Anonymous. After ca. 211 BC. AV 60 asses (15mm, 3.36 gm, 8h). NGC AU S 5/5 - 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. From the Ed's Treasures Collection Rome's capture and plundering of Syracuse in 212 BC and successes in Spain around this time provided the gold for the first extensive 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

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