Roman Republic, C. Curatius Trigeminus. Rome, c. 135 BC
Roman Republic, C. Curatius Trigeminus. Rome, c. 135 BC
AE Quadrans, 3.68g (18mm, 3h). Head of Hercules r., wearing lion's skin; behind, three pellets / C·CVR·F Prow r.; on deck, Victory with wreath, before three pellets. Below, ROMA.
Pedigree: Ex Aes Rude Chiasso 1, November 1977, lot 152 and Sternberg VIII, 16-17 November 1978, lot 390
References: Babelon Curatia 9. Sydenham 460b. RBW 991. Crawford 240/4a
Grade: Little speckle of brown encrustation at 3h on obverse, otherwise unusually well struck for the issue. Lovely green patina and aEF (rr1187)
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This coin was struck rather early in the Roman Republican time period. The silver denarius was introduced in c. 211 BC. Prior to this, the Republic issued bronze coins. In 135 BC, the quadrans would have been 1/40th the value of the denarius, the second to lowest denomination available. While the monetary system had progressed with the introduction of the denarius, bronze coins continued to be struck in lower numbers.