Public Domain Image - source archive.org My latest RR denarius, comes with a less well known story from the legendary kings of Rome during the reign of the 3rd king. It is a scarce coin that can be easily overlooked. Crawford estimates only 14 dies for this particular coin - which make it a relatively small issue. C. Curiatius f. Trigeminus, 135 BC, AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.77 g, 10h), Rome mint Obv: Helmeted head of Roma right; TRIG behind, X (mark of value) below chin Rev: Juno driving galloping quadriga right, being crowned by Victory from behind, holding reins and scepter, C CVRI Ref: Crawford 240/1a (1a has TRIG on the obverse, and 1b TRIGE – die matches confirm this coin is 1a); Sydenham 459; Curiatia 2 Note: an interesting flaw in the flan shows as a divot on the cheek of Roma. The name of this moneyer recalls the story of the Horatii and Curiatii are two sets of triplets (Trigemini) who by some accounts were born to sisters. According to Roman legend, they fought to the death in the 7th century BC, to determine the fate of Rome and Alba Longa and to avoid a full war between these closely related tribes. The father of this moneyer was the tribune of the plebs in 138 BC who temporarily imprisoned two consuls. For the longer story see my latest Notes post. Coins from this moneyer have appeared on CT before: @Alegandron has a great quadrans from this moneyer, and @akeady has a Banti plate coin of this type. Share RR denarii from 135 BC or coins that are hidden in plain sight and easily overlooked at auction, or anything else that you find interesting or entertaining.
The closest I can come to 135 BC I. MINUCIUS C.F. AUGURINUS AR DENARIUS OBVERSE: Head of Roma right, star behind REVERSE: TI MINVCI C F on left, RO-MA above, AVGVRINI on right; 2 togate figures, one holding a simpulum, the other a lituus, standing by statue on column, grain ears on either side of the column Rome, 134 BC 3.86g, 17mm Cr243/1, Syd 494, Minucia 9
Here's another denarius from a year earlier - Cn. Lucretius Trio is only known from his coins. For comparison with the OP coin - this issue has 170 obverse dies estimated by Crawford. This is 237/1a - the 1b coin has a different style necklace on Roma. Relevant to your coin, @Bing, in 135 BC the First Servile War broke out in Sicily, a slave rebellion that lasted from 135 until 132 BC. Although there were some good reasons for the rebellion (see Diodorus Siculus 34.2), as you might imagine it didn't end well for the slaves (tens of thousands killed and crucified). Cn. Lucretius Trio, 136 BC, AR Denarius (18mm, 3.88g, 3h). Rome mint Obv: Helmeted head of Roma right; TRIO downward behind head, X (mark of value) below chin Rev: CN LVCR, the Dioscuri, each holding spear, on horseback riding right, ROMA in exergue Ref: Crawford 237/1a; Sydenham 450; Lucretia 1; RBW 978.
Thank you @Sulla80 Here is my Quadrans: Roman Republic C Curiatius f Trigeminus 135 BCE Æ quadrans 18 mm 4.8g Rome Hd Hercules lionskin 3 plts - CCVR F ROMA prow Victory wreath 3 plts Cr 240-4a; Syd460b
And, as requested, here is a Denarius from 135 BCE: RR Maianus 153 BCE AR Den Roma Biga S 82 Cr 203-1a
I do like that Æ quadrans, @Alegandron, and Maianus is one (of many) that I do not have. I think the 135 should be 153 BC for that one