Summary

Denarius, Issued by Ancient Roman Republic, 134 BC
Moneyer: M. Marcius
Minted by Rome

Obverse Description

Helmeted head of Roma facing rght; behind, a modius; in front, X with cross bar

Reverse Description

Winged Roman goddess Victory driving a fast biga to right, she holds a whip in her right hand and the reins in her left; below, divided by two corn ears, M MAR C / RO MA

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

In 139 BC the Lex Gabinia put an end to voting by a show of hands. The secret ballot ended control by noble candidates of their 'supporters' and saw a dramatic change in selection of coin types as those in charge of the coin designs sought to promote themselves. The moneyer, who is otherwise unknown, has sought to draw attention to an ancestor by use of the modius (a Roman dry measure equal to about 8.7 litres) on the obverse, and two ears of wheat on the reverse reverse. The ancestor is thought to be Mn. Marcius who is mentioned by Pliny the Elder as distributing grain to the people (NH xviii, 15)

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