© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Denarius Critonia: Lucius Critonius; AED•PL / P•A M•FAN•L•CRI 86 BC
86 BC year| Silver (.950) | 3.62 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
|---|---|
| Period | Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 86 BC |
| Value | Denarius (1) |
| Currency | Denarius of 16 Asses (141 – 27 BC) |
| Composition | Silver (.950) |
| Weight | 3.62 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#66712 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
The two aediles seated right on subsellium; in left field, inscription; in right field, corn-ear.
Aediles mark in exergue.
Border of dots.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
P•A
M•FAN•L•CRT
Unabridged legend:
Publico Argento
Marcus Fannius Lucius Critonius
Translation:
Public Silver
Marcus Fannius [and] Lucius Critonius
Comment
The gens Critonia was a plebeian family at Rome.Reverse lettering known ending with CRT or CRI or CRIT with IT in monogram.
The plebeian aediles were created in 494 BC and originally intended to be assistants to the tribunes. Subsequently, they assumed responsibility for maintenance of the city's buildings.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a rare and unique design, with the portrait of Lucius Critonius on one side and a jug and lituus on the other. The jug and lituus are symbols of the Roman state and are often depicted on coins from this time period, but the inclusion of Critonius' name and title on the coin is unusual and suggests that he may have been a prominent figure in Roman society at the time.
