Numismatic

Roman Rep. AR Denarius L.C. Piso Frugi (90 BC) Fine (Cr-340/1)

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This ancient silver denarius, minted in Rome in 90 BC, offers a tangible connection to the Roman Republic. Weighing 3.56 grams and containing 0.12 troy ounces of silver, the coin is classified under the Crawford 340/1 catalog reference. It survives today in Fine condition, preserving the artistry of a classical era. The obverse of the coin features the laureate head of Apollo, the classical god of music and light, looking toward the right. Positioned behind his portrait is a small prow of a ship, a subtle detail embedded in the design. On the reverse, a dynamic scene unfolds as a horseman gallops swiftly to the right, holding both the reins and a palm frond, a traditional symbol of victory. Crafted over two millennia ago, this coin represents the standard circulating currency of the late Roman Republic. Its surviving details invite us to appreciate the craftsmanship of ancient Roman moneyers who carved these intricate dies by hand.