I just received a couple of RR coins in Saturday's post and this is just one of them. It caught my eye because Roma seems to have an extreme Roman nose extending straight up the forehead. Interesting profile indeed. It almost looks double struck as well. The gens Sergia was a family of high patrician rank, which according to Virgil traced its origin to Sergestus, the companion of Aeneas. The inscription on this denarius indicates that it was struck in Silus’ official capacity as quaestor and under the direct mandate of the senate. The reverse portrays the Roman hero and grandfather of this moneyer, M. Sergius, a veteran of renowned courage and fortitude as described by Pliny. During the Gallic and Hannibalic wars, this amazing man lost his right hand in battle, and in two campaigns receiving three and twenty wounds, yet fighting on a further four times with his left hand only, and afterwards, having made himself an iron hand and fastened it to himself, he continued to engage in mortal combat with the enemies of Rome. M SERGIUS SILUS ROMAN REPUBLIC AR Denarius OBVERSE: EX S C ROMA *, head of Roma right REVERSE: Horseman galloping left with sword & severed head held aloft, Q below horses leg, M SERGI below, SILVS in ex. Struck at Rome 116 BC 3.66g, 18mm Syd 534, Cr286/1, Sergia 1 If I remember correctly, some of you have this coin. Please post your examples or anything you deem related.
Well, I have a big nose (they used to call me 'schnozz' in my school days). One dealer friend of mine once held back a coin to show me since it really did look like me (a Constantius Gallus cent). Mixed feelings about that! However, once upon a time I did contemplate putting together a collection of coins with the biggest Roman noses! The best are typically Gordian III provincials from the east.
Well, if we're gonna have a good ol' fashioned snout-down, then I'm pretty sure that Nerva is my entry ...
Love the coin and type Bing!!! What a schnozz!!! Several months ago i picked one up---at the inspiration of those posted at CT previously---and was drawn to it by the 'story' and the galloping horseman and the severed head....
Thanks to all for the compliments. I just want to show the artistry of even the severed head. Notice how M. Sergius is shown holding his sword and the head in his left hand and there is no hint of a right. The more I collect Ancient coins, the more I am in awe of the artists abilities.
