Roman, L. Calpurnius Piso Frugi, Silver Denarius c.90BC

Description

Denomination: Silver denarius

Period: Roman republic

Date: 90BC

Origin: Probably Corfinium mint

Condition: Very fine

Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo. right. with X monogram indicating value. XVI. behind; control letter A below chin. beaded border

Reverse: Naked horseman galloping to right. holding palm-branch. L PISO FRVGI below. control mark above

Size and Weight: 18mm. 3.65g

References: Sear 235

Features and Provenance: The gens (Roman family with recorded ancestors) Calpurnia was a plebeian family (ordinary citizens) first noted in the 3rd century BC who rose to consulship. 

This is one of the many denarii produced during the ‘Social Wars’ with the Marsic confederation. A number of tribes in Southern Italy disagreed with the authority of Rome. they set up a capital in Corfinium. which they renamed Italia. and raised an army and went to war with Rome.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible