I've been trying to add more of the early Roma/Dioscuri types to my collection recently so I couldn't resist when I saw this example from Sicily ending at a price that, if nothing else, made it a nice hole-filler until I can afford a better example of this rare type. It ended up going for only $51 shipped from Europe, which I felt was more than fair, even if it looks like someone may have taken a "snack" out of it. This denarius comes from the Second Punic War-era mint that Crawford identifies as Sicily(1) - a mint also responsible for the Cr. 69 corn-ear KA types as well as the Cr. 67 victoriati and which some numismatists have assigned to the city of Katania on the island's Eastern coast. The Cr. 68 series that this particular example comes from includes both signed silver types with a corn-ear/grain-ear symbol as well as fully-anonymous silver types like the example shown below, all of which share the the characteristic horn or spike on the back of the helmet that only occurs on this series as well as a characteristic angular obverse style that is completely unlike that of the other anonymous types from Sicily. Roman Republic AR Denarius(3.36g), anonymous(uninscribed corn-ear series), 211-195 B.C., Sicilian mint. Helmeted head of Roma right with "spike" on rear of helmet; behind, X / The Dioscuri galloping right; below, ROMA in linear frame. Crawford 68/1b; Sydenham 191 Share your RR types from Sicily, or failing that, whatever you feel is appropriate
Wonderful coin! Agreed with @Bing , such a life-like bust of Roma. And even the reverse is just great! I would share some, but I am traveling and do not have access to my database. On my return in July...
Awesome coin @red_spork, can't go wrong for fifty bucks. I need to pick up a Roma Dioscuri types one of these days.
What a BARGAIN, terrific coin with great detail, I wouldn't worry about the bit missing as hardly noticeable. Well done red_spork.
i'd buy that for 51 bucks shipped no problem, nice details and the bite doesn't mess up anything except maybe a few horse hooves.
Great early RR @red_spork and for only $51, fantastic buy! I have one early Roma/Dioscuri type (branch series) from an uncertain mint in Sicily, also from the Second Punic War-era. 211-208 BC Roman Republic, Anonymous [Branch] AR denarius 4.29gm - 19 mm - 6 h Obv: Helmeted head of Roma right; behind, filleted laurel branch; below chin, X Rex: ROMA in exergue, the Dioscuri on horseback riding right. Reference: Crawford 76/1, Syd 201, SR 40
Mine has seen battle what with the scare across the eye and cheek ANONYMOUS ROMAN REPUBLIC AR Denarius OBVERSE: Helmeted head of Roma right; behind, X REVERSE: The Dioscuri galloping right; in exergue, ROMΛ in raised letters within linear frame Struck at Rome 214-213 BC 19.8mm, 3.45g Sydenham 140. Crawford 44/5
That coin has great style, and the "bite" isn't the least bit distracting to me. For $51, you couldn't afford NOT to buy it.
