P. Fonteius P. f. Capito AR Denarius. Rome, 55 BC. P•FONTEIVS•CAPITO•III•VIR•CONCORDIA, diademed and veiled bust of Concordia to right / Villa Publica on the Campus Martius; T•DIDI• downwards on left, VIL•PVB on right, IMP• below. Crawford 429/2a; BMCRR Rome 3856; RSC Fonteia 18 and Didia 1. 3.90g, 18mm, 6h.

Extremely Fine; attractive old cabinet tone.

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica AG, Auction 63, 17 May 2012, lot 314 (hammer: CHF 1,400).

The Villa Publica was a most ancient building, first constructed on the Field of Mars in 435 BC, and according to Livy it was there that the first census of the Roman people was held in the year of its completion. The Villa Publica served as the censors' office, and held their records, as well as serving as the place where foreign ambassadors were greeted, where victorious Roman generals waited to hear if they would be granted a triumph, and as a base for the levying of legions. At least two renovations of the structure were undertaken, in 194 and 34 BC.