Roman Silver Denarius M Tullius Roma/Victory c120BC

Description

Heading: Roman silver denarius – M Tullius Roma / Victory 120BcC

Denomination: Silver denarius

Period: Roman republic

Date: c120BC

Origin: Rome

Condition: VF+

Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma, right, ROMA behind

Reverse: Victory driving quadriga (four horse chariot), right, wreath above, x below, M TVLLI in exergue

Size and Weight: 19mm, 3.85g

References: Spink 155, Craw. 280/1; RSC Tullia 1

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.

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