Anonymous. Ca. 211 BC. AV 60 asses (14mm, 3.39 gm, 8h). NGC Choice AU 4/5 - 4/5. Head of Mars right, bearded, wearing crested Italo-Corinthian helmet pushed back on head; VIX (VI ligate, mark of value) beneath / ROMA, eagle standing right on thunderbolt, wings spread. Crawford 44/2. Bahrfeldt 4a. Sydenham 226. Rome's capture and plundering of Syracuse in 212 BC and successes in Spain around this time provided the gold for the first large Roman coinage in that metal, circa 211 BC. Gold pieces in three denominations, with numerals setting their values at 60, 40 and 20 copper asses, were introduced alongside the silver denarius, quinarius, quadrigatus and sestertius. Although the overall coinage reform proved lasting, the gold denominations were only struck for two or three years and soon disappeared from circulation.

HID09801242017

© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

To the auctioneer's website