★ The cult of Diana Nemorensis ★

P. Accoleius Lariscolus, 43 BC. Denarius (Silver, 19 mm, 3.69 g, 12 h), Rome. P•ACCOLEIVS LARISCOLVS Draped bust of Diana Nemorensis to right. Rev. Triple cult statue of Diana Nemorensis; behind, cypress grove. Babelon (Accoleia) 1. Crawford 486/1. RBW 1702. Sydenham 1148a. Minor graffito of 'X' on the obverse and the reverse struck slightly off center, otherwise, very fine.

This unusual type refers to the cult of Diana Nemorensis, centered in Aricia, some 16 miles south-east of Rome, which was the home town of the gens Accoleia. It was also the birthplace of Atia, Octavian's mother, who died in 43 BC, and the issue thus likely celebrates both the moneyer and Octavian's mother.