AR denarius, c. 88 BC, Marcius Censorinus |
Rev. Two horses galloping right, naked rider with conical cap on nearer horse, holding whip, control-mark Y below, C. CENSO. in ex. The coin alludes to the Ludi Apollinares (July 6 - 13), Roman games that was instituted in 212 BC in honour of Apollo. The coin type glorifies the gens Marcia in paying hommage to one Marcius, a celebrated prophet whose predictions were verified during the Punic wars and who (so it was perceived) recommended the institution of the Ludi Apollinares. This festival was vowed and celebrated to secure Roman victory in the war against Hannibal. Obv. Jugate heads of Numa Pompilius and Ancus Marcius. |