Description

ROMAN REPUBLIC.

Silver Didrachm coinage.

Anonymous issue 225-215 B.C.

AR didrachm, (Quadrigatus, a medium sized silver coin the precursa to the introduction of the AR denarius just before 211 B.C).

Obverse: Laureate bust of Janus, multiple annulets within hair.

Reverse: Jupiter, hurling thunderbolt and holding scepter, in galloping quadriga driven by Victory, ROMA incuse on raised tablet in exergue.

There are several theories to the reason for the use of Janus for these coins. 

It is believed to coincide with the closing of the doors of the Temple of Janus, indicating the absence of warfare, a rare occasion. The Roman God  Janus was the god of duality among other things, he is usually depicted as having two faces. The other theory is the use of Janiform head to have represented the Dioscuri, since Janus is usually a mature and bearded figure. In Classical Mythology. The Dioscuri are, Caster and Pollux, the twin sons of Zeus and Leda.

Silver, 6.62g, 24mm.

Grade: VF.

Mint: Uncertain.

Reference: Roman coins and their values by David R. Sear #80, further identification of the sub group required.

SOLD.