Roman Republic. Q. Fufius Calenus and Mucius Cordus, Rome, 70 BC

Roman Republic. Q. Fufius Calenus and Mucius Cordus, Rome, 70 BC

$3,000.00

AR Serrate Denarius, 3.79g (19.3mm, 5h).

Jugate heads of Honos and Virtus right; on left, HO; on right, VIRT; below KALENI / Italia, holding cornucopia and Roma, holding fasces and placing right foot on globe, clasping their hands; at sides, winged caduceus/ITAL-RO; in exergue CORDI

Pedigree:

References: Moretti, RRSC, Vol. 2 D195. Crawford 403/1. Sydenham 797. RSC Fufia 1

Grade: A few minor marks, otherwise nicely struck with cabinet toning. EF

rr1392

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This serrate denarius, struck by the moneyers Q. Fufius Calenus and Mucius Cordus in 70 BC, is among the most ideologically charged issues of the late Roman Republic. The jugate heads of Honos and Virtus-personifications of honor and martial excellence-form a powerful moral pairing, invoking traditional Roman virtues at a time of renewed constitutional stability following the dictatorship of Sulla.

The reverse presents a remarkable allegory of unity and authority: Italia, symbolizing the Italian peoples enfranchised after the Social War, clasps hands with Roma, who asserts dominion by placing her foot upon the globe while holding the fasces. The winged caduceus reinforces themes of concord and reconciliation, while the serrated edge-already an archaizing feature by this period-adds visual distinction to the issue.

This example is well struck and evenly centered, with only a few minor marks and attractive cabinet toning. Overall Extremely Fine, it is a handsome and historically resonant specimen of a type that eloquently reflects the political ideals and anxieties of the late Republic.