Numismatic

Roman Republic AR Denarius Pansa 90 BC VF (Cr 342/5b, Brockage)

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Dating back to the Roman Republic in 90 BC, this silver denarius represents a compelling moment in ancient minting. Issued under C. Vibius C.f. Pansa, the coin showcases a beautifully detailed laureate head of Apollo facing right on its obverse, complete with a distinct control symbol positioned just beneath his chin. What makes this particular ancient coin truly remarkable is its reverse, which displays a brockage error. Instead of the standard design, the reverse features an inverse, incuse mirror image of the obverse Apollo portrait. This striking minting mistake occurred when a previously struck coin stuck to the die, impressing its own design into the next blank silver planchet. Preserved in Very Fine condition, this piece of ancient Italian currency weighs approximately 0.1200 troy ounces of silver. Cataloged as Crawford 342/5b, it offers a vivid look at the physical realities and occasional mishaps of hand-struck coinage in the ancient world.