Denomination: Silver denarius

Period: Roman republic

Date: 68 BC

Origin: Republican moneyer's authority

Condition: Fine

Obverse: Diademed and draped bust of Diana right, bow and quiver on shoulder, GETA IIIVIR (?bankers mark to left of Geta)

Reverse: Wild boar of Calydon right, pierced by spear and attacked by a dog, C HOSIDI C F

Size and Weight: 18mm, 3.52g

References: S346

Features and Provenance: This is a very sought after coin by the collectors of Roman Republican coins, but little is known about the family that the inscription, Hosidi (family Hosidius) is referring to. It is thought that there was a moneyer 'proscribed' to the post of 'tresviri' in 43BC and this may well be him. The tresviri were officials allowed to issue coins of gold, silver and bronze during the time of the republic. The addition of the Calydon boar is shrouded in the mists of time but may be implying a family association with the champions that finally slayed the gigantic beast. The use of Diana on the obverse is more obvious, as she is said to be the goddess that sent the boar to ravage the town of Calydon, and Aetolia in general, causing destruction and chaos to crops and vineyards and causing the people to flee. All this for not making a sacrifice to the gods!

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