospita had a two temples at Rome, but her most famous temple was at Lanuvium. Her statue there, as described by Cicero and as depicted on coinage, wore a goatskin coat with a goat-horned headdress. Her attribute, the serpent, inhabited a grotto near her temple, and was fed annually by a young girl, who, if a virgin, escaped unharmed, but if not, was destroyed.

Crawford 379/2, SRCV I 307, Sydenham 772, RSC I Procilia 2
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An AR Denarius struck 87 BC in Rome
Obverse: head of Jupiter; scepter behind DOSSEN

Reverse: Triumphal chariot with thunderbolt as decoration on side panel decorated; Victory flying right above chariot, holding wreath L.RVBRI

Diameter: 18 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.95 g
No notes for this coin
Crawford 348/1, SRCV I 258, Sydenham 705, RSC I Rubria 1
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An AR Denarius struck 89 BC in Rome
Obverse: head of king Titus Tatius right, palm branch right A·PV / SABIN

Reverse: two Roman soldiers running left, each bearing a Sabine woman in his arms L·TITVRI

Diameter: 18 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 4.2 g
The reverse shows the famous rape of the Sabine women. "The Sabines were ancient people of central Italy ... From the earliest days there was a Sabine element in Rome. After foundation of the double kingdom of Romulus and Titus Tatius the Romans were called Quirites too (populus Romanus Quiritium), referring to Cures, the capital of the Sabinians, where Numa Pompilius was originated too. The story of the rape of the Sabine women to supply wives for the womanless followers of Romulus is a legend explaining this fact. Many Roman religious practices are said to have Sabine origins. Rome was involved in numerous wars with the inland Sabines; Horatius is supposed to have defeated them in the 5th cent. BC, and Marcus Curius Dentatus conquered them in 290 BC. The Sabines became Roman citizens 268 BC. The Samnites were possibly a branch of the Sabines. Anyway often the Samnites were confused by the Romans with the Sabinians." - Jochen's Coins of mythological interest
Crawford 344/1c; Sydenham 698b; Tituria 3; RR1 2324, p.297
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An AR Denarius struck 89 BC in Rome
Obverse: head of king Tatius right SABIN

Reverse: Victory in biga right holding wreath and reins L·TITVRI, controlmark in exergue (trophy?)

Diameter: 18 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.91 g
Titus Tatius was legendary king of Sabine tribe. Sabinus family was Sabine origin and probably also claimed they are descendants of Titus Tatius.
Crawford 344/3, Sydenham 700, RSC I Tituria 6, SRCV I 253; rev. die match - BM 1950,1006.381
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An AR Quinarius struck 91 (89)BC in Rome
Obverse: head of young Bacchus or Liber right wearing ivy wreath, M·C(AT)O R

Reverse: Victory seated right, holding patera and palm VIC(TR)IX

Diameter: 16 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 2 g
The seated figure on the reverse is presumably Victoria Virgo, whose shrine was built by Cato Censorious in 193 BC. -- Roman Republican Coinage by Michael H. Crawford
Crawford 343/2b, SRCV I 248, Sydenham 597a, RSC I Porcia 7b
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An AR Denarius struck 89 B.C. in Rome
Obverse: ROMA / M•CATO - Female bust with diadem, ROMA behind, M•CATO beneath.

Reverse: VICTRIX - Victoria Virgo seated right, holding patera, VICTRIX in ex.

Diameter: 18.5 mm
Die Orientation: 11 H
Weight: 3.72 g
No notes for this coin
RSC I, Porcia 5; Crawford 343/1b; Syd 596.
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An AR Denarius struck 85 BC in Rome
Obverse: Laureate head of Vejovis (or Apollo) right; MN•FONTEI behind; ROMA monogram below chin; thunderbolt below neck.

Reverse: Infant winged Genius (or Cupid) seated on goat standing right; pilei of the Dioscuri above; thyrsus with fillet in exergue; all within laurel wreath.

Diameter: 21 mm
Die Orientation: 10 H
Weight: 3.93 g

"The moneyer is perhaps the brother of the moneyer M. Fonteius (see Crawford 347) and not inconceivably the tribune featured on the reverse of Crawford 429/1. The reverse recalls that the god Jupiter was suckled by the she-goat Amaltheia on Mt. Ida during his infancy, and depicts a statue that was within the Temple of Vejovis in Rome.

Romans believed that Vejovis was one of the first gods to be born. He was a god of healing, and was later associated with the Greek Asclepius. He was mostly worshipped in Rome and Bovillae in Latium. On the Capitoline Hill and on the Tiber Island, temples were erected in his honour. In spring, goats were sacrificed to avert plagues.

Vejovis is portrayed as a young man, holding a bunch of arrows, pilum, (or lightning bolts) in his hand, and is accompanied by a goat. He may be based on the Etruscan god of vendetta, known to them by the name Vetis written on the Piacenza Liver, a bronze model used in haruspical divination.

