Roman Denarius Coin

Inv. No.: c039
Provenance: Q. Antonius Balbus
Date: c. 82 B.C.
Weight: 3.72g
 
Obv.: Jupiter, laureate.
S.C.

Rev.: Victory in quadriga, holding wreath and palm-branch.
Q.ANTO.BALB.PR.

In view of Balbus’ end, the victorious note of the coin is not without irony. While serving as praetor in Sardinia under Marius in 82 B.C., he was ousted and slain by Sulla’s legate L. Marcius Philippus. The reverse type, however, is so general that it is impossible to apply it with any certainty to any particular member of the moneyer’s family.

The coin belongs to one of a number of special issues minted at Rome in 82 B.C. in addition to the ordinary coinage. These issues were apparently occasioned by the current political upheaval at Rome, in which the Marians were ousted and Sulla triumphed. Early in 82 the Senate, dominated by the Marian party, took treasures from the temples and had them melted down for the payment of Marius’ troops. Hence, the obverse legend S.C. In particular, it would seem that Balbus was permitted to mint his coins to provide for the expenses of his forces in Sardinia.

Comparanda:
S 742a.