© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
Denarius Afrania: Spurius Afranius; SAFRA ROMA 150 BC
150 BC year| Silver | 3.6 g | 18.5 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 150 BC |
| Value | Denarius (1) |
| Currency | Denarius of 10 Asses (221 – 141 BC) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.6 g |
| Diameter | 18.5 mm |
| Thickness | 1.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#331640 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 91% |
Reverse
Victory in biga galloping right, holding reins in left hand and whip in right hand; moneyer name below horses; inscription in exergue.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
SAFRA
ROMA
Comment
The reverse lettering remains a discussion topic due to the absence of punctuation in the SAFRA lettering between S and AFRA.The two theories being opposed are that the inscription relates:
- either to Spurius Afranius, member of the Afrania gens;
- or to a separate cognomen that would need to be read as Safranius as a whole.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Denarius coin is that it features a portrait of the Roman goddess Libertas, who represents freedom and liberty, on its obverse side. This image was a symbol of the Roman Republic's values and ideals, and it was a common motif on coins during this time period.