The studies about Vejovis are very poor and unclear. They show a constant updating of his condition and his use by people: escaping from netherworld, Volcanic God responsible for marshland and earthquakes, and later guardian angel in charge of slaves and fighters refusing to lose. God of deceivers, he was called to protect right causes and to give pain and deception to enemies. His temple has been described as a haven safe from police for wrongly persecuted people, and dedicated to the protection of the new comers in Rome, but this view is probably wrong.

The legend shows him more like an entity escaping from hell and trying to join the light and heaven, awesome fighter and protector of any people victims of unfairness. Aulus Gellius, in the Noctes Atticae, speculated that Vejovis was the inverse or ill-omened counterpart of Jupiter; compare Summanus. Aulus Gellius observes that the particle ve- that prefixes the name of the god also appears in Latin words such as vesanus, "insane," and thus interprets the name Vejovis as the anti-Jove. Aulus Gellius also informs us that Vejovis received the sacrifice of a female goat, sacrificed ritu humano; this obscure phrase could either mean "after the manner of a human sacrifice" or "in the manner of a burial." "

Crawford 353/1a, Sydenham 724, Fonteia 9.
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An AR Denarius struck 85 BC in Rome
Obverse: MN FONTEI CF, laureate head of Apollo (or Vejovis) right; thunderbolt below

Reverse: Infant Genius (or Cupid) seated on goat right; pilei of the Dioscuri above; below, thrysus right; all within wreath

Diameter: 20 mm
Die Orientation: 3 H
Weight: 4.07 g
No notes for this coin
RRC 353/1c; Sear 271
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An AR Denarius struck 85 BC in Rome
Obverse: laureate head of Vejovis right, thunderbold below, (MN)·FO(NT)EI C·F (ROMA)

Reverse: Cupid seated on goat right, caps of the Dioscuri above, thyrsus of Bacchus in exergue, all within laurel wreath

Diameter: 21 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 4 g
Reverse probably depicts sculpture which stood near the temple of Vejovis on Capitol. In spring, goats were sacrificed to Vejovis to avert plagues.
Crawford 353/1a, RSC I Fonteia 9, Sydenham 724, BMCRR 2476, SRCV I 271
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An AR Denarius struck 83 (82)BC in Rome
Obverse: laureate head of Apollo right, scepter to the left, star to the right; A

Reverse: horseman galloping right, hurling spear; CCCXXXXI / P·CREPVSI

Diameter: 16.5 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 4.2 g
No notes for this coin
Crawford 361/1c, SRCV I 283, Sydenham 738a,RSC I Crepusia 1
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An AR Denarius struck 84 BC in Rome
Obverse: Turreted head of Cybele right; behind, to left AED•CVR downwards; foot pointing upwards.

Reverse: Curule chair inscribed P•FOVRIVS; CRASSIPES in exergue.

Diameter: 19.5 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.93 g
This moneyer is not otherwise known.

The types of this coin and Crawford 409/2 probably refer to the Ludi Megalenses, games which honored the goddess Cybele, and were presented by the curule aediles.

Provenance: Naville Numismatics, Auction 37 (28 January 2018), lot 482.
Crawford 356/1a
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An AR Denarius struck 84 BC in Rome
Obverse: Cybele turreted head right, foot pointed upwards behind; AED C(VR)

Reverse: inscribed curule chair; P·FOVRIVS CRASSIPES

Diameter: 20 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.8 g
No notes for this coin
Crawford 356/1a, RSC I Furia 20, Sydenham 735, BMCRE I Rome 2604, SRCV I 275
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An AR Denarius Serratus struck 83-82 BC in Sardinia
Obverse: laureate head of Jupiter right, S·C / Q·

Reverse: Victory riding in quadriga right, holding wreath, reins and palm branch, Q·(ANT)O·B(AL)B / PR

Diameter: 18 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.9 g

Moneyer who belonged to the opposition of Sulla struck these coins as praetor in Sardinia according special decree of senate (Senatus Consulto). He was driven from Sardinia by L. Philippus, the legate of Sulla, and slain. Victory on reverse didn't avert defeat of oppositon in battle of Colline Gate.

Crawford 364/1a, SRCV I 279, Sydenham 742b, RSC I Antonia 1
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An AR Denarius struck 81 BC in Military Mint | Gallia Cisalpina
Obverse: diademed head of Pietas right, hair tied in a knot, and wearing earring; stork right

Reverse: elephant left, bell hanging from its neck Q·C·M·P·I

Diameter: 17 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.9 g

mint in north Italy. Elephant commemorates victory of moneyer's ancestor L. Caecilius Metellus over Hastrubal in the first Punic war 251 BC near Palermo. Seized elephants appeared in his triumph and became the emblem of the family. Moneyer received agnomen Pius in 99 BC for his effort to return his father from exile. Stork is the symbol of Pietas. Moneyer struck these coins as Imperator in the northern Italy where he fought along with Sulla. They held consularship together in 80 BC.

