Numismatic

Roman Republic Denarius Julius Bursio 85 BC VF NGC (Cr-352/1)

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This silver denarius, minted in 85 BC, offers a captivating window into the artistic traditions of the Roman Republic. Weighing approximately 3.8 grams, the coin contains about 0.12 troy ounces of silver. It stands as a remarkable artifact from a turbulent and fascinating era of ancient Italian history, cataloged by scholars under the reference Crawford 352/1. The obverse of the coin features a detailed depiction of the laureate head of Apollo, the classical deity of music, truth, and light. This elegant portrait showcases the refined engraving skills of Roman artisans during the first century BC, capturing the god's serene expression and stylized hair. On the reverse, the design shifts to an action-filled scene of Winged Victory. She is depicted racing dynamically in a quadriga, a traditional four-horse chariot. This powerful imagery of triumph and speed was a favored motif in Roman iconography, symbolizing success and divine favor. This specific specimen has survived the centuries with enough detail to earn a grade of Very Fine, allowing modern observers to appreciate the depth and movement of its ancient design.