Roman Republic, Italy. L. Thorius Balbus, Rome, c. 105 BC

Roman Republic, Italy. L. Thorius Balbus, Rome, c. 105 BC

$1,750.00

AR Denarius, 3.95g (18.2mm, 3h).

Head of Juno Sospita to r., wearing goat skin; I•S•M•R downwards behind / Bull charging to r.; L (control letter) above, L•THORIVS below, BALBVS in exergue.

Pedigree: Ex NAC Auction Q, 6 April 2006, Lot 1495.

References: Crawford 316/1 var, Sydenham 598, BMCRR Rome 1627, RSC Thoria 1, RBW 1168.

Grade: Lustrous and toned surfaces with hint of rainbow toning. Sharply struck. Mint State

rr1328

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While some denarii were clearly intended to glorify Rome, this particular type was clearly intended to promote the Gens Thoria above all else. The aggressively charging bull is thought to be a punning allusion to the moneyer's name, Thorius, which is related to an archaic spelling of Taurus. In fact, it is thought that the family used the bull as a family badge prior to this. It also depicts a bust of Juno Sospita wearing a goat skin headdress on the obverse.  Her cult, based in Balbus’s home city of Lanuvium, was dedicated to protecting newly married and pregnant women.