© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Denarius serratus Maria: Gaius Marius Capito; CAPIT / C•MARI•C•F S•C 81 BC
81 BC year| Silver | 3.95 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
|---|---|
| Period | Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 81 BC |
| Value | Denarius (1) |
| Currency | Denarius of 16 Asses (141 – 27 BC) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.95 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#66657 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
Ploughman with yoke of oxen left; above, control-numeral as on obverse.
Part of moneyer mark in exergue.
Border of dots.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
C•MARI•C•F
S•C
Unabridged legend:
Gaius Marius Gaius Filius
Senatus Consulto
Translation:
Gaius Marius, son of Gaius
By Decree of the Senate
Edge
Serrated
Comment
The gens Maria was a plebeian family at Rome. Its most celebrated member was Gaius Marius, one of the greatest generals of antiquity, and seven times consul.Interesting fact
The Denarius serratus coin was minted during the reign of Roman Consul Gaius Marius Capito in 81 BC. Its unique feature is the serrated edge, which was created by the minting process, where the edges of the coin were deliberately roughened to prevent counterfeiting. This feature was a pioneering effort in coinage technology and paved the way for future coins to incorporate anti-counterfeiting measures.
