Roman Republic, Italy. L. Thorius Balbus, Rome, c. 105 BC, AR Denarius, 3.91g (20mm, 12h).

Head of Juno r. behind, ISMR / Bull springing r.; Above, R. Below, L. THORIVS. and under exergual line BALBVS

Pedigree: From the Edward Gans Collection and Collection of a Northern California Gentleman, CNG 85, Lancaster 2010, lot 787.

References: RRSC Vol 2 Moretti D114, Bab 1, BMC 1634, Crawf, 316/1, Syd 598

Grade: Pretty rainbow toning. Some minor wear on right side of reverse. EF

Price: $1650

rr1227

The obverse of this coin alludes to the cult of Juno Sospita at Lanuvium, where the moneyer was born. The reverse is a pun on the moneyer's nomen by way of the word taurus. Gods and goddesses manifested themselves in various ways depending on the cult. For example Juno, herself was the goddess associated with women’s lives; childbirth and married life for example. Depending on the cult Juno transformed herself. As Juno Lucina, she became the goddess of childbirth. As Juno Sospita, she dons a war-like headdress first becoming a savior of women but also a savior of the state itself which obviously included men.