Another Roman Republic Denarius

This 'type' struck by the moneyer Postumius has been posted many times before by the CT gang but the first I have purchased---differing from the more typical Roma/Chariot devices and falling within my preferred 'niche'. Naturally, the wonderfully centered strike also caught my eye.

it seems this moneyer, known only from this series, chose the ".....iconography of Diana Aventina....referring to the High temple on the Aventine by King Servius Tullius. This temple was meant to commemorate the victory at Lake Regillus in 499 BC when the Romans with extreme difficulty defeated the Latins ...." The 'hunting dog', like the Deer, is typically associated with Diana, the 'huntress'.

This 'variety' is a bit more common that the scarcer type without the TA 'monogram' and struck during the time of the still raging civil war in Spain, Pompey battling the last of the Marian Generals Sertorius.

AR Denarius of Caius Postumius
Struck at Rome 74 BC; 18mm, 3.85 grams.
Bust of Diana right, hair retained/pulled back by small bun
Bow and quiver over shoulder.
Running hunting dog to right (greyhound?), spear below
C POSTVMI, TA monogram below (possibly referring to the Sabine King Tatius or Tatianus).

As always, please post any coin that is within the spirit of this type....

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Love the portrait and great coin as a whole. Congrats.

 

Very, very nice Mikey. I do not have one of these yet, but am always on the hunt.

 

Super coin Mikey, Wow!!

 

Very nice find MZ, one has to love it

This type is very special to me, as the one I have in my trays is the only coin (other than cash and change of course) belonging to my wife : She's had a greyhound for 15 years that she was really fond of. I bought the coin for her in recollection of this wonderful animal.


C. Postumius, Denarius Rome mint, 74 BC
Bust of Diana right, bow and quiver above shoulder
Hound running right, C POSTVMI and TA (ligate) at exergue
4.0 gr
Ref : RCV # 330, RSC, Postumia # 9

Q

 

While mine has a serious facial mark, I have always been fond of the bone structure in the hounds front legs.

 

Super posts guys!!! I know Steve must have several LOL

Like Doug, I'm fascinated by how well the engraver captured the anatomy (bone structure) of the 'greyhound so well.

I can easily appreciate how special that coin is for you---its appeal far extending beyond the numismatic.

 

A wonderful type and your photographs are great! I like Diana's look-- simple pony tail, nothing fancy-- she's working, not posing for a picture!


Roman Republic, C. Postumius
73 BCE, Rome
AR denarius, 18.74 mm, 3.6 gm
Obv: bust of Diana right, bow and quiver over shoulder
Rev: hound running right, spear below; C. POSTVMI, TA in exergue
Ref: Crawford 394/1a

 

I regret that I do not have one... One slipped through my bidding fingers a couple weeks ago... bummed that I lost it.

 

Nice coin!
I like the way the engraver captured the movement of the greyhound, like a freeze frame video.
I am always fascinated by the RR coins and the richness of their types. Each coin tells us a story.
With the Greeks, these are my favourite coins.

 

Hey, that's my avatar! A great coin!!

 

that's a nice lookin' denarius MZ, i always dig diana, but that hound and spear reverse is great...this type has been on my radar since i first saw it.

 

Thanks everyone for all the terrific posts! The variety and appeal of each one immediately obvious!!

The stylistic variations always surprise me, although they probably shouldn't when I read such things as ...."Crawford noted an estimated 192 obverse dies and 213 'corner setback dies' for both varieties..."

But I'm a bit puzzled??? (what else is new LOL)

Does 'corner setback dies' refer to the reverse or what??

 

Good question!

 

LOL, I was WONDERING when you were going to jump in! They be stealing your Thunder-Woman!

 

Beautifull posts! I will be content to see all of your neat Roman Republican coins....I am sticking to Imperials! They should have used a, "real dog" on their coinage....

 

Here is another one:

19-18 mm. 3.76 grams.
"The hound and spear are clearly her [Diana's] attributes" Crawford, page 407.
Sear 330. Crowaford 394/1a, page 407.

 

Super new OP-addition, Mikey-Z (congrats)

I only have one humble example of this cool coin type (my sweet ol' Larry coin)

 

The scarce variety without the TA monogram; ex Alberto Banti Collection:

 

Nice thread - I enjoyed seeing all your examples of this wonderful type!