Summary

Denarius, Issued by Ancient Roman Republic, 105 BC
Moneyer: L. THORIVS BALBVS (L. Thorius Balbus)
Minted in Rome

Obverse Description

Head of Juno wearing a goat-skin facing right; behind, I S M R

Reverse Description

Bull charging to right, below, L.THORIVS; in exergue, BALBVS; above bull the control-mark, V

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

The control-marks on this issue are letters from the Roman alphabet, each letter could be accompanied by a bead and each form could be represented on more than one die. The goddess Juno on the obverse refers to the moneyer's origin at Lanuvium where she was worshipped as Juno Sospita or Sispes and armed goddess who wore a goatskin. Under this title Juno was considered to have wider functions as goddess of the State rather than just being related to her role with women and as moon goddess.

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