Summary

Denarius, Issued by Ancient Roman Republic, 139 BC
Moneyer: M. Aurelius Cotta
Minted by Rome

Obverse Description

Helmeted head of the Roman goddess Roma facing right; behind, X; in field at right, COTA

Reverse Description

Herules in a biga drawn by two centaurs each holding a branch above their head; Hercules holds a club in his right hand; below, M. AVRELI; below in box, 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. Crawford suggests "the coin type should be regarded as an artistic variation of a normal Hercules in a biga type, perhaps chosen to highlight Hercules as a conqueror". (p.263)

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