Ancient - L. Papius Denarius

Just received this in the mail on Saturday and couldn't be more pleased. I have a soft spot for serrated coins and the reverse on this particular coin is excellent (with a mythical animal for Steve to boot).

L. PAPIUS; GENS PAPIA AR
OBVERSE: Head of Juno Sospita right, wearing goat skin, pump behind head REVERSE: Griffin prancing right, pail with cup attached below, L. PAPI in exergue (Trade Guild: Farmers and shepherds)
Struck at Rome 79 BC
3.23g, 19mm
SNG BMC 1190

The worship of Juno Sopista was introduced into Rome from Lanuvium, the birthplace of the Papia gens. She was the protecting genius of women, accompanying them through life from birth to death.
The symbols on the obverse and reverse are related, and there are at least 235 known pairs. They cover the whole range of Roman life and industry. Each symbol garners interest and seems to be collectable in and of itself. They are mostly symbolic of the various trade guilds, with this particular set undoubtedly relating to farmers and shepherds. This piece also shows a serrated edge, a device used to combat counterfeiting.

 

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You got a Papius!! Jealous. One of these days, if Martin hasn't bought them all, I will join the serrated griffin club.

 

1 down, 234 to go. Super coin, well-done!

 

Impressive coin Bing.

 

Wow jw, great coin, love the Griffin. nice job...

 

neat! love serrated coins, an a great griffon to boot.

but the "pump" is interesting as well, bet it's an archimedes screwpump...neato.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archimedes'_screw

 

Nice!

 

It looks much nicer than in the dealer images. Great purchase.

 

Nice score, big brother!! => wow, that's a smooth lookin' purchase (congrats)

... I have one as well ...

=> yup, it's the infamous Snake & Dog

L Papius AR denarius serratus
79 BC
Diameter: 18 mm
Weight: 3.40 grams
Obverse: Head of Juno Sospita right, wearing goatskin, snake behind (bankers marks on portrait?)
Reverse: Gryphon dancing right, Snake / dog. Symbol 122 (Rare and unusual symbol), L PAPI (exergue)
Reference: Syd 773, Cr384/1. Symbol 122
Other: nice silver tone … sweet in-hand (plus, Martin doesn’t have one yet!!)

 

I can hardly wait for Martin's Top 10 ..... or Top 210!!?

=> yup, you rock, L Papius Martin!!

 

Cool addition. A nice type.

 

Wow, great looking griffin!
Do you happen to know which resource lists the guilds matched to the various symbols?

 

http://www.bonannocoins.com/l_papius/l_papius_db.php

 

Cool coin bing!

 

Thanks for posting it TIF. I've been rather busy here of late. And thanks to everyone for the kind remarks. The reverse is excellent. I'd like to see some of Martin's Papius coins. I know I've seen some, but they are so interesting with the guild symbols.

 

Awesome RR coin again!! And a nice one to boot. I've seen you post quite a few RR coins over the past year or so. Gotta be having a decent collection of those by now.

I still haven't gotten a single RR coin yet. I've wanted one for awhile and I want one so bad I can almost taste it. lol

 

I'm not certain how they might taste, but someone posted something a week or so ago about how Ancient coins smell. I wouldn't know that either since my sense of smell is not so good any longer.

 

i don't know if i should admit this...but i sniff my coins sometimes.

 

That's funny as all hell. lol