Summary

Ancient Roman Republic
Denomination: Denarius, 137 BC
Moneyer: Tiberius Veturius
Mint: Rome

Obverse Description

Bust of Mars right, draped and helmeted; behind, X and TI.VET (VET a monogram)

Reverse Description

Oath taking scene. two warriors face each other and rest swords on pig held between them by third kneeling figure; above, ROMA

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 oath-taking scene on the reverse is believed to refer to the story of the Battle of the Caudine Forks, 321 BC. The Roman army was trapped by the Samnites and sought peace terms. Although the Romans were humiliated they were freed and both sides kept to the terms of the treaty - for a while

More Information