Roman Republic, Italy. D. Iunius Silanus L.f., Rome, c. 91 BC, AR Denarius, 3.92g (18mm, 2h).

Head of Roma with winged helmet to r. with control mark behind / D SILANVS L F / ROMA, Victoria in Biga to r. with control mark above.

References: Crawford 337/3, Albert 1161

Grade: Lovely strike. Good surfaces with some iridescence. Reverse slightly o/c. aEF

Price: $1450

rr1339

Issued in 91 BC, at the very start of the Social War, this coin witnessed one of the largest upheavals in Roman history. With Livy estimating that 50,000 were killed on each side (100,000 total), this war saw the rebellion of numerous Italian cities against Rome over its withholding of citizenship and rights. Named the Marsic Confederation, this alliance included the Marsi, Peligni, Piceni, Vestini, Samnium, Frentani, Marrucini, and Lucani peoples. While it is accepted that Rome did emerge victorious, many of the rebels did in fact gain citizenship as part of the negotiated settlements Rome made with the various Italian cities.

This coin, with the depiction of Roma and victory, would have circulated throughout Roman territory during this period and stands in direct opposition to the Marsic coinage which mainly depicted the personification Italia on the obverse.