Denomination: Silver denarius

Period: Roman republic

Date: 189-180BC

Origin: Rome mint

Condition: Almost very fine

Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma, right, X (a denomination mark) behind head

Reverse: The Dioscuri, each holding a spear, on horseback galloping right, AVTR in monogram below, ROMA in exergue

Size and Weight: 18mm, 4.09g

References: Sear 64

Features and Provenance: This is a rare coin with only a few types, normally the Dioscuri are shown with stars above their heads, here they do not, ROMA is also usually in a frame, again, here it is not. 

Castor and Pollux were twin half-brothers in both Greek and Roman mythology. Historically, there is much controversy over the parentage of Castor and Pollux, their mother is agreed to be Leda, but they are known as twins by Tyndareus, the king of Sparta, or Castor was his son and Pollux was the divine son of Zeus, after he seduced Leda disguised as a swan! They are were joined in immortality by Zeus to form the constellation Gemini.

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

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