Summary

Denarius, Issued by Ancient Roman Republic, 206-195 BC
Privy Mark: Dog
Minted by Rome

Obverse Description

Helmeted head of Roma facing right; behind, the Roman numeral X (ten)

Reverse Description

The Dioscuri, the twins Castro and Pollux, on horseback advancing to right, wearing caps with stars above; on ground below front of horses, a dog standing facing right; in exergue, ROMA

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

The denomination Denarius was introduced in 211 BC at the same time as a wide variety of other denominations in gold and copper. Symbols, such as the dog on this example, would originally have identified the person responsible for the production of the coin. Who they were is now unknown. The dog also appears on the victoriatus and five copper denominations.

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