Latest Republican denarius: Q Minucius Thermus M.f., circa 103 B.C.

This denarius arrived today, the only coin I won from the recent CNG e-auction but a type that I have bid on and lost several times before. The following description of the historical significance of the type is taken from the description of a similar coin auctioned by Roma Numismatics:

This coin records the brave deeds of the moneyer’s ancestor and namesake, Quintus Minucius Q. f. L. n. Thermus who was elected consul in 193 and assigned Liguria as his province. From his base in Pisa, he waged war against the Ligurians. His command was extended for the following year, during which time he defeated the Ligurian forces near Pisa. He remained as proconsul in Liguria for 191–190. During this time it appears that he may have won the distinction of the corona civica, the second highest military award to which a Roman could aspire, by saving the life of a fellow citizen in battle through slaying an enemy on a spot not further held by the enemy army that day - this act being depicted on the reverse.

He may also have been the same Thermus who served as military tribune under Scipio in North Africa in 202 BC. Appian relates that about this time there was a cavalry engagement between the forces of Hannibal and those of Scipio near Zama, in which the latter had the advantage. On the succeeding days they had sundry skirmishes until Scipio, learning that Hannibal was very short of supplies and was expecting a convoy, sent the military tribune, [Quintus Minucius] Thermus, by night to attack the supply train. Thermus took a position on the crest of a hill at a narrow pass, where he killed 4,000 Africans, took as many more prisoners, and brought the supplies to Scipio.



Roman Republic AR Denarius(19.5mm, 3.95g, 8h), Q. Minucius Thermus M.f., moneyer, 103 B.C., Rome mint. Head of Mars left, wearing crested helmet ornamented with plume and annulet / Two warriors fighting, each armed with sword and shield; the one on the left protects a fallen comrade, the other wears horned helmet. Crawford 319/1; Sydenham 592; Babelon Minucia 19.

 

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Would love to get one of these eventually, nice RR addition, RS.

 

I have one of these, but it's not in near as good of condition. Love the iconology.

 

Thanks, and feel free to share!

 

Nice one. I love that type. I have one on my long term list.

 

Nice pick up. I like the toning on yours alot
Mine

The reverse is so weakly struck that the image looks out of focus.... and it's probably out of focus. I like my obverse, though.

 

Oooh, that's a nice deep strike and artistic reverse!

 

That is a really nice obverse, both well engraved and well struck.

 

I would, but my computer got fried in an electrical storm two days ago and I'm using this darn tablet. My computer is in the shop and should be ready to go on Monday some time.

 

I love this issue... the military scene is so real. Protecting a fallen soldier. Awesome!

 

Red,
That's a nice example of a coin that's difficult to find with full devices and full legend on the reverse. Typically, either the swords or the exergual legend are off flan. Both are present on your coin. Nice.

 

Nice coin! Mine was lower grade but always a favorite.



Fans of scenes of this sort might also want to seek a Didia 2 with whip vs. sword commemorating an ancestor who put down a slave revolt.

 

My example of the Didia; ex Niggler, ex Haeberlin. Dealer's mediocre photo is all I have:

 

Congrats Spork. Nice coin and great write up to go along with it. Here's mine.

 

That's the one I've been waiting for!

 

Marvin Tameanko has persuasively argued that this T. Didius coin depicts a "bloodless 'warm up' act of mock fighters called 'paegniarii," rather than an actual battle or gladiatorial combat.

 

I'm not so sure that is even a sword on the right hand fighter. It also looks like they both have batons or something hanging from their belts.

 

Man, I really, really want one of those Didius coins. Love the design and it does pair well with the Thermus coin.

 

Nice! This one and the T Didius are on the perpetual want list. Finding the right ones to go after hasn't been easy.

 

Looking at this and all other high grade Didia I see, I really do not like the way the head of the right combatant is tilted over making the head look separate from the neck. Worn ones like mine can be read as having the head thrown back rather than tilted over as obviously was the design on nice coins.