Another Roma and Chariot Denarius??

At first glance I wasn't particularly interested in another of this 'type', but a closer look indicated some 'variants' that I found interesting----at least at a low cost. The obverse has an EX S C (special issue under the mandate of the senate by the Quaestor) and the reverse a galloping horseman holding a 'barbarian's' head (although that 'smudge' takes more than a little imagination to see it as it should be), both 'devices' missing from my other examples.

The moneyer, M Sergius Silus, commemorates his grandfather who suffered 23 wounds and the loss of an arm, but still fought on during the Gallic and 2nd Punic War. Apparently this ancestor also fashioned himself a right arm of iron to replace the one he lost in battle yet still was active in combat. I assume that iron arm must have been an interesting source of conversation at the baths

AR Denarius, M Sergius Silus, 116-115 BC Rome Mint; 20 mm. 3.80 grams
Crawford 286/1 Syd 534
Head of Roma right, EX S C before, ROMA and XVI monogram(?) or X behind (sign of value),
M SERGI SILVS below horseman galloping left, holding sword and head of barbarian, Q below horse's leg.

I'm not certain about the significance of the 'Q' ? A control of the first letter of his office as Quaestor??

Please post whatever you may feel is appropriate.

 

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I understand that the 'Q' signified a special issue by the Quaester vs. normal issuance from the Moneyers...

Or it could be from 'Q' of the Continuum...

 

That's my guess.

 

I am traveling and can't post it now, but I do have a Quinarius with a 'Q' on the front as a play on Quinarius, and a 'Q' on the reverse as it was issued by special decree from a Quaester...

 

@Mikey Zee , I have your issue, and it has a Q also...

 

Nice find. I've been wanting one these, but just haven't found the right one at the right price just yet.

 

a solid RR denarius MZ....got to love the reverse, it's delightfully gruesome!

 

Nice one, Mikey. Mine arrived this week as well .

 

Another great coin Mikey. You're on a roll!

 

That's a terrific example 'Z' !!!! Congrats!!! That 'head' actually does look like a 'Gallic' barbarian...."delightfully gruesome" as @chrsmat71 said.

 

EX SC is a special notation indicating that this is approved by the Senate, or something to that end.

 

Cool pick-up, Mikey-Z (I'm lovin' the severed barbarian head => winner)

 

Great type. Here's mine.

 

sooo fricken cool (great coins, fellas)

 

I have two of these but one is fourree. I do prefer the ones like Mikey's that shows a small gap between the right shoulder and horse. I doubt he wore the iron arm into battle but saved it for fancy dress occasions.

 

Here is mine. This thread has illustrated the profile severed head nicely (especially Carthago's piece and Doug's second piece).

 

Nice coins all, I never encountered this type before, which is strange, as, most probably, it bears my ancestor's signature....

Q

 

Ex S.C. issues were struck when there was a need for extra money for special purposes. The funds had to be assigned by the Senate, hence ex S.C. This issue was struck during the war against Jugurtha, the north-African prince.
Nice coins, all.

 

Fouree!

 

I really like that coin, Noob!

Nice examples, everyone!!