Today's featured coin is a denarius of T. Vettius Sabinus, struck 66 BC. According to the Roman foundation myth, Titus Tatius, king of the Sabines, attacked Rome in retaliation for the infamous Rape of the Sabine Women, an incident in which the men of Rome committed a mass abduction of women from neighboring tribes. (That subject is depicted on two denarius types of Lucius Titurius Sabinus, 89 BC.) Ironically, it was the abducted Sabine women that convinced both sides to reconcile. Romulus and Tatius ruled Rome jointly, and the Sabines were gradually integrated into Roman culture. The reverse of the coin poses a bit of an enigma. The word IVDEX means "judge" (more properly "arbiter") but there was no such formal office, and any magistrate could be called "IVDEX." Michael Harlan suggests that the figure in the biga is the moneyer himself, who may be the same Titus Vettius who served as Quaestor in Sicily circa 73 BC. The grain ear would refer to Sicily, Rome's chief grain supplier. I have a very pleasing VF example of this type for sale at vcoins here. For comparison, here are some auctions at CNG. Almost all of the CNG coins are in grades of EF and higher, so they hammer between $600 and $2500. My coin is offered at $350, which is a great price for a scarce type that's well-struck with smooth, clean surfaces and no damage! ROMAN REPUBLIC. T Vettius Sabinus. AR Serrate Denarius, 4.0g, 20mm, 6h; Rome mint, 66 BC. Obv: SABINVS; S.C; Bare and bearded head of King Tatius to right; below chin, monogram TA. Rev.: IVDEX / T.VETTCS; Togate figure in low biga to left, holding reins in his right hand and scepter in his left; behind, grain ears. Ref.: Babelon (Vettia) 2. Crawford 404/1. RBW 1446. Sydenham 905. Ex - Leu Web Auction 18, Lot 2449.
