Roman Republic Silver Denarius, C. Postumius, Hound 71BC

Description

Heading: Roman Republic Silver Denarius – 71BC

Denomination: Silver denarius

Period: Roman republic

Date: 71BC

Origin: Rome

Condition: AVF, small banker’s marks on reverse

Obverse: Draped bust of Diana, right, bow and quiver over shoulder

Reverse: Hound running, right, spear below, C. POSTVMI in exergue with TA below

Size and Weight: 18mm, 3.75

References: S330

Features and Provenance:

Little is known of the period before the formation of the Roman Republic and what is known is largely based on myths and legends, but around 509BC the citizens of Rome decided to govern themselves. This overthrow took probably decades and was unlikely to have been bloodless, but until the fall in 27BC with the establishment of the Roman Empire, Rome went on to conquer all of Italy and much of the Mediterranean as well. Coinage as a means of exchange appeared in the early 3rd century BC and was cast not struck, silver and gold struck coinage appeared about 280BC and the denarius around the end of the 2nd century.

Little is known of the moneyer C. Postumius (possibly Caius Postumius Tatius) but his coins were mint around the 71BC, Sear dating our coin to 74BC. Our coin’s obverse depicts the goddess Diana which was pure propaganda, implying that the gods were on their side and victory was assured. He copied a design from an earlier coin from 81BC so he wasn’t very original, but 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