Reign

L. Procilius 80 BC., Roman Republic (family Procilia)

Denomination

AR Denarius (serrate)

Date Struck

80 AD.

Mint

Rome

Obverse

Head of Juno Sospita right, wearing goat-skin headdress tied at neck, S•C to left

Reverse

Juno Sospita, hurling spear in right hand and holding shield and reins in left, driving galloping biga right, erect serpent right below horses, L•PROCILI•F in ex

Weight

3.64 grams

Diameter

20/18 mm

Reference

Crawford 379/2; Sydenham 772; Procilia 2

Grade

Very fine, lightly toned

Comments

Juno Sospita offered protection to women, accompanying them throughout their lives from birth to death. She was often called upon by infertile women to aid in conception. Juno Sospita had a two temples at Rome, but her most famous temple was at Lanuvium. Her statue there, as described by Cicero and as depicted on coinage, wore a goatskin coat with a goat-horned headdress. Her attribute, the serpent, inhabited a grotto near her temple, and was fed annually by a young girl, who, if a virgin, escaped unharmed, but if not, was destroyed.