Last week this coin arrived and I couldn't be more pleased with it. Well struck and centered with good details even though worn through use. However, when doing research on this coin as I normally do when I receive a new coin, I could find very little about this coin or it's moneyer. First, every resource says it was struck between 108 and 107 BC, but the moneyers of that time period were not related that I can tell. Second, while researching the name, again no connection to that time period of 108-107 BC. I would greatly appreciate any additional information if anyone here knows. Now the coin itself: L VALERIUS FLACCUS ROMAN REPUBLIC; GENS VALERIA AR Denarius OBVERSE: Draped bust of Victory right, star under chin REVERSE: Mars walking left, carrying trophy; L. VALERI./ FLACCI. and a flamen's cap before and grain-ear behind Struck at Rome 108-109 BC 3.7g, 18mm Cr306/1, Syd 565, Valeria 11 Thanks for looking, and of course any comments are appreciated.
Here's what Crawford says about it on the entry for number 306: The moneyer is presumably L. Valerius Flaccus, Cos. 100. The figure of Mars and the apex together recall the fact that the moneyer's father, Cos. 131, held the office of Flamen Martialis(an office probably held at the time of this issue by the Albinus of Cicero, Brutus 135, but later to be held by the Consul of 100). For the corn-ear see page 729. Here Cos. is short for Consul and the dates are of course in B.C. From page 729: The other remarkable fact is the relatively advanced age at which some moneyers in this period held the office - within ten years of their consulates(see pp. 710-11). It is hard to avoid the conclusion that the moneyership was in the case of such men a substitute for an aedileship; self-advertisement was a feature of both offices. The surmise is perhaps confirmed by the occurence of what may be called 'aedilican' types, referring to games in the circus and to corn-distributions as in the coinage of Cn. Domitius(no. 261), or only to corn-distributions, as in that of T. Cloulius(no. 260). It is almost as if the moneyers concerned placed on their coins an indication of what they would have provided if they had been elected Aediles His footnote after this section references several issues that included corn-ears(British English for ears of grain in general), one of which is your type, 306. Hope this helps! Nice coin by the way
That's exactly what I was looking to find. Thank you so much. Normally, I can find this info in on-line resources, but the dates of Consulships didn't add up. I really appreciate your help.
Really cool coin @Bing I find it a relief that I'm not the only one that buys coins half not knowing anything about it. But it sure is fun learning that piece when it hits your hand
Nice addition, I have the same. Love the portrait on these. L. Valerius Flaccus, (108 - 107 B.C.) AR Denarius O: Winged and draped bust of Victory right, X below chin. R: LVALERI / FLACCI (downwards on left), Mars walking left, spear in right, trophy in left over shoulder, apex left, head of grain behind. Rome 20.0mm 3.89g SRCV I 183, Sydenham 565, Crawford 306/1, RSC I Valeria 11
I do not have that gorgeous example @Bing ! I have a later descendant of the family: RR Rutilius Flaccus 77 BCE Roma Biga wreath S 318 Cr 387/1
