Roman Republic Coins – Silver Denarius 79 BC

Description

Header: Roman Republic coins – silver Denarius – 79 BC

Denomination: Silver denarius

Period: Roman republic

Date: 79BC

Origin: Rome mint

Condition: VF

Obverse: Diademed head of Venus to right, wearing an earring and pearl necklace, S.C behind (off the flan indicating authorised by the Senate) and F (control letter) before

Reverse: Victory driving a triga to right, holding reigns in both hands, [C.]NAE.BALB in exergue

Size and Weight: 18mm, 3.93g

References: S309, Crawford382/1a

Features and Provenance: The first thing you notice about the coin is that is what is known as serrated, the reason for this is uncertain, but does allow fakes to be spotted. The second is the chariot is a more unusual triga (with three horses) and not the usual two or four, this is a rare depiction on Republican coins and there is only one other type that has this motif.

The lettering under the chariot is Naevius’ signature and as one of the three magistrates to be selected as a moneyer each year, he was in the perfect position to take advantage of the position by self promotion. As moneyer, he was allowed to design the coins himself, but as the coin had a basic military design, what he was saying was that Rome was the centre of the world and their destiny was for ever upward – little did they know.

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