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Message:: [QUOTE="Orielensis, post: 4726188, member: 96898"]On first sight, this coin looks like a pretty standard, well-worn Roman Republican denarius. The hunting themed type showing Diana, a hound, and a hunting spear is rather popular, but stylistically and condition-wise, this example is rather plain: [ATTACH=full]1157524[/ATTACH]Roman Republic, moneyer C. Postumius, AR denarius, 74 BC, Rome mint. Obv: Bust of Diana r., draped, with bow and quiver over shoulder. Rev: C. POSTVMI AT/TA (ligated); hound running r.; below, spear (with graffiti: MABIEN). 18mm, 3.85g. Ref: RRC 394/1a. Yet, a closer look reveals a special detail – there is some remarkable ancient "damage" on the reverse: [ATTACH=full]1157525[/ATTACH] Someone has scratched a series of letters into the reverse, which I read as MABIEN. Although such graffiti are usually considered undersirable by collectors, I find that this inscription adds a lot of interest to my coin. I can only speculate about its meaning, but such longer graffiti on ancient coins often abbreviate personal names. Considering that the letters MA in inscriptions often abbreviate "Marcus" or a similar praenomen, and that the nomen gentile "Bienus" is well-attested in Roman antiquity, something along the lines of "Marcus Bienus" appears thinkable. In any case, this is a fascinating trace of ancient use! Please post you Roman Republican coins with graffiti, banker's marks, or other interesting ancient "damage"![/QUOTE]