C. Fonteius (ca. 114/3 BC). AR denarius (20mm, 12h). NGC VF, graffito, scratches. Rome. Laureate, Janiform heads of the Dioscuri; I to left, mark of value to right / C•FONT (NT in ligate) above galley left with three rowers, gubernator at filleted stern; ROMA below. Crawford 290/1. Sydenham 555. Fonteia 1. From the Bacchus Collection The moneyer is doubtless a brother or cousin of the moneyer Mn. Fonteius (108/7 BC) and either may be identified with the Fonteius who was legate in 91 BC. This moneyer is presumably the father of Mn Fonteius C.f. (ca. 85 BC) and perhaps also M. Fonteius (before 87 BC?). The Janiform head on the obverse is the Dioscuri, with both of the earlier moneyers from the gens Fonteia, and thus from Tusculum, the chief cult center of the Dioscuri in Latium. The reverse is an allusion to the transmarine origin of Telegonus, the founder of Tusculum.

HID09801242017

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