Before I go to bed after a long night's work I wanted to share this beautiful denarius I bought on eBay earlier this year. I want to add I recently encountered a new and interesting theory concerning who the reverse may represent (The one involving Marius). Also, the guy on the right did not skip leg day This is the most commonly accepted theory I believe: "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." (Source: Roma, Auction XVI, write up for lot 532) The second theory proposed is the one where Marius is represented shielding Rome: "This dramatic type was struck within fresh memory of the catastrophic Roman defeat at Arausio (Orange) in southern Gaul in 105 BC. Two Roman armies were wiped out trying to halt a mass migration of two Germanic tribes, the Cimbri and the Teutones. The disaster prompted the Roman populace to elect the experienced military man Gaius Marius as Consul for the second time. In a sharp break with tradition, they would re-elect him the next four years. The denarius of Q. Thermus, with a helmeted Mars replacing the usual head of Roma, reflects Roman society being put on war footing anticipating the German invasion. On the reverse, a Roman legionary, on the left, confronts a barbarian warrior wearing a horned helmet. Both adopt a fighting stance, shields to the fore, swords raised above their heads, points forward. The Roman protects a fallen comrade at his feet. Although the scene may depict a deed performed by the moneyer’s ancestor, it also could be viewed as showing Marius, in the aftermath of Arausio, shielding Rome from the German menace." (Source: Triton XXII write up for lot 806) Q. Minucius M.f. Thermus 103 BC. AR Denarius (19mm, 4.02 g). Rome mint. Obverse: Head of Mars left, wearing crested helmet ornamented with plume and annulet. Reverse: Two warriors fighting, each armed with sword in right hand and shield in left; the one on the left protects a fallen comrade; the other wears horned helmet; Q • (THE)RM (MF) in exergue. Reference: Crawford 319/1
Nice write-up and coin @Michael Stolt THERMUS RR Minicuis Thermus 103 BCE AR Den Mars 2 Warriors fighting fallen S 197 Cr 319-1
You can do all the research and professional write-ups in the world but I will never be able to wash out of my brain the identification of this reverse given by Frank Robinson on one of his old lists. He called it a 'Thermus Battle'.
I think the coin far more likely depicts the deeds of the moneyer's ancestor, perhaps with hope that then current events would highlight the message. At this time, Roman moneyers were trying to establish name recognition for their own future political campaigns. EDIT: Forgot to say that it's a teriffic example. Getting a perfectly centered reverse on this type, including all devices and inscription, is a challenge!
Superb example, fully struck, well centered and complete, nice color and little if any wear. A surprising source for this quality. I rarely see coins of this magnitude on ebay unless their starting prices are ridiculously high. great find.
Lovely examples all, but that OP coin is stunning! Mine is a nice middle grade; bought it to flip but just couldn't bring myself to do it! It's one of my favorite RR designs.
Thank you very much, it was a very lucky find along with my L. Hostilius Saserna on eBay yes, I'm inclined to believe the former theory makes far more sense.
Thank you This one and my L. Hostilius Saserna in the collection are most likely the best bargains Ive made collecting ancients. The Thermus here cost me just little over 300$ last year.