Crawford 374/1, SRCV I 301, Sydenham 750, RSC I Caecilia 43
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An AR Denarius struck 81 BC in Gallia Cisalpina
Obverse: Diademed head of Pietas ; stork in right field.

Reverse: Elephant walking left; Q•C•M•P•I in exergue.

Diameter: 18 mm
Die Orientation: 6 H
Weight: 3.66 g
"Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius was a pro-Sullan politician and general who was Roman consul in 80 B.C., he was the principal Senatorial commander during the Sertorian War, fighting alongside Pompeius Magnus.

Metellus Pius came from one of the most important and wealthiest families of Rome. Beginning in the 3rd century BC, his family held numerous consulships, tribunates, censorships and military commands. His father, Q. Caecilius Metellus Numidicus, was the chief commander in the Jugurthine War in Numidia until Marius displaced him, and was later censor until driven into exile by Marius.

Though Metellus Pius fame is largely derived from his later campaigns in Hispania against Sertorius, the coinage in his name was struck at a North italian mint in 81 B.C, while he fought for Sulla against leaders of the Marian Party, such as Carrinas, Norbanus and Carbo. The obverse of this coin portrays the goddess Pietas and alludes to the moneyer's cognomen, Pius. The moneyer acquired the honorable title from the people of Rome, whom he had beseeched in order to secure the restoration from exile of his father. The reverse with the elephant recalls the accomplishment of his ancestor Lucius Caecilius Metellus, who in 251 B.C captured an army of Carthaginian elephants at Panormus."

Provenance: e-Bay sale, December 2017.
Crawford 374/1
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An AR Denarius struck 90 BC in Rome
Obverse: head of Mutinus Titinus (Priapus) right wearing winged diadem

Reverse: Pegasus jumping right Q·TITI

Diameter: 17 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.82 g
Mutunus Tutunus or Mutinus Titinus was a phallic marriage deity, in some respects equated with Priapus. His shrine was located on the Velian Hill, supposedly since the founding of Rome, until the 1st century BC. During preliminary marriage rites, Roman brides are supposed to have straddled the phallus of Mutunus to prepare themselves for intercourse, according to Church Fathers who interpreted this act as an obscene loss of virginity. Arnobius says that Roman matrons were taken for a ride (inequitare) on Tutunus's "awful phallus" with its "immense shameful parts", but other sources specify that it is brides who learned through the ritual not to be embarrassed by sex: "Tutinus, upon whose shameful lap sit brides, so that the god seems to sample their shame before the fact. The god's name is related to two infrequently recorded slang words for penis in Latin, mūtō (or muttō) and mūtōnium. "Mutto" was also used as a cognomen. Tītīnus perhaps from tītus is another slang word for "penis". (wikipedia)
Crawford 341/1, SRCV I 238, Sydenham 691, RSC I Titia 1
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An AR Quinarius struck 86 (81)BC in Rome
Obverse: laureate head of Apollo right

Reverse: Victory standing right crowning trophy with wreath; M / ROMA

Diameter: 14 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 1.9 g
No notes for this coin
Crawf. 373/1 b; BMC 757; King 50; Syd. 609 a
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An AR Denarius Serratus struck 79 BC in Rome
Obverse: Bust of Diana right, draped, with bow and quiver over shoulder. S•C blow chin.

Reverse: Victory in biga riding right, holding palm-branch, reins and wreath, IIII (control mark) below. TI•CLAVD•TI•F AP•N in exergue.

Diameter: 19 mm
Die Orientation: 10 H
Weight: 3.9 g
"Tiberius Claudius Nero is according to some sources the same man as Drusus Claudius Nero I (105 BC-unknown date in 1st century BC) who was a member of the Roman Republican Claudian Family of Rome. He was a descendant of the first named Tiberius Claudius Nero, one of the sons of Appius Claudius Caecus the censor. He served under Pompey in 67 BC battling the pirate menace. Drusus was famous for recommending that the members of the Catiline Conspiracy be confined. His wife was a descendant of the Claudian family. Drusus with his wife had a son called Tiberius Claudius Nero (c. 85 - 33 BC) and a daughter called Claudia who married the prefect, Quintus Volusius. When his grandson the future Roman emperor Tiberius celebrated his coming of age, Tiberius staged two gladiatorial contests. One was held at the Forum in memory of his father and the other held at the amphitheatre in memory of his grandfather Drusus."

Provenance: e-Bay sale (June 2017).
Crawford 383/1
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An AR Denarius Serratus struck 78 (79)BC in Sardinia
Obverse: diademed draped bust of Diana right, bow and quiver over shoulder, S·C

Reverse: Victory in biga right, holding wreath, reins and palm branch, LXIII TI·CLA(VD)·TI·F / (AP)·N

Diameter: 18 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 3.8 g
This issue was authorized by Senate decree (Senatus Consulto), most likely to pay for the extensive military operations during the dictatorship of Sulla. The obverse refers to the Sabine origin of the Claudius Gens.
Crawford 383/1, SRCV I 310, Sydenham 770a, RSC I Claudia 6